Car Not as Described – Multiple Faults and Evidence of Previous Damage
I purchased a Vauxhall Insignia from RSG Motors(DU18VJJ) that was not accurately described and has presented numerous serious issues, both mechanical and cosmetic.
Before viewing the vehicle, I ran an HPI check which showed it had outstanding finance starting from April 2025. I viewed the car in early May and raised this concern with RSG. I was told the finance showing was likely due to a customer making a finance application — a claim that is simply not accurate, as HPI checks only show active, confirmed finance agreements. In my opinion, the vehicle had finance taken out in April and may have been a previous rejection, suggesting they was aware of the faults, although I do not have concrete proof of this. When I arrived at the dealership I was given a document to prove it was HPI clear.
Within several days of ownership, the vehicle became undrivable after entering limp mode while I was driving on a busy motorway with my 6 year old daughter and pregnant partner, leaving us stranded in a highly unsafe situation.
Upon inspection, the boost pipe was faulty, with the clips snapped the pipe was hanging off and oil sprayed throughout the engine bay. The car broke down on a motorway with my pregnant partner and 6 year old daughter which was extremely concerning.
In addition to the previously reported issues, diagnostic checks have now revealed the following error codes:
P2138 – Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 1/2 Correlation (Intermittent)
P0690 – Ignition Relay Feedback Circuit High Voltage (Intermittent)
Furthermore, an independent mechanic has inspected the vehicle and concluded that it appears to have been involved in an accident. Notable concerns include:
• Poor panel alignment (bumper, bonnet, and wings)
• Mismatched paintwork on several panels
• Untidy sealant around the windscreen, suggesting it has been replaced
• Missing bolts under the bonnet
• Misaligned or potentially replaced passenger door
• Visible signs of an oil leak
- loud clunking from suspension
None of the panels lined up, it was clear the vehicle had been in an accident and poorly repaired. Window screen, passenger and rear glass had been changed.
When I raised these concerns with RSG Motors, I was informed that I would need to arrange for the vehicle to be returned, as “with any faulty product, it is the customer’s responsibility to return the goods.” I found this response completely unacceptable as the car was not drivable and it was a 90 mile journey.
Under consumer law, it is not my responsibility to arrange or cover the cost of returning a faulty vehicle, particularly one that is not roadworthy. I have been sold a car that is not fit for purpose, and instead of taking accountability, the dealership is attempting to shift the burden onto me, despite the clear legal obligations they have as a seller.
RSG offered a contribution towards the repair costs, which I initially considered. However, after receiving a quote of over £2,000 for the cosmetic repairs alone, the body shop strongly advised against proceeding and recommended I reject the vehicle entirely.
The return of the vehicle was left entirely to me, with no support from RSG. I spent hours on the phone with the RAC to arrange recovery, only for RSG to reject because it would arrive after hours (6pm).Coordinating the return was extremely difficult, and I had to take time off work to manage it. I complained to RSG and their response was “well we can just take it down the legal route then, as you are past the 28 days we don’t have to accept”
Once again, this is legally incorrect. The complaint was raised within 7 days of purchase, and the dealership was not doing me a favour — they are legally obligated to accept the rejection of the vehicle under consumer law.
I never received the logbook, and weeks after returning the vehicle, I am still being charged road tax for a car I no longer have. Throughout the entire process, I have not received a single apology from RSG. When I asked if they were aware of the previous damage, their response was, “We sell 50 cars a month — most cars have been in an accident,” showing a complete lack of accountability for the condition of the vehicle they sold me, having told me that it had undergone a 112 point AA inspection and was completely safe, yet again not true.
My experience with RSG Motors has been extremely disappointing. I was sold a vehicle that was not as described, with numerous mechanical and cosmetic faults, and signs of poor accident repair. Rather than taking responsibility, the dealership offered minimal support, showed no accountability, and left me to deal with the situation on my own.
July 1, 2025
Unprompted review