Sorry to resurect this. I have a similar problem, but i'm the second owner and i purchased privately. Do you think this course of action is still valid, or is it only usable for the original purchaser?
I would contact Consumer Direct for advice here. I am not an expert but would expect the same laws to apply in your case too. After all what difference does it make how many owners a van has had if its faulty workmanship or bad design etc. Dealers rely on you not knowing your rights, manufacturers just hide behind the dealer in most cases.
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I spoke to Consumer Direct and they tell me that i cannot use the Sale Of Goods Act to get a resolution to my problem. However, they have advised me that i may be able to claim against the manufacturer using the Consumer Protection Act 1987 Chapter 43. We are currently exploring this avenue.
I'll keep you updated as to whether or not we can use this act as leverage to get the manufacturer to admit liabilty and offer some assistance.
I am having the same problems with Ranger 460/4 2007 model. missed a service due to 2 bereavement, cracks have appeared on both sides, and now has evidence of damp Dealer says not their problem as van was fit for purpose etc when i collected it,and as I part financed, finance company say not covered as out of warranty, and rejected my claim. I have now arranged for an independent assessor £150.00 to inspect.and I intend to go down the SoGA, I paid £9k for a van Registered in 2008 and now its rotting because of what I as alay person can only describe as an inherent problem.
If anyone can offer some advice on how they over came this apparent disregard for our Statutory right I would be so grateful