Should I keep the original advertisement?

Yes. Save the full listing, price, claims, photographs and date where possible because online listings can change.

What if the fault comes and goes?

Record each occurrence with date, mileage, symptom and any warning or diagnostic result.

Should unsuccessful repairs be included?

Yes. They help show the history and whether the same or a different problem returned.

Why does seller type matter?

Dealer, private-sale and auction protections can differ. Record the seller type and location before relying on a warranty, refund or complaint route.

Can GetInstantProof decide whether the dealer is liable?

No. It organises the records; liability depends on the facts and applicable law.

Used-Car Problem Evidence Checklist

Organise evidence for a used-car problem

Preserve the sale documents, advertisement or description, warranty information, fault symptoms, diagnostic reports, repair attempts, invoices and complete seller communications. Put the faults and repairs in date order. Record whether the seller was a licensed dealer, private seller or auction because the legal route can change with seller type and jurisdiction.

General information only — not legal advice · Reviewed 2 October 2026

General organisation guideChoose country and region before relying on jurisdiction-specific legal steps or deadlines.

Choose location

Purchase and representation records

Advertisement or listing
Sale agreement and invoice
Finance documents
Warranty or guarantee wording
Inspection or condition report

Seller type and transaction

Record whether the seller was a licensed dealer, private seller or auction, plus the purchase date, price, mileage and location. Keep the evidence showing that seller status rather than assuming the same consumer-law route applies to every sale.

Fault and repair history

Record the date, mileage, symptom, dashboard warning, diagnostic finding, repair attempt and result each time the problem appears.

Seller communications

Preserve complete messages, emails and call notes. Keep repair offers, refusals, promises and changed positions in sequence.

Costs and loss records

Keep towing, diagnostic, repair, transport or other expense records separately. Do not assume every expense is legally recoverable.

Important limitation

GetInstantProof organises the customer-supplied record. It does not determine whether a seller breached the law or whether a fault is covered by warranty.

Related evidence guides

Keep building the record

Recurring vehicle fault record Vehicle repair and diagnostic history

Continue the journey

Use the right tool for the next job

GetInstantProofTrack repeated faults in detail.GetInstantResolveBuild a used-car complaint and follow-up plan.GetInstantLawCheck legal information for your country and state or region.

Common questions