just bought a car privately and the engine has broken. what legal rights do i have and can i get my money back

Answer 1

This is taken from the Trading Standards website:

"When you buy something from a private individual, you have very few rights.
You can't complain if the vehicle isn't of satisfactory quality or fit for the purpose you bought them. Also, you don't have the right to cancel your purchase, or any of the other extra rights you get when you buy from a business trader.
However, you do still have the right to complain to the seller if your goods don't match the description they've given in the advertisment. If the vehicle doesn't match the description, you may be entitled to compensation from the seller. But you might need to go to court to try and get this, and even if you win your case, the seller might not have enough money to pay you."

In other words, caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) is enshrined in British law.

Answer 2

Was the car mis-represented somehow?

The seller generally is not psychic, and cannot predict the future. If it's running when they sell it to you, what makes you think they knew it would break down after they sold it to you?

Generally used cars are sold "As is." Unless you believe there is fraud involved, you are just unlucky.

Every time you buy a used car, you should have a carfax report to check out it's history and look for title washing or mileage fraud, and then you should have it inspected professionally by a certified mechanic. An honest seller will not have any problem with you doing these two things.

Answer 3

your first mistake is paying for an unknown untested used vehicle without a mechanical inspection once you have been shifting and god knows what else grew to become into occurring. in case you purchase a hunk of crap you own it. To assume her to pay to restoration the vehicle after she did you a want shows what an jerk you're. a million/2 maybe yet no longer the full bill Be an grownup. used vehicles ruin that's what happens in case you had executed this top you have prevented each and every of the pointless drama. interior the destiny use your recommendations ok? get the vehicle regarded at that take carry of could have been obvious to a mechanic if it grew to become into that undesirable. settle for actuality previous vehicles do ruin down get used to it persist with your be conscious and pay the co worker what you owe so it does not placed your organization onto the full paintings place Im useful no person offered you a vehicle with a bad take carry of on purpose.

Answer 4

You have no recourse, it is a sale where the vehicle is sold "as is". If you directly asked the seller something about the car, and later found out they lied, you can take them to court and try to recoup any money you laid out for repairs. Legally, they do have to disclose info regarding, safety issues, and the odometer disclosure is required, as well. Other than that, when you go car shopping, you need to have at least some basic knowledge of cars, to make a solid purchase for yourself.

Answer 5

Nope,private sales are "sold as seen" you should have taken a mechanic with you.

Answer 6

buyer beware man, this is why it is usually safest to buy from a dealer with some form of warranty.

More than likely your sale agreement says "as is" somewhere... you can sell it for scrap

Answer 7

Phone for help - RAC, AA, etc. Proper advice is far better than words from a friend.
Beyond DAve

Answer 8

If the bill of sale stated "as is" your SOL

Answer 9

erm none!! it was workin when you bought it!!