Bought golf gti from evans halshaw. found out its been in a crash previously

[lunny2010]

4 MONTHS ago I bought an 05 plate golf gti from Evans Halshaw Leeds Roseville road for 11grand on finance, i have since noticed car was badly pulling to one side at 40mph plus so i hpi checked the car for recorded damaged and that came back clear so i had the tracking done but still had the same problem, so i took car to mechanic friend he popped bonnet and pointed out the inner arches where damaged and the frame bent from wher it had been pranged, he also sed that the bottom arms where likely to be bent and pointed out the bumper and bonnet where out of allignment. i took car back to Evans Halshaw where they refused at 1st to look at car even tho i pointed out i had my 1 week old neice in what is turning out to be an unsafe car they where still not bothered, but in the end after a heated confrontation they agreed to keep car in and look at it after this weekend.
Wher do i stand? i have stated i want a full refund as im not paying 11k for a crash damaged car, any ideas what my next steps should be?

[Gene Hunt.]

Not 100% shure mate but i would speak to trading standard & mention this to the garage. It worked for me when on my last car they refused to put some parts right. Sale of goods act etc.

[weston]

Not sure but try the citizens advice bureau

[stealthwolf]

I'm sure you have some leverage given the car has been financed. Have a look at the finance terms.

[Wayne]

You will need to be lucky after 4mths.

[Mortimer Hill]

Was this a VW approved used car?

If so, consider taking the matter up with VW, if you can not resolve the matter with the dealer.
Sadly, this case highlights the need to consider something like an RAC inspection when you're buying a second hand car. 

[trizza]

The key questions are:

a) Did the dealer make any representations/statementsto you about the condition of the car that are false in view of the crash damage?  Did he say it had never been in a crash, or that it was in pristine condition? Even if he did, can you prove it? If the answer to these questions is "yes" then you may have a breach of contract claim against the dealer. 

b) Under the Sale of Goods Act, it is necessary that the car be of "satisfactory quality".  This is not a particulary high threshold (as it takes into account the age/mileage of the car etc).  However, if it has major crash damage then that may prove enough. 

I'd say you are best using the Citizens Advice Bureau to pursue your case.  Most of them usually have a large number of keen young lawyers who are training at large law firms, so you'll be in good hands.

Bear in mind, however. that unless the dealer will negotiate you will have to commence proceedings against him to recover your losses. The claim is for £11K, so it won't fall into the small claims track if you commence proceedings against the dealer you run the risk of paying his costs if you lose (although unless he instructs solicitors these are unlikely to be significant).

Good luck.