Re: Vehicle nightmare
 

A week last Monday my wife contacted the owner of the garage that carried out the műszaki to complain and see what he was prepared to do, under the threat of reporting him. He was very amicable and easy to deal with and offered to either repair the car or arrange to buy it back. I'd 'fallen out' with the car and was sure it was way beyond economical repair so opted for him to arrange for someone to buy it. He and a colleague drove up from Balatonfenyves to collect it and pay for it yesterday. My wife didn't ask for all our money back that we'd put into it, only the purchase price plus the transfer of registration costs. I went to the kormányablak today to give them the paperwork so it's all sorted now and I'm on the lookout for another car. Maybe a Toyota Corolla Verso or Avensis Verso as they seem to have a better reputation.

Re: Vehicle nightmare
 

Glad you got this sorted. I don't blame you for 'falling out' with the car.
Maybe before your new car purchase buy an extendable selfie stick so you can inspect the underneath and any other places.

Re: Vehicle nightmare
 

I would rather suggest that a garage inspect the car and give a report, or get an MOT done before you purchase it telling the MOT station that this is before purchase so anything marginal should be reported to you. This approach gives some negotiating power over the price. Yes this will cost but so did the recent experience.

Oh and with the previous episode I would have asked for all the expenses with the car - the garage might have rolled over and paid but even if they refuse then nothing would have been lost.

Re: Vehicle nightmare
 

Unfortunately, it's too late to ask for any more money.
I have found another car in a salon in Eger. They have agreed to give it a fresh műszaki and eredetivizsga and regas the aircon, also knocking a small amount off the asking price. I'll collect it on Monday.
I had a small concern with a sound from the engine so my usual mechanic came out, had a look around the car and said the sound was the alternator, hence the discount. Everything else seemed to check out.

Re: Vehicle nightmare
 

I wouldn't let the garage selling the car organise the MOT. All garages have a friendly MOT station who will pass 'marginal' vehicles.

Re: Vehicle nightmare
 

I would be generally surprised if any garage eve accepted that. They barely agree to a test drive and if you ask for look at you as if you are stupid.

Used car dealers like estate agents and builders; essentially crooks who can act with legal impunity.

Yes, I just spent half my wage on car repairs this week. Stuff that you wouldn't have picked up on as a normal person. No car no work and needed one quick. So I am the prick really. But, you can't trust anyone, lovely business.

Re: Vehicle nightmare
 

In my book if they don't agree to an exam and test drive then they don't get the sale

Re: Vehicle nightmare
 

Never had a test drive agreed to! I just accept that I do the checks I can and budget for an immediate full service and at least 3 or 4 biggish jobs. I keep cars a long time but when you HAVE to have one and don't have the time to traipse around due to work and family sometimes you just have to take a plunge. All used cars are an inherent risk anyway and even the most careful inspection will likely miss at least one thing.