nightmare. p

[Trouble at t'Mill]

If the car was bought from a dealer, then there is an implied 6 month warranty in any case. That does depend to a large extent, of course, on the way the vehicle was described and the price paid. For instance, an obvious 'bargain' from a dealer should suggest to you a greater likelihood of general wear, poorer condition, and a vehicle that's less likely to last without requiring work. You simply cannot expect a £2.5k Bongo to be as good as a £5k model.

It could well be something as 'simple' as a faulty 'hold' switch/function as mentioned above. However, it's not for the buyer to work that out. It is a bit alarming, tho', that the seller doesn't appear to be familiar with the Bongo, or else he'd know immediately that the auto-box wasn't behaving as it should. Or is simply trying to avoid their responsibilities.

Rita is right - you need to tackle this the correct way or else you've blown it. The exact, correct, procedure should be followed. And I can't remember the fine details of that! But it should certainly begin with a factual, detailed, objective, non-emotive letter outlining the complaints in an easy to follow format.

Just from what the OP has said, I reckon this should at the very least include (a) their concerns about the cylinder head repair and why they have reservations about the quality of the work carried out. (b) A clear explanation of why they believe the auto-box is not performing as it should, backed up with evidence - even comments from this forum - for their belief.

The letter should then go on to explain the response (or lack thereof) they've had from the seller.

Finally, for each point above, state clearly what you expect to be done to correct the situation (eg: a warranty for the head (perhaps a full year is better!), an itemised repair for the 'box, etc).

Where was the Bongo advertised? What did the advert say? What questions did you ask of the seller - even if only verbal, still note it down along with the response to the best of your recollection.

Finish by outlining how the vehicle fails to meet the conditions of the SoG Act - (1) Was the vehicle 'as described'? (2) Is it 'of satisfactory quality'? (3) Is it 'fit for purpose'?

Clearly, it fails on the last two at least!

Give the seller - ooh - 14 days to address all these issues, or refund the purchase price in full. Explain that if they fail to do so, you will have a third party carry out the repairs, and you will sue them for the full costs. Send this letter either by recorded delivery, or else hand-deliver it with a witness (I would suggest the latter would be more effective - it shows you are serious and keen to get things moving asap...)

Send a copy to your local TS with whom you should be liaising in any case - a call from them should also help to show you mean business.

At all times be courteous, calm and insistent. Just explain that you know the vehicle has significant faults and that you simply cannot be expected to accept this. (As neither would they, as individuals.)

But, first confirm the above is the correct approach using CA and TS...!