Advice needed - car purchase from a trader

[jonathan82]

Hi all, wondering if I could get some advice please.

Bought a used car today from a trader. The garage is around 40 miles away from my home.

I test drove the car yesterday and didn't notice any issues on the test, so left a deposit and went to collect it today.

Upon getting in the car today I noticed there was a battery low warning on the dash. The car fired up no problem so wondered if it was just a result of the car being stood on the forecourt and started my way home. About 50 min.

After getting the car home I noticed the message again appeared next time I got into the car.

During the trip home also noticed a wheel wobble at 60mph, so I called the garage and told then and they've kind of fobbed me off.

Is this now my problem or there's to sort?

[LarsG]

What car and age of car?

Did the wheel wobble when you used the brakes?
At 60 mph might just need a balance, but check tyre and pressures.
Battery light? Take it for a proper run, check alternator.

[mcpoot]

What do you mean "they've kind of fobbed me off"? What did you say to them and what was their reply?

[jonathan82]

2011 jaguar XJ with 90k

I know the potential issues and solutions and neither are major issues, my query is whether, as a trade purchase, these issues should be covered by the dealer or if its just tough titty and my problem to sort?

Thanks

[aaron_2000]

They're not the worst problems to have really. Depends what you paid for it and whether you bought it sold as seen. At the end of the day, a thorough test drive would've shown you the wheel wobble.

[jonathan82]

mcpoot said:

What do you mean "they've kind of fobbed me off"? What did you say to them and what was their reply?

Said they weren't aware of either issue and said I should bring the car back but that they couldn't guarantee theyd cover the issues.

[aaron_2000]

jonathan82 said:

mcpoot said:

What do you mean "they've kind of fobbed me off"? What did you say to them and what was their reply?

Said they weren't aware of either issue and said I should bring the car back but that they couldn't guarantee theyd cover the issues.

They sound fair to me. I'd just get it checked by a garage and depending on what you paid for it, just get it fixed and enjoy it. It's a used car afterall.

[mcpoot]

aaron_2000 said:

jonathan82 said:

mcpoot said:

What do you mean "they've kind of fobbed me off"? What did you say to them and what was their reply?

Said they weren't aware of either issue and said I should bring the car back but that they couldn't guarantee theyd cover the issues.

They sound fair to me. I'd just get it checked by a garage and depending on what you paid for it, just get it fixed and enjoy it. It's a used car afterall.

So because it's a used car a buyer should just suck up any fault?

OP Google CRA 2015 and swot up on what you rights as a consumer are.

Your battery might just need a couple of long runs to get properly charged, if not it's back to the dealer and a replacement.

[jonathan82]

I know this. Not really complaining just wondered if my rights differ when buying from a trader vs private as this is the first trader purchase I've made. Really I'm just weighing up whether it's worth 2 hours round trip back to the garage or just sort myself

[aaron_2000]

mcpoot said:

aaron_2000 said:

jonathan82 said:

mcpoot said:

What do you mean "they've kind of fobbed me off"? What did you say to them and what was their reply?

Said they weren't aware of either issue and said I should bring the car back but that they couldn't guarantee theyd cover the issues.

They sound fair to me. I'd just get it checked by a garage and depending on what you paid for it, just get it fixed and enjoy it. It's a used car afterall.

So because it's a used car a buyer should just suck up any fault?

No, I'd like you to screenshot where I said that please. A wobbly wheel and a battery aren't worth the 80 mile round trip and wasted time, she should just get it fixed and enjoy his car. It's not a new car, so why waste the dealers time over a wearing item and a bit of a wobbly wheel?

Edited by aaron_2000 on Saturday 29th December 17:56

[Sad Ken]

At an 80 mile round trip, I'd be tempted to just suck it up and pay for it to be fixed locally. Time is money and all that.

[Trevor555]

Get the car up on a ramp and spin the wheels.

Make sure it's not a bent alloy.

A slight wheel wobble could also be a sticky brake caliper, check the alloys for heat after you've run it.

If it's just a wheel balance then that's the best outcome.

[mcpoot]

aaron_2000 said:

mcpoot said:

aaron_2000 said:

jonathan82 said:

mcpoot said:

What do you mean "they've kind of fobbed me off"? What did you say to them and what was their reply?

