Introduction
Are you excited about buying a car, only to find out it’s still under a hire purchase agreement? Don’t worry! This guide will help you understand your rights and what steps you can take if you find yourself in this tricky situation. Whether you have good title to the vehicle or need to deal with a finance company, we’ve got you covered. If you need further assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to help you navigate your legal concerns with ease. Discover your rights and get the support you need with Contend, the easiest legal help in the UK.
Buying a car is an exciting experience, but it can turn sour if you discover that the vehicle you purchased is still under a hire purchase agreement. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic! You may still have rights that could help you keep the car. Here’s a simple guide to understanding what to do if this happens to you.
Your Rights as a Buyer
You might have the right to keep the car, known as “good title,” if certain conditions are met:
- Unawareness: You had no idea that the car was under a hire purchase or conditional sale agreement when you bought it.
- Good Faith Purchase: You bought the car honestly and had no reason to suspect any issues.
- Private Buyer: You are not a dealer or someone who buys cars to sell or rent them out.
- First Private Buyer: You are the first private buyer to purchase the car from the person who had the hire purchase agreement.
If you’re not the first private buyer, you might still have good title if the previous owner had it. If you’re unsure about your situation, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice.
What to Do If the Finance Company Contacts You
If the finance company reaches out to you about the car, it’s important to know that they must prove you don’t have good title. You can respond by explaining that you bought the car in good faith and were unaware of any outstanding agreements. When you write to them, include:
- The name and address of the seller.
- The date you purchased the vehicle.
- Details about how the car was advertised (attach a copy of the advertisement if you have it).
- The purchase price.
- A receipt or proof of purchase.
If Your Car Is Taken Away
What you should do next depends on whether you have good title to the car:
- If You Have Good Title: You should file a complaint with the finance company. Check their website for the complaints procedure. If they don’t resolve your issue, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for assistance.
- If You Don’t Have Good Title: Your best option may be to seek a refund from the seller. If you bought from a private seller, you can say, “I have a right to a refund under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, because you didn’t have the right to sell me the car.” If you bought from a dealer, you can say, “I have a right to a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, because you didn’t have the right to sell me the car.”
If the seller is a business, check if they are part of a trade association that offers alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This is a way to resolve disputes without going to court. Keep a record of your communication with the seller about the ADR process, as you may need it later.
If all else fails and you can’t resolve the issue through ADR, you might have to consider taking legal action. This can be stressful and time-consuming, so it’s wise to seek professional advice before proceeding. Instead of contacting Citizens Advice, you can try Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems.
Need More Help?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what to do next, don’t hesitate to reach out to Contend’s legal expert chat. Their trained AI experts can provide you with the support and information you need to navigate your situation effectively.
Remember, you have rights as a consumer, and there are resources available to help you protect them!
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