Hi everyone
I purchased a second hand vehicle from a private seller in NSW for $11,500. Prior to purchase I did the checks for finance owing, write off, etc. Which all came back clear. I also paid a mechanic in NSW to inspect the vehicle and provide a pre purchase inspection report for $200.
I received the basic, no detail report which showed front break pads needing replacement, and a scratch to the rear bumper. No other issues. Happy with the report I purchased the car.
Three weeks later I noticed multiple issues with the cars electronics, steering and the engine light had come on. I took the car to my mechanic. $4,000 later the first part of the repairs have been completed, with the engine light needing further investigation.
The previous owner claims he had no knowledge of the problems, or that he had sold me a lemon. I wrote to the inspection workshop, requesting a refund as they failed to alert me to any mechanical faults with the vehicle. They declined and sent me an engine diagnostic report detailing several failures reading for the car upon their inspection. This report was never provided to me? Had I had seen such issues upon receiving the report I wouldn’t have purchased the vehicle.
I understand buying cars second hand privately can be a risk, however I feel I did pay a company to provide me with a service which they failed to send me the second part of their report? And now I’m left with a huge mechanics bill and ongoing issues.
Can you please advise on my rights here? The inspection workshop won’t even refund the cost of the inspection.
I am considering small claims court. Appreciate your advice.
I purchased a second hand vehicle from a private seller in NSW for $11,500. Prior to purchase I did the checks for finance owing, write off, etc. Which all came back clear. I also paid a mechanic in NSW to inspect the vehicle and provide a pre purchase inspection report for $200.
I received the basic, no detail report which showed front break pads needing replacement, and a scratch to the rear bumper. No other issues. Happy with the report I purchased the car.
Three weeks later I noticed multiple issues with the cars electronics, steering and the engine light had come on. I took the car to my mechanic. $4,000 later the first part of the repairs have been completed, with the engine light needing further investigation.
The previous owner claims he had no knowledge of the problems, or that he had sold me a lemon. I wrote to the inspection workshop, requesting a refund as they failed to alert me to any mechanical faults with the vehicle. They declined and sent me an engine diagnostic report detailing several failures reading for the car upon their inspection. This report was never provided to me? Had I had seen such issues upon receiving the report I wouldn’t have purchased the vehicle.
I understand buying cars second hand privately can be a risk, however I feel I did pay a company to provide me with a service which they failed to send me the second part of their report? And now I’m left with a huge mechanics bill and ongoing issues.
Can you please advise on my rights here? The inspection workshop won’t even refund the cost of the inspection.
I am considering small claims court. Appreciate your advice.