scam?
The purchased car started showing an engine light the next day of purchase, and eventually the engine died.
I have purchased a car from a man in Wellington. The next day, an engine light turned on while driving on a motorway.
The car was okay for the next few weeks, just driving in town. On Christmas Day, when I was driving on a motorway early in the morning, suddenly smoke started coming out of the engine, and the engine died instantly.
I feel that this is a scam, as an engine light turned on the next day of the purchase.
Is there any compensation I can get?
Thank you
-
Callum Community SuperuserHi there. "It depends" If you purchased this from a casual (private) seller then no, probably not. If you purchased it from a dealer then "maybe"
When you did your test drive or had it checked out by a mechanic or AA vehicle inspection that should have highlighted any issues. You did get it checked first before you paid for it didn't you?
The other issue you have is continuing to drive the vehicle with the check engine light on. This is usually a stop and drive to a mechanic immediately alert. You can't blame the seller when it was you who continued to drive it when there was clearly an issue.
2 -
Not a scam as such ... bloody bad luck!
If the person you bought the car off was a car dealer or "in-trade" you should have some come back, but if it was just an individual selling a car, not much you can do. Perhaps if you had contacted him the next day after purchase when the engine light came on?
1 -
S Community SuperuserEditedKia Ora ippeitanaka,
Did you discuss the engine light coming on with your Seller to enquire if this happened to them prior to the sale?
Unfortunately it falls on you as the new owner to pay attention when the engine light, and others, come on in your vehicle, this is your warning that something isn't right therefore you should have sort expert advice and diagnostics from a qualified mechanic and definitely not have driven the car, this is what has caused the engine to fail. Had diagnostics been undertaken you wouldn't have burnt the engine out and may have had feedback to discuss with the Seller, as you chose to continue driving the vehicle instead the onus falls on you.
Your Seller is not responsible for the choice you made to continue driving the car After a warning light came on which has caused the damage here. - A lesson learnt the hard way with this one.
1 -
AJ Community SuperuserWas this a private sale or from a car dealer or someone intrade? If from a car dealer or intrade, then yes.
If from a private sale then its a bit more tricky. Unfortunately this is the risk of buyng secondhand. Did you get a pre purchase inspection or check the car prior to purchase? Was there any mention of faults on the auction? Was it listed "as is where is"?
If the seller has mislead you, then you may be entitled to some compensation.
One of the complications is the length of time you've had it - the seller has no idea how you have treated it since then. The best thing is to contact the seller ASAP and advise of the issue to see if they will do anything. if not, you're only course will probably be the disputes tribunal
0
4 comments
Date
Votes