| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. 07:17 - Feb 12 with 1386 views | redrickstuhaart |
Often perhaps.
My boy bought a car from market place ads. Long trip to visit it, arranged transport with a friend. Was stored off road on private property, but clearly worse for wear and not really running. Was told it had been inherited from a deceased relative who had previously paid to store it on their land, and they just wanted rid. No V5 found etc. Did all the appropriate checks, bought it, got it home, spent a month working on it and spending a good deal of his modest wages on getting it in shape. Got new V5 properly registered, paid £2k in insurance and tax on top.
First time he drives it? Seized by police who say it was reported stolen to Thames Valley police, a month after he bought it.
Something odd going on. Clearly not stolen off the street else it would be reported at the time. Probably some sort of family or friend dispute, where owner stopped paying for storage and seller decided to sell it to get the money back or something.
Net outcome, is several grand and many hours of an 18 year old's time down the crapper. Thats the reward you get for getting off your arse and trying to make something good for yourself. |  |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:20 - Feb 12 with 1312 views | DJR |
Really sorry to hear that. |  | | |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:25 - Feb 12 with 1287 views | Zx1988 |
That's a real kick in the balls - sorry to hear that.
I presume there's no paperwork/correspondence/receipt that can help prove that your son bought it in good faith, and provide some leverage in getting the money back from the seller? | |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:25 - Feb 12 with 1269 views | Benters |
Life isn’t fair at times no,but you have to brush yourself down and press on. |  |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:30 - Feb 12 with 1242 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
That's horrible, but surely not the end of the story? The seller has committed fraud if it wasn't his to sell and the police should be chasing him now? Can you also not sue them for the £2k insurance etc? |  |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:32 - Feb 12 with 1233 views | redrickstuhaart |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:25 - Feb 12 by Zx1988 |
That's a real kick in the balls - sorry to hear that.
I presume there's no paperwork/correspondence/receipt that can help prove that your son bought it in good faith, and provide some leverage in getting the money back from the seller? |
He can prove he bought it in good faith. Has a receipt and everything.
We will doubtless write to the seller shortly and see what can be done via small claims if necessary, but who knows what the prospects are of getting anything out of him, or whether he is even still contactable at the place in question.
Plus, the £400 the clapped out vehicle cost, is a drop in the ocean next to the parts and work done to bring it back to life. The "owner" (assuming its nto some grander scam between owner and seller) has basically now got a fully functioning vehicle, serviced, new fuel filter and pump, new tyres etc etc when previously he had a vehicle in poor shape, which didnt run properly, rotting in a yard. | |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:58 - Feb 12 with 1132 views | Meadowlark |
How could it be reported stolen if your lad was registered as the owner?
What database were the police using that your ownership checks didn't find? |  | | |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 08:01 - Feb 12 with 1120 views | redrickstuhaart |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:58 - Feb 12 by Meadowlark |
How could it be reported stolen if your lad was registered as the owner?
What database were the police using that your ownership checks didn't find? |
v5 is not proof of ownership.
The report was after he had bought the car, but before the new V5 came through.
There are all sorts of potentially interesting issues: can the "owner" actually prove ownership at all? But you try and deal with any of that. The police havent got time to sort it out, and its near impossible to even speak to anyone. [Post edited 12 Feb 8:02]
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 08:12 - Feb 12 with 1071 views | Guthrum |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:32 - Feb 12 by redrickstuhaart |
He can prove he bought it in good faith. Has a receipt and everything.
We will doubtless write to the seller shortly and see what can be done via small claims if necessary, but who knows what the prospects are of getting anything out of him, or whether he is even still contactable at the place in question.
Plus, the £400 the clapped out vehicle cost, is a drop in the ocean next to the parts and work done to bring it back to life. The "owner" (assuming its nto some grander scam between owner and seller) has basically now got a fully functioning vehicle, serviced, new fuel filter and pump, new tyres etc etc when previously he had a vehicle in poor shape, which didnt run properly, rotting in a yard. |
At the very least, report it to the police as potential fraud. After all, at best they have sold your son a vehicle they had no right to, at worst are running a scam. |  |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 09:07 - Feb 12 with 910 views | OldFart71 |
Sorry to hear your lads plight. I don't profess to be the worlds greatest authority on cars and during my 55 years of driving I have had a lot of cars from a mini the Austin type, not the BMW one, through Astras GTE' , Mercs, Beamers and Henry's.
But I have been found out a couple of times. The first was a Ford Sierra.It could have been used as a fish tank as there was more water inside than out.
The second that cost me thousands more than I paid for the thing was a Saab Cabriolet.
Lovely looking car and driving it home with the turbo boast it went like a rocket.
After a week or so I started using it as my old car was still up for sale. After 4 days an engine management light came on. It turned out to be the big end. I got ripped off by a company selling me a crap engine they said had 35,000 miles on it. I think they missed a zero.
