Complaint Review: J-Car Sales Ltd - London Select State/Province

I brought a car from J-Car Sales Ltd and on the day of purchase the company gave me assurance about the vehicle and informed me on the price of the tax when I asked. I brought the car, once I paid for it ready to go I asked him for the tax so I can drive he then told me they do not tax their cars so I told him I cannot drive it till it is taxed he said to me it will be fine to drive it home I refused and asked him told me he could tax the vehicle and it be would be £77 for 6 months, so I agreed.

When I got home I researched on the car only to be told the tax of the car would cost me £121 for 6 months. When I read this I felt a sense of distrust toward the company and no longer wanted to do business with them as I had been lied to. 

The next morning 10 minutes before they opened I called up and asked if I can reject the car as I haven't driven it yet and it’s been in their garage, the father of the owner refused and told me I had to pick up the car. I felt so hopeless and agreed to pick it up, when I got there everything seemed rush liked they just wanted me to leave and that took me back to the previous day of how rushed everything was.

I had decided I should sell the vehicle and buy a car with lower tax which meant it will be more economic. I had brought the car on the 29thJan 2014, picked it up on the 30th and on the 4ith February as I was driving to university the car cut off locking the steering wheel and the automatic gears; I had to let the car be and could not park it safely. The passenger of the car had witnessed everything and was worried to leave me with the car and continue her journey to university. During this time I called the car company and they told me to call back in 30minutes. Once 30 minutes had passed I decided to try the car one last time and it turned back on successfully. I called and spoke to the owner and I told him I cannot sell the car, I do not want it as well and I want a refund because the car seems to be faulty. He began shouting over me and being really rude and then accused me of being rude and shouting when I did not raise my voice and spoke very politely, the conversation ended with him saying he'll either get it repaired in his garage and I carry on driving it or deal with it on my own but he is not giving me a refund. A minute later he called back and I answered and as soon as I said 'hello' he began shouting saying 'is that how you answer your phone' and 'I’ll teach you how to answer the phone' at this point I had still not raised my voice and I was not given the chance to speak because he would just shout over me. I told him I will let the person I am with speak and explain the situation because he is not allowing me to speak. He spoke to her and accused her of being rude and provoking him and even lied that we called him a child. At this time, he said he no longer wants to talk about it its either I let him fix it or deal with it myself.

We decided it was safer to return the car to my house in case it cut out anywhere and we have an accident. When we got home I called him once more asking if I could please have a refund, he refused. Instead I asked him if he is willing to sell the car on my behalf and he agreed; even after I had told him there is a fault. At this point I had decided there is no way I can keep this car and still do business with him. That day I decided to take the car to my usual garage and he advised me that the car is not roadworthy and gave me a list of the things that need repairing or replacing. I then took the car to my local garage and he said to me I have been sold a dodgy car and it is unroadworthy I must stop driving it and return the car.

My sister who has studied decided to speak to the car dealer herself and ask for refund. When she got there the men told her I should bring it in so they can make the car roadworthy and did not deny that the car was not road worthy. They also told her lies; I had recorded our last conversation with the man and my sister recorded the conversation with him too. He told lies on more than 3 times. I have proof of recording. The father of the owner told my sister they will fix the car at their garage or another one of our choice and my sister asked if they are willing to have BMW have an inspection of it and have them fix it the man shook his head and said we are finished her and walked off; refusing to have BMW inspect and fix the car. That is when my sister left.

I have sent a letter requesting a refund and I am yet to hear from them.

This is another lesson learned and I want to avoid anyone else falling into the same trap or be taken advantage of.