Driven to despair by car woes

Justin Hadland thought he had struck a fair deal when he agreed to buy a 2005 Ford Focus, complete with freshly minted MOT and a three month warranty, in August from a trader in Dunstable, Bedfordshire.

However, that hope faded when the 39-year-old builder's vehicle sprung a major oil leak on his way to work.

After an emergency tow to a local garage Justin was hit by a double dose of bad news. His motor needed essential repairs, the front brakes were in poor condition and two tyres were worn.

Used cars continue to be a major headache for consumers, with vehicles bought from independent dealerships the biggest source of complaints to Citizens Advice.

It reports it received 45,450 complaints between April 2012 and February this year.

The latest report from remarketing expert British Car Auctions, however, also shows that used cars sales are back up to pre-recession levels.

However, concern that a "perfect storm" could be brewing as a result of their popularity, consumer anger with tricky traders and the safety risk from growing numbers of dodgy cars, many bought in auction job lots, has prompted a new publicity drive by Trading Standards to help consumers protect themselves.

It is making second-hand car buying and practical advice on the ways to get it right the main theme of its National Consumer Week from November 4-10 (trading standards.gov.uk).

When Justin bought his car from his trader (which told Crusader it was the Car Trade Centre although Justin said his receipt was from Noor Motors) his attention was on the model he wanted.

He did not have a detailed knowledge of his consumer rights but assumed because the car had an MOT and a warranty he was in good hands. However, the response to his email complaining about the extra cost had him worried.

"I was advised to return the car to a garage in Buckingham for the problems to be assessed," he said.

"I was told though that warranty covered the engine and gearbox internals but the oil leak could have come from anywhere.

"I was recommended to get it towed. But the transport cost from Sussex would have been prohibitive, my breakdown cover would not have applied and there was no mention of meeting this cost.

"Faced with the risk of even more expense and no success I decided the safest option was to have it repaired in Horsham."

Further emails between the trader and Justin disputing each other's account ended in stalemate. However, emails from Crusader broke the deadlock. Late last week Amir Mohyuddin from the dealer confirmed Justin would be repaid £800.

He thanked Crusader, saying: "I don't think this would ever have happened without you."