Buyers beware: Missing logbook meant a £1,500 loss on used car
Lawrence Clark wants to caution others to make sure they check the paperwork before buying a used car.
In November, the retired taxi driver paid around £15,000 for a four-year-old Qashqai from Specialist Cars Nissan in Aberdeen.
“I also paid for a year’s road tax as this was due to run out in early February, plus I bought GAP insurance cover,” he said. “The car’s V5 logbook was to follow, which the dealership was organising.”
However, several weeks later Lawrence still hadn’t received the logbook.
“The DVLA said that they hadn’t received an application for the V5 and said I did not have permission to drive the Qashqai.”
Lawrence was then given a courtesy car by the dealership while the change of ownership issue rumbled on.
In March, Lawrence decided to hand the car back after doing less than 100 miles in it – but was dismayed to be offered £1,500 less than he had paid.
“I took the money because I was fed up with the whole situation,” he said. “But I also lost money on the insurance and road tax.”
In frustration, Lawrence wrote to Raw Deal and we asked Specialist Cars Nissan to look into the matter.
The company emailed Lawrence to say it was satisfied that he was given a fair price.
They wrote: “The dealership have offered you the refund of your vehicle at the retail rate. As you know the prices have gone high and also you have consumed some mileage in this vehicle. That is why there is a difference in the refund.”
Lawrence said: “I just want to caution others thinking of buying a car to make sure that all the paperwork is in order before handing over themoney.”