₦airaland Forum

Hi all, Please can anyone please recommend a reliable and affordable Builder in Leeds. No cowboys please 🙂. Thanks in advance !

Lexusgs430:
[/b]

Nope. Hold on to the vehicle till the grace period is over.....

After the grace period is over, send a message to the dealer to make arrangements to collect their vehicle. DON'T BE TEMPTED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE!!! 🙄😂

Keeping the vehicle after a full refund could lead to legal issues, such as claims of trespass to goods or conversion........ (Unless the seller sends you an email or letter, telling you to keep vehicle) (but why would they)...... 🙄😂🤔

NB : One of the only benefits of credit card ownership..... 😂💳

Update on this matter: The bank has responded with the seller's rebuttal and is giving me an opportunity to respond or they will revert the charge back.
Can you imagine that this seller has forged my signature on 2 documents (Pre-Delivery Inspection document and Customer Certificate), claiming that I knew that the car had a steering fault and some other faults before test driving and purchasing it? Is this not a criminal offence?
This steering fault we are talking about is one that locked the steering o! How could I have possibly test-driven a car with a locked steering let alone buy it?? I also have the Autotrader advert, which I requested from Autotrader that the seller mentioned the car was faultless. I am packaging my response to the bank, and any advice will be welcome. Thank you!

Hi All,

This may be a cue to take the Life in the UK test ASAP before they change it as detailed in the Immigration White Paper. They want to make it more challenging and of course more expensive in typical UK fashion.

At the moment it is £50 and easy to pass if you use the right materials. It also doesn't expire and can be used at any time for the settlement application.

Did mine this week and passed after about 4 weeks of preparation. However I spent the earlier weeks on some app until reddit signposted this website https://lifeintheuktestweb.co.uk/exams/. 99.9% of the questions come from the 17 exam question and are only slightly reworded in some cases. I crammed everything there in about 1 week.

While you are it, consider getting an AMEX card with my referral link https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/ba-classic-credit?ref=nnAnnWoqP2&XL=MNDNS and get bonus Avios points.

domin8:
Long post alert

Hi Guys,

My car broke down recently (a Peugeot), and after a lot of back and forth with the mechanic, I got tired and ended up buying a used 2012 Toyota Avensis from a dealer on April 1st. It was advertised on AutoTrader as being in great condition. I did the usual checks — HPI, MOT history, visual inspection — but looking back, I think my mistake was not bringing a diagnostic tool on the day.

Two weeks later, on April 15th, the steering failed completely. A diagnostic scan showed serious issues, including faults with the power steering module and the car’s main control unit. The car is now unroadworthy and just sitting in front of my house.

I tried to resolve it directly with the dealer. Phone calls were cut short, and I was basically told off for asking about a refund. Even my mechanic, who called to explain the fault, was shouted at. The dealer then followed up with an email claiming I accepted the fault because I test-drove the car and got a small discount — but the faults were never mentioned at any point before the sale.

I was advised by Citizens Advice that, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, I’m entitled to a full refund if a fault appears within 30 days of purchase, especially when the item is not of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose. They also confirmed this should be reported to Trading Standards — which they’ve done — and suggested I raise a Section 75 claim with my credit card provider.

I paid part of the amount on my NatWest Mastercard and the rest via bank transfer. The Section 75 claim is now underway, but what’s frustrating is the timeline. Two weeks for the bank to start the chargeback, 45 days for the seller to respond, and then potentially another 8 weeks for investigation. Meanwhile, I’m without a working car, relying on expensive alternative transport, and struggling to manage work and school runs.

If anyone’s been through something similar or has any advice on how to speed things up or handle the situation more effectively, I’d really appreciate it.

Update on this:

So the bank has now reversed the part payment (55%) made with the Credit Card and charged back the Car Seller with a caveat that if the car seller contests this within 45 days, they will reverse it. The seller will have to prove with documentary evidence that I was aware of the faults at the time of purchase. Obviously, this was not the case at the time of purchase as the car was advertised as without any issues (I have the Auto trader advert),

The Bank also decided to refund the other part payment (45%) done via bank transfer as a gesture of goodwill with this message "This offer is made in full and final settlement of any claim you may have against the Bank or any of its subsidiary companies arising out of this matter. It is also made on a without prejudice basis and is not to be referred to in any legal proceedings that may follow."

From my understanding, this 45% is not coming from the seller's own account as a refund. Does this imply I can still hold on to the vehicle? Appreciate any experience on this.

Thanks for this suggestion, I have contacted them and they sent a PDF copy of the advert.

Inkredible:
Email Autotrader support, explain your situation and request for it. I did same and got it same day. It might help letting them know you might use this in court against the dealer.

Lexusgs430:
You have gone down the right route, you have done everything right.... You have initiated your '' rights to return '', within 30 days + S75 on tow.......

Unfortunately, no quick and fast rule.... You would get your full money back (possibly minus small for usage).......

Look for cheaper car rental companies, and hire a Toyota aygo or similar, to bridge the gap.......

