webuyanycar.com valuations taken to task by the OFT

legal updates

95% of customers selling their car to webuyanycar.com received less for their vehicle than the original website valuation.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

An OFT investigation found an abnormally high 95% of customers selling their car to webuyanycar.com received less for their vehicle than the original website valuation.  In some cases this amounted to hundreds of pounds.

It was only at the appointment, that some customers found that ‘other factors’ reduced the final price from the headline valuation, including ‘market conditions’. It appears that vehicle inspectors were also set targets regarding the purchase of vehicles, sometimes to reduce the valuation offered by up to 25 per cent, upon reappraisal.

Customers were also pressurised to respond within 7 days to take up the offer.The company fully cooperated with the OFT’s investigation. Whilst the company and its directors believe that their business practices complied with the law, they have agreed to make changes in light of the OFT’s investigation. The company and its directors have signed undertakings that include promises to:

– Make clear that the website may be reduced when a range of other factors might be taken into account.
– Not set targets for vehicle inspectors with benefits if the price is reduced.
– Not deduct from the final price the amount of any refund available to the customer from the DVLA for the road tax remaining on the car
– Clarify to customers that the next working day payment service (which incurs an additional charge of £24.75) is optional.

HowdenCompetitive, comprehensive, quick

One of the largest independent specialist motor trade brokers in the UK. Our extensive history of supplying insurance to the motor trade means we understand your business needs. By partnering with a specialist insurance broker like us, you get exactly what you need to protect your business.

Dennis ChapmanIn remembrance of Dennis Chapman 1951 -2015Read More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Customer reneges on agreed not distance sale

Our member explained they do not offer a delivery service and do not engage in distance selling.

Consumer “Handcuffed” by Deduction for Use Settlement

Don’t sign any contract unless you are fully aware of its terms!

Double or nothing – Consumer’s claim dismissed!

The Claimant countered with a request for more than double the amount that our member had offered.

Non-refundable deposits – Where do you stand?

Relevant paperwork should be provided before payment is taken.

Used car warranties – What are you liable for?

If a fault is found to have been developing at the time of sale, this could become the trader’s responsibility to provide a remedy.

Distance Selling Regulations – A thing of the past?

The regulations only apply to consumer contracts, not business-to-business sales, and only apply to sales conducted at a distance.

Accepting Lowball Offers 

What are your legal obligations when a customer makes a significantly low offer which you ”jokingly” accept? Will it be legally binding?

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.