yes, this is what we are considering doing.  

According to the MOT information on gov.uk, it failed mot on 7/7/23 and then passed on 18/7/23.

We did pay a deposit when we went to view it, paid £100 by bank transfer while there.   When I say we were put off buying it immediately, I mean he put us off taking it immediately with the promise of cleaning the car.

The current mileage is 78826, it was 78578 when it was MOT'd.

I did identify the dealer, Andrew Long.   I did say that we have not had a professional opinion to the cause of the issue (that's the next step).  We went to purchase the car if it looked ok, but were put off buying immediately by him saying he wanted to valet it first.  We are about 15 miles away from his premises.  When it was delivered, it was driven by a woman, with him accompanying her in a different car.  They said they were off to a campsite for the weekend and it was on the way anyhow.

I'm at work right now, but can tell you the mileage later on.

More info about the character...
 

'Mistaken identity' father of two guilty of car theft and fraud

WWW.LANCASHIRETELEGRAPH.CO.UK

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A FATHER-OF-TWO who illegally sold a car he didn’t own intended to defraud the company which owned the vehicle, a court heard.

Just wondering how he has been allowed to get away with it for so long, he should be in prison!

We have been trying to contact him since before the 30 day deadline, also stating the problem in multiple texts from multiple numbers to his mobile before that date - with delivery notification.  He just refuses to reply or talk to us on the phone.

Our next step will be to take it to a garage to see if they know the cause of the issue.

Make/Model:  Seat Ibiza.   Advertised on Autotrader.   

The MOT is a new MOT, it was tested at 'The Garage, Crown Street, Accrington, BB5 0RW' on the 19th of July 2023.  78,578 miles.   The testing organisation and inspector's name:  S004011 MMC MOT STATION, K. Mehrban. 

Car cost: Just under £3,000.  Paid by bank transfer on delivery.   The reason it was delivered is that he said he would get it valeted - the car was a little dirty when we test-drove it and agreed to buy it.

Other than the car having trouble starting from cold, it 'appears' ok.   I think it's either the fuel pump or the pump breather valve.

I'd rather not say too much as he may read this and identify who I am.  The car was viewed, test-driven, but then delivered.   It has an MOT (12 months), issued by a garage near the dealer.

Bought a car from Andy Long, didn't know he was possibly a con man.   -   The car has trouble starting,  tried to contact him but he isn't answering calls - if we try from a new number he answers straight away, then when he knows who we are he puts the phone down and ghosts that number too!

Not sure about next course of action, apart from having it repaired then taking him to court for the bill (if possible?).   Why is he still operating?

I noticed that @Lancashirelass76 sorted out her issue, (removed - dx)