Getting shafted

bodice ripper

Hello. I don't post here but I lurk. You seem like people who know things I don't know. So, a question...

I bought a car three weeks ago from a dealer. 30 day warranty. Within a week there was a problem with the idle. I brought it back and they said I need to bring it back the following week. I did that, then they told me I had arrived too late. I brought it back today, and now they claim they are going under and are refusing to fix the car. The ABS light is also on. In addition to this, I haven't received the log book, and they are claiming that they are "trying to chase it down for me now".
What should I be doing?

Toyotafanboi

What car is it? Year? Engine? Don't mention the dealer but where in the country did you buy it?

bodice ripper

2005 Toyota corolla, 1.4. Bought in Dublin.

Toyotafanboi

How much was it?

To be fair, they are a simple car, if you can even remotely afford it, I'd go somewhere else for a second opinion on the issues and get a quote, they could well be cheap and cheerful fixes and I'd rather spend €2-300 just getting it sorted correctly than spending the next 2-3 months chasing a cowboy and ultimately paying for repairs myself anyway.

Sounds like you are fighting a losing battle with the garage for reapirs so I'd question how much energy I'd invest on pursuing it with them.

In regards the logbook, have you put your reg into https://www.motortax.ie/PSE/ to see what it says? If you don't understand it, post the response on here. I'm usually not a fan of doing petty things but if there is no recent logbook changes, my first inclination would be a few trips across the M50 toll to spur the previous owner along. If you get no joy you can get the car transferred into your name via a commissioner of oaths, but it will cost you a small fee.

bodice ripper

I have put my reg in there; no changes in last three months. We threatened them with solicitors, and they are now saying they will have the log book at 4.30. I will be surprised tbh. Assuming they have it, and give it to me, will I be able to tax it with the log book in hand, or must I send it off to Shannon first?

bodice ripper

Also, thank you. It's not letting me thank posts for some reason

bazz26

I'd put money on them never getting the old log book from the previous owner. Sounds like you bought from a fly by night garage and don't be surprised if the same chancers pop up somewhere else trading under a different name.

If it's a small issue then just get it fixed yourself elsewhere but it's something big then maybe talk to the likes of the Citizen's Advice Bureau or Consumer Rights Agency about where you stand with these horse traders.

bodice ripper

Yeah, no log book. Let us sit there for 2 hours before saying it was delayed, but don't worry, he'll send it.

What a pain.