Author: Dennis Chapman
Published: December 8, 2014
Reading time: 2 minutes
This article is 7 years old.
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.
Dealers often don’t realise the legal significance of words both printed and written on sale documentation.
When you sell a car you are making a contract. In simple terms for a cash sale – you supply a vehicle/the customer gives you cash. But you can help yourself a lot more when you look a bit closer at your sales documentation.
Simple details such as the name and address of the person buying, not the father, if it’s the son, not the boyfriend, if it’s the girlfriend. Don’t skimp on information – get a full name and a full address. You might want to sue these people if they make a quick getaway and short change you. On the other hand they might want to sue you but the wrong person puts their details on the claim form.
Then comes the car. Don’t call it a GLSi if it just a GL. Don’t call it 1600cc if its 1300cc. If the shoe is on the other foot, make sure the customer accurately describes their part exchange. You can think about suing them if the mileage has been clocked at some stage. Spend some time getting the paperwork right – it will pay dividends.
