Legal Assistance with Car Purchase Problems | Legal Aid

Questioner

I recently bought a car from a private individual, found out 2 weeks later that the mileage had been rolled back and that there were defects in the car. I then contacted the previous owner, who indicated that he was not aware of this. The previous owner had owned the car for 8 months and had not driven many kilometers with it. He bought the car from a garage, which imported the car. This garage told the previous owner that the car was in good condition and did not require any maintenance for the time being, they also said that the mileage was correct. I can prove that the mileage was incorrect when the car was in the garage's possession, as they inspected the car with a mileage that was lower than a year earlier. As indicated above, I am also faced with repair costs of approximately 1800 euros, which I believe is the result of the higher mileage than reality and maintenance that was not carried out by the garage. My question is who can I hold liable for this? The private individual from whom I bought the car or the garage that is responsible for the mileage.

Lawyer

I have had a similar case before: another engine with a different position may have been installed by the garage. It is difficult to hold a private individual liable for incorrect mileage because there has been a mistake on both sides. However, a non-conforming product has been sold to you and the best method is to hold this seller liable and wait to see if he wants to apply a price reduction under pressure. Holding the garage owner liable is more difficult because there is no contractual relationship.

Lawyer

The person who sold the car sold you a car while it was clear that the mileage would affect the amount you wanted to pay for it. The seller must guarantee the accuracy of the mileage he provided. If the seller did not know that the mileage differed, this is at his own risk. The seller can in turn contact the car company from whom he sold the car.

Questioner

Dear, Thanks for your answer, I will continue with this. As for another engine, there is no question of the original one is still in it. I will try to solve it among ourselves, otherwise you will hear from me.