In reality, they can be very safe. The second-hand market is flooded - I have many old Volvos that are the safest, comfiest and most reliable cars I have owned. It is about supply and demand when it comes to vehicles and the second-hand market. But that's beside the point. Ultimately, he has sold the vehicle knowing it was structurally unsafe but now denies all knowledge. I wouldn't be fussed if he had owned the vehicle for 5 years and just didn't want it, but he purchased it 9 days previous to me from Gumtree, asked the seller to remove it because he didn't want his friends to see what he paid... and then re-listed it on Autotrader stating it was a straight vehicle, for £750 more.