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Is The Motor Ombudsman able to resolve my dispute with a private seller?

Unfortunately, we are not able to assist with resolving a dispute with a private seller or individual (i.e. they are not a business or trader) following a vehicle purchase. We are only able to work on cases in relation to one of our accredited businesses (please take a look at our online Garage Finder).

 

It is important to bear in mind that you have fewer rights when you buy a car from a private seller, and some parts of the Consumer Rights Act don’t apply to this type of sale e.g. there is no legal requirement for a car to be of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose. In addition, the vendor is not able to tell you something about the vehicle which is not true, but the onus is on you as the buyer to ask all the right questions before deciding whether or not to make the purchase.

 

If there is an issue with the car after you have bought it from a private seller, and you are able to prove that the vendor knew about a fault, but withheld the information, you can speak to Citizens Advice with a view to taking possible legal action.

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