Faulty equipment and vehicles

Few things in life can be more frustrating or just downright annoying than driving off in your new car or motorbike only to discover a fault that grinds you to a halt a few miles down the road.

Whether it was a brand new or used vehicle, chances are you'll have parted with a sizeable wadge of cash or committed yourself to years supporting a loan to buy it. Don't panic. There's no need do a Basil Fawlty and thrash the thing to within an inch of its life. If you believe you have been supplied with a faulty vehicle, or bought equipment for your vehicle that turns out to be faulty, you may be able to make a claim.

We can help

We have a dedicated and experienced motoring team who specialise in dealing with consumer issues, including faulty accessories, equipment and vehicles. They can advise you about:

faulty vehicles bought from a garage or privately
contractual queries concerning a vehicle purchase
equipment added to your vehicle which turns out to be faulty
malfunctioning vehicles

Know your rights

There are some important things to consider first off without involving a lawyer, although you may well find you've got to hire one to have your rights enforced. You should make a detailed note of all conversations between you and the seller and keep all the documents relating to the sale, including any advertising material describing the car, in a safe place. If a problem arises a solicitor will need to inspect them.

Get a history

Always try to buy a car with a full service history. This ensures that you are fully aware of any defects and whether there is a recurring fault. Get the vehicle checked for roadworthiness by the AA or the RAC and have them notify you of any faults. If you buy a used or brand new car from a company and it develops a fault in the first six months, the onus is on the dealer that sold it to you to prove that the faults weren't present when you bought it. It's not up to you to prove the problem isn't down to neglect or failure to service the car on your part.

Buying privately

Remember that if you buy a vehicle from a garage or company, you've got the protection of the Sale of Goods Act. However, if you buy a car privately, 'buyer beware' applies and we'd urge you to have a mechanic inspect it before buying. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle in any event and if you choose not to have a garage or an agency inspect it, do it yourself or get a knowledgeable mate to look at it. Check for dents on the outside and interior marks such as cigarette burns and rips and always check that there's a spare tyre and jack.

Getting it fixed and serviced

If you go to a local garage to have your vehicle repaired or for a yearly service, you have the protection of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, which says that the garage must carry out work with reasonable skill and care, and products or equipment used must be of a satisfactory quality. The work should also be completed within a reasonable time and it is always best to ask the garage to provide a quote for the likely cost. If you are unhappy with the cost, contact other garages and get other quotes. You are expected to pay a reasonable price and the garage will not be in a position to inflate the cost of work carried out.

Getting in touch with us

If you'd like to know more about your rights if you've purchased faulty vehicles or equipment or want to find out what legal action you can take to resolve a problem, contact us on our helpline 03700 86 86 86. We will provide initial no obligation legal advice and tell you more about the services we can offer. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Calls cost no more than a national rate 01 or 02 number. Otherwise email us or contact us online and we'll be happy to help.