Legal position on used car

stevieknight · Nov 25th, 2008, 13:11

Hello there,
I recently purchased a Volvo v70 t5 from a private seller. 2 days after purchase the ETM has gone and now I have a hefty repair bill and no car to use.

When I bought the car the Service message was showing and also another light on the dash in the shape of a Triangle. I was told this was because it was serviced at a non Volvo garage and they could not turn it off.

I'm just wondering if this could have been some kind of indication of the ETM failure that happened 3 days and less than 100 miles after purchase?
I have contacted the people and they basically said tough it was sold as seen. If these lights that were showing on purchase are more than just service lights and could have been a warning of the impending failure of the ETM I may have a better case.

Any advice or have I been screwed?

Best Wishes

Steve

Tisewo · Nov 25th, 2008, 13:28

Steve,

Your best bet in the first instance is to phone, 'Consumer Direct' the Government's (a.k.a Trading Standards) advice line for consumers.

I had to phone them recently (about a faulty television) and they proved very helpful.

Phone number is on their website - http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

Jon

tykey · Nov 25th, 2008, 14:00

I bought a v70 from a wholesaler last week, and mine had a couple of messages on there as well. I knew it had been serviced, but not in a volvo dealer, so I just put it down to that and don't worry. I think the previous driver of this fleet car got fed up with it, and put a bit of black insulating tape over the window. I suspect mpg was of no interest to him as he wasn't paying for the fuel.

My messages included "engine service due" and "anti-skid service required"

Mine's got a leaky steering rack, he never told me but I had every opportunity to look around more thoroughly.I understood these things were my problem, as I think it always is with private sales, that's unless he tells you actual lies. That's why it was substantially less than retail price.

Remember "Caveat Emptor"

I cannot see how a message could be an actual warning of impending failure, unless it said something like "impending failure of ECM".

Sadly, I think you are stuck with it, you should have bought a warranty.

I hope I'm wrong, and good luck with the repair

V70RMW · Nov 25th, 2008, 15:04

I think unfortunately you are stuck with the problems as it was a private sale. You would only have any redress for deception, so if he lied to you or said something untrue in an advert. Anything that trading standards may have to say would only apply to a trader not a private sale.

No chance he is really a trader masquerading as a private seller? You would have a better chance then.

Nov 25th, 2008, 13:11	#1
stevieknight New Member Last Online: Feb 8th, 2009 21:19 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: grimsby	Legal position on used car Hello there, I recently purchased a Volvo v70 t5 from a private seller. 2 days after purchase the ETM has gone and now I have a hefty repair bill and no car to use. When I bought the car the Service message was showing and also another light on the dash in the shape of a Triangle. I was told this was because it was serviced at a non Volvo garage and they could not turn it off. I'm just wondering if this could have been some kind of indication of the ETM failure that happened 3 days and less than 100 miles after purchase? I have contacted the people and they basically said tough it was sold as seen. If these lights that were showing on purchase are more than just service lights and could have been a warning of the impending failure of the ETM I may have a better case. Any advice or have I been screwed? Best Wishes Steve

Nov 25th, 2008, 13:28	#2
Tisewo Junior Member Last Online: Sep 2nd, 2022 20:55 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Andover	Help is only a phone call away... Steve, Your best bet in the first instance is to phone, 'Consumer Direct' the Government's (a.k.a Trading Standards) advice line for consumers. I had to phone them recently (about a faulty television) and they proved very helpful. Phone number is on their website - http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/ Jon __________________ 2002 Volvo C70 T5 GT Auto - Various Mods.

Nov 25th, 2008, 14:00	#3
tykey Senior Member Last Online: Jul 14th, 2019 12:42 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: sheffield	I bought a v70 from a wholesaler last week, and mine had a couple of messages on there as well. I knew it had been serviced, but not in a volvo dealer, so I just put it down to that and don't worry. I think the previous driver of this fleet car got fed up with it, and put a bit of black insulating tape over the window. I suspect mpg was of no interest to him as he wasn't paying for the fuel. My messages included "engine service due" and "anti-skid service required" Mine's got a leaky steering rack, he never told me but I had every opportunity to look around more thoroughly.I understood these things were my problem, as I think it always is with private sales, that's unless he tells you actual lies. That's why it was substantially less than retail price. Remember "Caveat Emptor" I cannot see how a message could be an actual warning of impending failure, unless it said something like "impending failure of ECM". Sadly, I think you are stuck with it, you should have bought a warranty. I hope I'm wrong, and good luck with the repair

Nov 25th, 2008, 15:04	#4
V70RMW Master Member Last Online: Jul 4th, 2022 14:37 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kingston upon Thames	I think unfortunately you are stuck with the problems as it was a private sale. You would only have any redress for deception, so if he lied to you or said something untrue in an advert. Anything that trading standards may have to say would only apply to a trader not a private sale. No chance he is really a trader masquerading as a private seller? You would have a better chance then.

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