Advice/thoughts wanted on 2nd hand purchase!

[canncaad10]

Hi, I have just purchased a 2nd hand car from a private buyer after 1 day I have found problems with the car it had a MOT Around 3 weeks ago, yet 1 headlight is faulty as the beam is pointing in a weird direction. The rear wheel bearings have gone. The car also pulls to the left. The seller has now told me the car has always pulled and he was not able to get it to track straight after a couple of alignment checks, which I have invoices for.
I have paid good money for the car, and questioning how this could pass an MOT in this state.
I have never been in this position before. If anyone could give me there thoughts on my situation, or been in a similar position, I would be very grateful.

[the-norseman]

Did you not look round the car/test drive it?

[chrisch77]

You’ve bought a second hand car from a private seller. Once you drove it away it is your problem so now it’s time to suck it up. Find a decent garage and get it sorted, then enjoy your new car.

[andy43]

canncaad10 said:

Hi, I have just purchased a 2nd hand car from a private buyer after 1 day I have found problems with the car it had a MOT Around 3 weeks ago, yet 1 headlight is faulty as the beam is pointing in a weird direction. The rear wheel bearings have gone. The car also pulls to the left. The seller has now told me the car has always pulled and he was not able to get it to track straight after a couple of alignment checks, which I have invoices for.
I have paid good money for the car, and questioning how this could pass an MOT in this state.
I have never been in this position before. If anyone could give me there thoughts on my situation, or been in a similar position, I would be very grateful.

The tracking isn’t part of an MOT as far as I know. The MOT is a test taken on a particular day - the headlight could have been knocked since. Wheel bearings should have been picked up on though - maybe report the test centre?
Next time get an inspection done first?

[Gastons_Revenge]

Caveat emptor. You're SOL here as you bought privately.
How did you miss it pulling to the left on the test drive?

[zorba_the_greek]

For context what car did you buy?

2nd hand you always need to go in eyes wide open.

Did you do research on the make/model for any usual defects problems with cars to look at when you viewed the car?

Did you do a history check on the car?

[canncaad10]

Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it. Did hpi and has FSH I knew the steering wasn't OK but assumed tracking would fix but now know it will not after talking to the buyer. I cannot see how it can have a new MOT. Maybe I am too honest but if I was selling a car I would advertise it properly and accurately. I wouldn't let someone pay me top money and know it had faults.
Thanks again.

[The Cardinal]

The pulling to the left thing is likely sorted with some minor suspension components. Maybe a track rod end, bushing, lower arm etc - nothing terminal for the car. Likewise with the other items. Unfortunately not everyone maintains or is as attuned to a car's needs as well as us PH'ers.

I'd get it sorted quickly and put it the matter behind you. The essence of it all is: it's a machine, it sounds very fixable and it's yours now.

It probably isn't worth any more headspace than that.

Edited by The Cardinal on Tuesday 19th November 10:45

[ARHarh]

So how do you know the rear bearings are shot? If it just makes a noise it could be something else.

If you buy privately, chances are you did it as the car was cheaper than retail, buying privately you really need your eyes wide open, or an inspection.

[Davie]

MOT and FSH is frankly irrelevant when it comes to the condition of a car, today, as you see it... yet some people take them being a sign of no issue now or ever. An MOT test is valid for the duration of the test only and only covers safety related items. As has been said, the headlight could have easily been knocked / broken since (or maybe it's since had a bulb replaced and isn't fitted correctly?) and wheel bearings won't fail an MOT unless terrible and is it the bearings or are the tyres droning away? Alignment isn't an MOT point unless it's due to worn suspension / steering parts. FSH means sod all... it had some filters changed periodically and then what? The garage gave a big list of things that needed attention and the owner said "Nah, no thanks" but as long as the book is stamped, it's all good...

canncaad10 said:

I knew the steering wasn't OK but assumed tracking would fix but now know it will not after talking to the buyer.

Have you had the alignment checked by somebody who actually knows how to do alignment? And I say that as the number of outfits out there who seem to struggle with basic alignment on a car is ridiculous. So the seller may say that alignment hasn't fixed it previously, is tat possibly because whoever did the alignment was hopeless? I've had cars back a couple of times to get them driving straight then given up and gone elsewhere. Find a reputable local alignment centre, go get it checked. They might also check the wheel bearings whilst they're at it.

It's a used car and this comes up all the time - see the recent "Trade Sale / Cautionary tale" post for more details but bearing in mind this is a private sale so you've even less come back than with a registered trader. Used cars are exactly that, they're more than likely going to have issues and that's why if you're not confident with your pre-purchase checks, enlist the help of somebody who is be it a friend or a professional body and if you can't and you're not sure, then walk away before you commit. Once you've viewed, driven ad bought then really it's your problem now so you either get it fixed or you get rid of it. Crap situation but it's life and the joys of used cars, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

Edited by Davie on Tuesday 19th November 10:45

Edited by Davie on Tuesday 19th November 10:48

[ACCYSTAN]

Wheel bearings should have been picked up and commented on by the tester, but they only fail if they are really bad.

[Davie]

ACCYSTAN said:

Wheel bearings should have been picked up and commented on by the tester, but they only fail if they are really bad.

Bearing in mind, there's no guarantee it's a wheel bearing issue - seems the OP hasn't had the car checked over by a garage as yet. Could be tyres, could be rear diff, could be something completely unrelated so probably best to reserve judgement and most definitely NOT one to be reporting to the inspectorate claiming dodgy MOT's. Facts first and all that.

[the-norseman]

I love when you see people kicking off "had my MOT done last week and now the car has broken down"...

[canncaad10]

There is a difference between kicking off and asking for helpful advice from other car enthusiasts.

[the-norseman]

Sorry i wasnt saying your kicking off, just amazes me the amount of people who do kick off, usually on social media.

[Davie]

the-norseman said:

Sorry i wasnt saying your kicking off, just amazes me the amount of people who do kick off, usually on social media.

A sign of the times sadly, the increase in blaming others / shunning responsibility seems to have exploded of late.

So, as far as the OP is concerned... I would draw a line and not worry to much about what happened or didn't in the past be it at the MOT or the selling / buying process, that was then, this is now. I think a trip to a local, trusted garage for a post purchase pre-purchase inspection and then get a bit of a list of anything that is urgent and then address it. Might cost a few hundred quid but that's also one of the golden rules of being a used car, always have a bit of cash in reserve to fix any issues that with inevitably be lurking.

[Sheepshanks]

canncaad10 said:

Thanks for the comments. I appreciate it. Did hpi and has FSH I knew the steering wasn't OK but assumed tracking would fix but now know it will not after talking to the buyer.

Apologies if English isn't your first language, but you've said "buyer" twice when surely you mean seller?

Or is there more to this - If you knew the steering was off, how did the seller explain that when you were buying the car? Seems odd they would admit after you bought it that they hadn't been able to fix it.

[skyebear]

canncaad10 said:

Hi, I have just purchased a 2nd hand car from a private buyer after 1 day I have found problems with the car it had a MOT Around 3 weeks ago, yet 1 headlight is faulty as the beam is pointing in a weird direction. The rear wheel bearings have gone. The car also pulls to the left. The seller has now told me the car has always pulled and he was not able to get it to track straight after a couple of alignment checks, which I have invoices for.
I have paid good money for the car, and questioning how this could pass an MOT in this state.
I have never been in this position before. If anyone could give me there thoughts on my situation, or been in a similar position, I would be very grateful.

Can you post the for sale advert description?