Is it illegal for trade sellers to pretend that they're private sellers to shift more cars?
What's the legal position over a car advertised as a private sale, but which appears to be from a trader? There's a car advertised on the local Gumtree as a private sale, but on closer inspection the same advertiser has over 50 vehicles up for sale, all allegedly private sales. This seems to be particularly common on Gumtree. I have raised the matter with them, but they don't seem to be interested.
Asked on 6 August 2017 by Will from the Pool
Answered by
Honest John
It's illegal. Trading Standards will prosecute. But a purchaser has the same rights against a trader posing as a private vendor as he does against a bona fide dealer. The trader remains liable for any fault that could have been present or developing in the vehicle on date of sale for six months from the date of sale. Pursuing these scumbags through the courts isn't so easy, though. Even if you get a CCJ and a High Court Sheriff's Order, they may claim the cars belonged to someone else and that they have no assets.
Dear Honest John,
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
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