I never received a refund and they ended up on Rogue Traders.
The engine cost me £1,200. The rebuild of the original engine plus turbo was around £2,000 and the car on purchase cost me £1700. In hindsight I should have scrapped the thing.
Unfortunately there are so many unscrupulous sellers both private and trade although with trade you do have more of a come back, but even then they can be difficult. | | | |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 09:17 - Feb 12 with 862 views | Axeldalai_lama |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:32 - Feb 12 by redrickstuhaart |
He can prove he bought it in good faith. Has a receipt and everything.
We will doubtless write to the seller shortly and see what can be done via small claims if necessary, but who knows what the prospects are of getting anything out of him, or whether he is even still contactable at the place in question.
Plus, the £400 the clapped out vehicle cost, is a drop in the ocean next to the parts and work done to bring it back to life. The "owner" (assuming its nto some grander scam between owner and seller) has basically now got a fully functioning vehicle, serviced, new fuel filter and pump, new tyres etc etc when previously he had a vehicle in poor shape, which didnt run properly, rotting in a yard. |
Sorry if this seems silly, but can you not claim ownership of the parts etc? Not the point you are making by any means, but doesn't seem right that someone else gets your property, whatever the circumstances. |  | | |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 09:53 - Feb 12 with 769 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 08:01 - Feb 12 by redrickstuhaart |
v5 is not proof of ownership.
The report was after he had bought the car, but before the new V5 came through.
There are all sorts of potentially interesting issues: can the "owner" actually prove ownership at all? But you try and deal with any of that. The police havent got time to sort it out, and its near impossible to even speak to anyone. [Post edited 12 Feb 8:02]
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Arseholes.
I’m sure you’ve checked all this, but it sounds like you are entitled to ask for a refund from the seller for the vehicle AND any parts you bought as long as you still have proof of purchase for them.
From Google AI (so would need checking. Consumer Advice may also be a good option):
‘if it turns out a car was stolen and you'd fitted new parts, can you claim the parts back?’
+6
If you have fitted new parts to a car that is subsequently discovered to be stolen, you generally cannot claim the parts back from the rightful owner, as legal ownership of the car and all its parts reverts to them. However, you may be entitled to a full refund for the cost of the parts and any repairs from the person who sold you the stolen car.
Here is a breakdown of your rights and actions:
Reclaiming Parts (Physical)
Legal Ownership: When a vehicle is recovered, it is returned to its original owner or their insurance company.
Parts Installed: Any improvements or new parts fitted to a stolen vehicle typically become part of the vehicle itself. You cannot usually remove them, especially if they are essential to the car's operation.
Police Evidence: If the parts are removed before police involvement, they might be considered part of a crime scene or evidence, making it illegal to keep them or return them to the seller.
Financial Compensation (Reclaiming Costs)
Refund from Seller: You have a legal right to a full refund from the person/trader who sold you the stolen vehicle under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Proof of Purchase: Keep receipts, invoices, or bank statements for the new parts as proof of your expenditure.
Police Documentation: Provide the seller with the crime reference number and property log number given by the police to substantiate your claim.
Small Claims Court: If the seller refuses to refund you, you may need to take them to a small claims court to recover your money.
Steps to Take
Report to Police: Immediately contact the police on 101 to report the situation, giving them a crime reference number.
Contact the Seller: Formally ask the seller for a refund for the car and the parts.
Check Insurance/Payment Method: If you paid by credit or debit card, you might be able to get your money back through your bank.
Seek Advice: Contact Citizens Advice for help navigating the claim process.
Important Note: If you bought the parts from a third party and not from the person who sold you the car, you may be able to demand those specific items back, but if they were already installed, this becomes complicated and usually requires negotiation with the legal owner or insurance company [Post edited 12 Feb 9:54]
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:02 - Feb 12 with 733 views | BrentwoodBlagger2 |
Where is the car now? The Police should not have seized it as the buyer clearly bought 'in good faith' and he can legally prove this. They should have investigated the sale and left the car with the purchaser and removed the theft report. This is a 'civil dispute' and the Police should have referred both parties to obtain legal advice for their respective civil remedies. Under the circumstances the police have not acted correctly and I suggest a formal complaint is made against Police. | | | |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:09 - Feb 12 with 702 views | giant_stow |
Thats so harsh. Poor lad. Is it worth doing a gofunfme / whipround thingy? Im skint, but would put a tenner in if you link it. |  |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:28 - Feb 12 with 641 views | noggin |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 07:32 - Feb 12 by redrickstuhaart |
He can prove he bought it in good faith. Has a receipt and everything.
We will doubtless write to the seller shortly and see what can be done via small claims if necessary, but who knows what the prospects are of getting anything out of him, or whether he is even still contactable at the place in question.
