Dear Martin,
Thank you for sharing your comments.
We would like to clarify a few points, as we feel the wording of your message could give a misleading impression of the vehicle and the circumstances.
Firstly, you did not purchase the vehicle or place any deposit on it. You independently chose to arrange an inspection at your own expense, and at no point did we require, pressure or encourage you to book an inspection. There was also no obligation to proceed with the purchase.
We have only had the vehicle for a couple of days. Nevertheless, we took the points raised seriously and showed the vehicle to our own mechanic. We then carried out another round of checks and a further test drive. Based on these checks, the vehicle is driving normally and we have not identified any mechanical issues. We also did not experience any burning smell during our own inspection and test drive.
We would also point out that the inspection carried out on your behalf appeared to be largely visual. The inspectors arrived without the appropriate diagnostic equipment or tools to carry out a comprehensive mechanical assessment, and, as far as we observed, no diagnostic scan was carried out. Therefore, we believe it is important to distinguish between visual observations and confirmed mechanical faults.
It is also important to remember that this is a 12-year-old second-hand vehicle. We have never represented the car as being in “excellent condition” or as a brand-new vehicle. With a vehicle of this age, some minor cosmetic wear and tear should reasonably be expected, and this is reflected in the nature and pricing of the vehicle.
We have always operated with transparency and have no issue with customers arranging independent inspections. We welcome this, as we believe buyers should have the opportunity to satisfy themselves that a vehicle is suitable before making a purchase.
However, we do feel that describing an inspection observation as a confirmed “FIRE RISK” without a proper diagnostic or mechanical investigation can create an unnecessarily alarming impression. Following our own additional checks, we have not identified any mechanical issue or confirmed fire risk with the vehicle.
We respect your decision not to proceed with the purchase, but we feel it is important to put these facts on record so that the situation is understood accurately and in its proper context.
Kind regards,
Sipson Cars Limited