Legal News

Lincolnshire Trading Standards is warning consumers to do their research when buying second-hand cars, after receiving 964 calls from consumers over second-hand cars in 2015-2016.

Trading Standards at Lincolnshire County Council received on average two or three complaints per day from Lincolnshire residents about sub-standard services, shoddy business practices, problems with car warranties, misleading claims and defective goods.

Trading Standards is warning consumers to research the seller when buying a used car and shop around – look for customer reviews of the dealership online and ask friends and family.

Second-hand care buyers should also ask the dealer about the condition of the car, repairs carried out to the car – and the relevant documentation for the car, such as MOT certificates, service history and the V5C registration document (logbook).

Consumers should also check the car over, taking a mechanic to view and inspect the car before purchase and taking the car for a test drive.

Finally, consumers should be aware of sales patter – ensure any verbal claims made by the salesman are put in writing.

Business and public protection manager at Lincolnshire County Council, Mark Keal, said: “Every year, hundreds of people fall victim to rogue sellers and end up buying a second-hand car with a catalogue of problems they weren’t aware of.

“Many consumers aren’t aware of their rights – for example, if any faults appear on the car within the first 30 days, they are entitled to a refund and a repair or replacement after that.

“We’ve put together some tips to help consumers avoid getting caught out by rogue sellers or by purchasing a problem vehicle in the first place.

“We will be targeting the sellers we are aware of to try to bring them into line or to take action where appropriate.”

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Faulty Goods Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who have suffered injury as a result of faulty goods on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including claims relating to:

• Building/construction work
• Children’s/baby products
• Cosmetics/beauty products
• DIY products
• Electrical items
• Furnishings
• Gardening tools
• Household goods
• Sports equipment
• Vehicles
• White goods.

Faulty goods claims have to be made within three years of injury or diagnosis of injury – children can make personal injury claims up to the age of 21.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Faulty Goods Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.