NB: Ensure you have a saved copy of the full advertisement.....

Thanks Egbon for the reassurance. I only have a screenshot from Autotrader as the advert has been deleted from the website.

Tried checking for rental companies but the costs are high.

Long post alert

Hi Guys,

My car broke down recently (a Peugeot), and after a lot of back and forth with the mechanic, I got tired and ended up buying a used 2012 Toyota Avensis from a dealer on April 1st. It was advertised on AutoTrader as being in great condition. I did the usual checks — HPI, MOT history, visual inspection — but looking back, I think my mistake was not bringing a diagnostic tool on the day.

Two weeks later, on April 15th, the steering failed completely. A diagnostic scan showed serious issues, including faults with the power steering module and the car’s main control unit. The car is now unroadworthy and just sitting in front of my house.

I tried to resolve it directly with the dealer. Phone calls were cut short, and I was basically told off for asking about a refund. Even my mechanic, who called to explain the fault, was shouted at. The dealer then followed up with an email claiming I accepted the fault because I test-drove the car and got a small discount — but the faults were never mentioned at any point before the sale.

I was advised by Citizens Advice that, under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, I’m entitled to a full refund if a fault appears within 30 days of purchase, especially when the item is not of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose. They also confirmed this should be reported to Trading Standards — which they’ve done — and suggested I raise a Section 75 claim with my credit card provider.

I paid part of the amount on my NatWest Mastercard and the rest via bank transfer. The Section 75 claim is now underway, but what’s frustrating is the timeline. Two weeks for the bank to start the chargeback, 45 days for the seller to respond, and then potentially another 8 weeks for investigation. Meanwhile, I’m without a working car, relying on expensive alternative transport, and struggling to manage work and school runs.

If anyone’s been through something similar or has any advice on how to speed things up or handle the situation more effectively, I’d really appreciate it.

Evening Everyone.

Can anyone please recommend a reliable automatic, petrol family car? The budget is about £2500.

Had car challenges over the past months...Stories for another day.

Thank you!

Zahra29:
It's a seasonal problem. Easiest way is to ventilate and reduce humidity in the bathroom by using a bathroom fan, leaving the window open at least occasionally or using a dehumidifier.

If that doesn't work, you might need to insulate the cistern or use warm water in the cistern.

Lexusgs430:
Does this toilet have a window/does the extractor fan work (not blocked) .....

Thanks for the responses. The toilet has an extractor fan which is on when the shower is in use. We also regularly ventilate the space by leaving the window open most of the time. Closing only in the mornings.

How does the cistern insulation work?

Hi all,

Does anyone have a solution to a 'sweaty' toilet cistern ) condensation?

Thanks.

It's actually free from family who are relocating from the UK.

The quotes I am getting on anyvan are north of £350.

Need something more affordable.

Lexusgs430:
And you believe the seller....... This is the same way a seller would say AC not working, but only requires gas....😜😁

Not unless you're getting this car FREE.......

Caveat Emptor........

Cyberknight:
You could try asking at a car dealer (or the one you bought from) - they usually know/can help source professional drivers who will deliver a car long-distance.

Or you could try a car delivery company like this one: https://www.driiveme.co.uk/conveyor-car-cheap.html

Thanks. In this case, the car has EGR valve issues and doesn't drive smoothly. So it needs to be couriered.

Hi All,

Please any recommendations to deliver a car from Glasgow to Leeds ? It's about 200+ miles.

Thanks.

Hi all,

What are your thoughts on these mortgage deals.

2 year Fixed 5.35% for 25 years or 5 year Fixed 5% for 25 years.

Thanks.

Morning all,

Looking at moving from further north and buying a first property in either Manchester and Sheffield.

Can anyone suggest the good affordable neighborhoods in bith cities suitable for young families with good schools, amenities etc. ? Manchester is the preferred though.


Thanks.

Morning all,

Looking at moving from further north and buying a first property in either Manchester and Sheffield.

Can anyone suggest the good affordable neighborhoods in bith cities suitable for young families with good schools, amenities etc. ? Manchester is the preferred though.


Thanks.

Lexusgs430:
Use AA or RAC.......

https://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspection/

https://www.rac.co.uk/buying-a-car/vehicle-inspections/basic-inspection

Thank you.

Evening All,

Please can someone share a cost-effective way of booking a mechanic to inspect a car about to be bought?

I want to prevent travelling until I can get an inspection report.

Thanks!

Evening all,

Please is there a way to exchange the AMEX BA Companion Voucher for cash?

Asking for a friend .

Thanks.

I think it works out cheaper to use the Nigerian (International ) License first before Switching to the Full License than using the Provisional.

For me, it was also about £1200 for the 1st year and Subsequent year was about £630 (I did the automatic test and also pass plus ). Pass plus will give you some discount but check with the insurer first.

