Under the EU's Sale of Goods Directive, goods sold by a trader must match what was agreed — including the advert's description. Proving a mismatch starts with what you saved before you ever paid.
Save the advert before it disappears
Screenshot the full listing — specification, mileage, condition claims, price and photos — the moment you're seriously considering the car, and again right before you pay. Listings get edited or taken down, and a screenshot with a visible date is far stronger evidence than "I remember it said."
Keep every message
Any claim the seller made outside the written advert (mileage, accident history, condition, why they're selling) that influenced your decision to buy should be captured in writing — messages, emails, or a follow-up text summarising what was said on a call ("just confirming what you told me on the phone: no accidents, one owner").
Document the mismatch itself
Photograph the actual condition of the car as delivered, get an independent inspection or mechanic's report describing specifically how it differs from what was advertised, and note the date you discovered each discrepancy — this matters because you're expected to notify the seller within a reasonable time of discovering a lack of conformity.
What this supports under the Directive
A documented mismatch between the advert and the delivered vehicle is a lack of conformity under Directive (EU) 2019/771 when bought from a trader — giving you the right to a repair or replacement first, and a price reduction or termination of the contract if that doesn't resolve it.
Sources
Related Kibbo Tools
- Used Car Seller & Listing Evidence Pack — capture the advert, messages and discrepancy evidence in one place.
- Vehicle Purchase & Warranty Complaint Generator — draft your formal notice of non-conformity to the seller.