Ask an expert

My son bought a car recently from a private sale.

After approximately two weeks of ownership the engine and turbo have developed major problems.

Is there any come back on the seller?

Inger

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Legally you have no come back on the seller unless you can prove your son was deliberately mislead or given false information when negotiating the sale. Proving such a thing can be almost impossible however.

The only responsibility the seller must comply with is selling the vehicle with a WoF not more than 1 month old. Even that can be avoided with the acknowledgement and agreement of the buyer.

The best you can do is enter into discussions with the previous owner and try and negotiate some financial assistance as a gesture of goodwill.

It would depend greatly however on the circumstances surrounding the failure.