Plus, the £400 the clapped out vehicle cost, is a drop in the ocean next to the parts and work done to bring it back to life. The "owner" (assuming its nto some grander scam between owner and seller) has basically now got a fully functioning vehicle, serviced, new fuel filter and pump, new tyres etc etc when previously he had a vehicle in poor shape, which didnt run properly, rotting in a yard. |
Your theory of it being a scam sounds feasible. There are some absolute scum in this world. |  |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:30 - Feb 12 with 634 views | redrickstuhaart |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:09 - Feb 12 by giant_stow |
Thats so harsh. Poor lad. Is it worth doing a gofunfme / whipround thingy? Im skint, but would put a tenner in if you link it. |
Very kind - but really no need. Neither he nor I will be destitute. Its just utterly obnoxious and unfair! | |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:33 - Feb 12 with 619 views | redrickstuhaart |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:02 - Feb 12 by BrentwoodBlagger2 |
Where is the car now? The Police should not have seized it as the buyer clearly bought 'in good faith' and he can legally prove this. They should have investigated the sale and left the car with the purchaser and removed the theft report. This is a 'civil dispute' and the Police should have referred both parties to obtain legal advice for their respective civil remedies. Under the circumstances the police have not acted correctly and I suggest a formal complaint is made against Police. |
Unfortunately, thats not right. Its not a civil dispute as a third party has said it is stolen (presumably by the seller). As a stolen vehicle they are right to seize it and the owner will have a period to collect, failing which it goes to auction or gets scrapped by the state. I would like to know what evidence of ownership the "owner" has, but the police are hardly going to waste their time engaging with that on our behalf.
I think there is an argument that, at the very least, consumables such as tyres ought to be returned to my son but there is no practical way of raising such issues. The police aren't going to spend time mediating. | |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:44 - Feb 12 with 575 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:33 - Feb 12 by redrickstuhaart |
Unfortunately, thats not right. Its not a civil dispute as a third party has said it is stolen (presumably by the seller). As a stolen vehicle they are right to seize it and the owner will have a period to collect, failing which it goes to auction or gets scrapped by the state. I would like to know what evidence of ownership the "owner" has, but the police are hardly going to waste their time engaging with that on our behalf.
I think there is an argument that, at the very least, consumables such as tyres ought to be returned to my son but there is no practical way of raising such issues. The police aren't going to spend time mediating. |
Yes, I think you’re correct on that.
“How the Law Treats Ownership of Stolen Vehicles in the UK
When it comes to stolen vehicles in the UK, the law is clear: a car that has been stolen remains the legal property of its original owner, no matter how many times it changes hands. ”
https://contendlegal.com/consu
If it was me, I’d probably contact Citizens Advice to (a) confirm if the above ownership position, and (b) advise on how to make a legal claim against the seller for the cost of the car and the parts you bought.
What a balls ache. The law doesn’t seem to offer much protection to a purchaser or a seller (assuming the seller was unaware it was stolen). The Law’s an ass, etc… | |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:46 - Feb 12 with 567 views | redrickstuhaart |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:44 - Feb 12 by Swansea_Blue |
Yes, I think you’re correct on that.
“How the Law Treats Ownership of Stolen Vehicles in the UK
When it comes to stolen vehicles in the UK, the law is clear: a car that has been stolen remains the legal property of its original owner, no matter how many times it changes hands. ”
https://contendlegal.com/consu
If it was me, I’d probably contact Citizens Advice to (a) confirm if the above ownership position, and (b) advise on how to make a legal claim against the seller for the cost of the car and the parts you bought.
What a balls ache. The law doesn’t seem to offer much protection to a purchaser or a seller (assuming the seller was unaware it was stolen). The Law’s an ass, etc… |
I am able to assist him with any legal claim. Its likely to be enforcement that is the issue. | |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 11:16 - Feb 12 with 428 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:46 - Feb 12 by redrickstuhaart |
I am able to assist him with any legal claim. Its likely to be enforcement that is the issue. |
Best of luck with it all. As you say, life’s not fair on the good guys sometimes (often). | |
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| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 11:17 - Feb 12 with 426 views | redrickstuhaart |
| Sometimes life just isn't fair and kicks decent people doing the right thing. on 10:44 - Feb 12 by Swansea_Blue |
Yes, I think you’re correct on that.
“How the Law Treats Ownership of Stolen Vehicles in the UK
When it comes to stolen vehicles in the UK, the law is clear: a car that has been stolen remains the legal property of its original owner, no matter how many times it changes hands. ”
https://contendlegal.com/consu
If it was me, I’d probably contact Citizens Advice to (a) confirm if the above ownership position, and (b) advise on how to make a legal claim against the seller for the cost of the car and the parts you bought.
What a balls ache. The law doesn’t seem to offer much protection to a purchaser or a seller (assuming the seller was unaware it was stolen). The Law’s an ass, etc… |
My best guess is that seller and "owner" know each other. Car was being stored on the seller's property and appeared to have been there some time. | |
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