Said they weren't aware of either issue and said I should bring the car back but that they couldn't guarantee theyd cover the issues.

They sound fair to me. I'd just get it checked by a garage and depending on what you paid for it, just get it fixed and enjoy it. It's a used car afterall.

So because it's a used car a buyer should just suck up any fault?

No, I'd like you to screenshot where I said that please. A wobbly wheel and a battery aren't worth the 80 mile round trip and wasted time, she should just get it fixed and enjoy his car. It's not a new car, so why waste the dealers time over a wearing item and a bit of a wobbly wheel?

Edited by aaron_2000 on Saturday 29th December 17:56

So because it's not a new car we shouldn't waste a dealer's time time by getting them to fix faults with an item they've sold? No need to screenshot it, I've quoted it for you.

Plus the cost of a new battery is considerably more than the fuel for an 80 mile round trip.

[Mexman]

mcpoot said:

So because it's a used car a buyer should just suck up any fault?

OP Google CRA 2015 and swot up on what you rights as a consumer are.

Your battery might just need a couple of long runs to get properly charged, if not it's back to the dealer and a replacement.

Poor advise, ignore...
8 year old , 90k miles car has 8 yr old, 90k miles consumable items worn.
Has the car broken down , or left the OP stranded at the side of the road with the hazard lights on,?

Edited by Mexman on Saturday 29th December 18:22

[mcpoot]

Mexman said:

mcpoot said:

So because it's a used car a buyer should just suck up any fault?

OP Google CRA 2015 and swot up on what you rights as a consumer are.

Your battery might just need a couple of long runs to get properly charged, if not it's back to the dealer and a replacement.

Poor advise, ignore...
8 year old , 90k miles car has 8 yr old, 90k miles consumable items worn.
Has the car broken down , or left the OP stranded at the side of the road with the hazard lights on,?
Swot up on what the dealers rights are also while you are at it.

You still haven't learnt have you?

Remember this thread on another CRA question.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I'll refresh your memory. In reply to me stating OP had right to reject a car you said "2 hopes of being able to reject that car, and ones called Bob".

Guess what? The OP rejected the car and got a full refund.

[valiant]

I know it’s a pain but I’d take the opportunity to get the wheels balanced and tracked properly (hopefully that’s all it is) and put a new, decent battery in and then I’d know I’d be set for a good while.

Take it back for very minor faults and they might stick another knackered battery in that keeps the light from coming on but whose days are numbered.

It’s not a great cost in the scheme of things and part and parcel of buying a slightly leggy car.

[catman]

aaron_2000 said:

They're not the worst problems to have really. Depends what you paid for it and whether you bought it sold as seen. At the end of the day, a thorough test drive would've shown you the wheel wobble.

No such thing as "sold as seen" from a Dealer

Tim

[jonathan82]

I'm not a trader, I'm a private buyer, and the battery issue definitely wasn't apparent on first viewing and test.

The wheel wobble is something I probably should have noticed but where the garage was there wasn't anywhere nearby where I could have got to a steady 65-70 to notice. I do accept this is my fault but the battery I feel is something the dealer should sort really but clearly opinion is subjective.

[Nickp82]

valiant said:

I know it’s a pain but I’d take the opportunity to get the wheels balanced and tracked properly (hopefully that’s all it is) and put a new, decent battery in and then I’d know I’d be set for a good while.

Take it back for very minor faults and they might stick another knackered battery in that keeps the light from coming on but whose days are numbered.

It’s not a great cost in the scheme of things and part and parcel of buying a slightly leggy car.

I think this is the best advice personally, although I also think it is definitely worth speaking to the dealer and seeing if they are prepared to contribute, they may be more than happy to cure a customer issue quickly with no hassle.

[jonathan82]

valiant said:

I know it’s a pain but I’d take the opportunity to get the wheels balanced and tracked properly (hopefully that’s all it is) and put a new, decent battery in and then I’d know I’d be set for a good while.

Take it back for very minor faults and they might stick another knackered battery in that keeps the light from coming on but whose days are numbered.

It’s not a great cost in the scheme of things and part and parcel of buying a slightly leggy car.

True. Just a bit gut wrenching on day one of purchase, but that's the game I guess.