Tier4Dependant:
Drove on international license for a year with a £1200 premium, after 1 year I switched to UK full licence (manual) and currently hold a 1 year NCD, now I pay about £750 for premium. Hopefully it goes further down by the time I have 2 years NCD

Guys,

Please what's the fastest way to get to Heathrow Terminal 3 from Kings Cross Station in London.

Thanks.

Is this a HP or a PCP?

Peerielass:
To further buttress my point, in Canada as of today the average salary is $75k per annum which equates to 4K per month after taxes. The average 2021-2023 car costs approximately $800 per month coupled with insurance cost of $400 per month and fuelling costs of $300 per month. Before the twinkle of an eye, you are set back $1,500 per month because u want to drive a brand new car and show off to people that don’t care about what u drive.

This is all relative. I don’t believe getting a brand new car or phone or even credit card and mortgage should be the top priority of a new immigrant but circumstances differ and what works for one may not work for the other.

I have been here long enough to know that having a brand new car works better for me. My monthly rental is less than £250 (including free servicing for 3 years) and my car insurance (full comprehensive with protected NCD) is about £220 per annum so no the total cost of the car, insurance and deposit is not significant in the grand scheme of things for me. I would rather rest assured that my car is in excellent condition and ready to go when required than buy a second hand that would breakdown without warning and leave me stranded in the middle of no where.

To give you an idea, I once bought a 3 year old car in 2013 and the car served me for approximately 4 years before developing an irrepairable fault - spent over £3,000 trying to diagnose and repair the car before eventually trading it in as deposit for a brand new car. For starters, the garages charge between £45 and £80 per hour for labour, you will also have to contend with the run around from the mechanics as is typical of tradesmen in this country. So I don’t agree that a second hand car is always the most cost effective option.

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong option. It all depends on our individual circumstances and past experiences.

Yes

Focus99:
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote can a student (someone on tier 4 visa) register for this? I mean the "electoral register"

@Mamatukwas
@fatima04
@all

Morning All,

A friend needs some advice. She has had her 3year Child in a nursery since 2021 on the afternoon schedule (1pm to 6pm) while she was studying and her husband working full time. The Child qualified for the 15 free hours in September last year and has been going 3 times a week. My Friend recently finished studying and is now trying to get a job, do her driving lessons while taking care of 2 older kids (9 and 7)

The Nursery contacted her some days ago to change the timing of her child coming to the nursery because they want to make space for other working parents who desperately need it. The timing they are suggesting is not convenient and they are saying since she is not working she should take up those times.

Is it right for the Nursery to do this knowing that Nursery spaces are 1st come 1st have and my friend had to wait during her own time to get a slot? She is confused on what to do.

Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks.

Morning All,

A friend needs some advice. She has had her 3year Child in a nursery since 2021 on the afternoon schedule (1pm to 6pm) while she was studying and her husband working full time. The Child qualified for the 15 free hours in September last year and has been going 3 times a week. My Friend recently finished studying and is now trying to get a job, do her driving lessons while taking care of 2 older kids (9 and 7)

The Nursery contacted her some days ago to change the timing of her child coming to the nursery because they want to make space for other working parents who desperately need it. The timing they are suggesting is not convenient and they are saying since she is not working she should take up those times.

Is it right for the Nursery to do this knowing that Nursery spaces are 1st come 1st have and my friend had to wait during her own time to get a slot? She is confused on what to do.

Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks.

Hi Guys,

Where will say are the best cities / places for raising a family in the UK outside London? Things to consider are crime rate, cost of living, good schools, shopping, amenities etc..

Thanks for the suggestions!

NevaUgivup:
You can try any of the following with family:
- go to the winter wonderland at Hyde Park
- book/take a tour of London Christmas lights
- book/take a city tour
- go window shopping at Westfield shopping center at Stratford (and have lunch/dinner) at their food court, take a short walk from there to West Ham home stadium.

Yes it's the Cash ISA and you get 25% interest from the the Government (not public funds) on whatever you 'save'.

Moneybox is good, has a good interest rate with zero charges.

twizzie:
Merry Christmas everyone.

I have a question about this LISA account please? The one for first time buyers is the Cash LISA? If yes, which of the providers is the best please? Registered with moneybox but want to be sure B4 going ahead with it @Ticha, @lexusgs430

Yes you can and should but remember only use a credit card to buy what you can afford and do not go about 25% of your limit as a rule of thumb.

American Express has the best approval rate for new comers at the moment. You can use my link here https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/nnAnnW9hPF?XL=MNANS and we both get 4000 avios points once you are approved.

Gift7428:
Can I apply for a credit card as a student ?
I work part time and don’t make much

I will send an email to my estate agent
Thanks

Amarathripple0:
Quick one please, when you apply for your PSW or Tier 2. What start date would reflect on it? The date of the application or the date it was approved?

The date it was approved.

Field of interest: Health, Public Services and Care.
Purpose of Enquiry: Visa and Nationality.

georgeeffa:
Good morning, please I want to proof my English Proficiency on Ecctis, am applying for a health care related job, what do I select in the field of interest and purpose of enquiry and what is the cost?

Thanks