"Am I too late to reject?" It's one of the most common questions we hear. The time limits under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 can seem complicated, but they're actually quite logical once you understand them.
The Three Time Periods
Days 1-30: The "Short-Term Right to Reject"
This is your golden window.
Your Rights:
- Reject the car for ANY fault that makes it unsatisfactory
- Get a FULL refund – no deductions
- Dealer CANNOT insist on repairing it first
- You choose whether to accept repair or reject
What Counts:
- Any defect present at delivery
- Anything making the car not satisfactory quality
- Anything making it not fit for purpose
- Anything meaning it's not as described
Key Points:
- The 30 days starts from delivery, not purchase date
- One chance only – if you accept a repair, you lose this right
- You must tell the dealer you're rejecting in writing
- They then have 14 days to refund you
Days 31-180: The "Repair or Replace" Period
Still strong rights, but the process changes.
Your Rights:
- Request repair OR replacement (your choice initially)
- If repair fails, you can THEN reject
- Refund may have a small deduction for use
- Burden of proof is still on the dealer
The Process:
- Report the fault to the dealer
- Request repair or replacement
- Give them ONE reasonable chance to fix it
- If repair fails or they refuse, you can reject
Key Points:
- "One chance" means one proper attempt, not multiple
- If the same fault recurs, the repair has failed
- If new faults appear, they're treated separately
- Dealer must prove fault wasn't present at sale
6 Months to 6 Years: Long-Term Rights
You still have rights, but you need to prove more.
Your Rights:
- Request repair, replacement, or partial refund
- Can reject if repair/replacement fails
- Refund will likely have deduction for use
The Catch:
- YOU must prove the fault existed at sale
- Usually requires independent inspection
- Dealer can argue it developed after purchase
What Helps:
- Known issues with that model
- Technical service bulletins
- Expert inspection reports
- Evidence of how the fault developed
When Does the Clock Start?
Delivery Date, Not Purchase Date
The 30 days begins when you take physical delivery of the car, not when you pay or sign papers.
Example:
- You pay a deposit on 1st March
- You sign finance documents on 5th March
- The car is delivered on 10th March
- Your 30-day window runs until 9th April
What If Delivery Is Delayed?
If the dealer holds the car for prep work, the clock doesn't start until you actually receive it.
Collection vs Delivery
Whether you collect or they deliver, the clock starts when you take possession.
What Pauses or Extends the Time?
Time for Diagnosis
If the car is with the dealer being diagnosed, some argue this pauses the clock. It's not settled law, but:
- Document when you handed it over
- Note when you got it back
- The 30 days should reflect time YOU had the car
Attempted Repairs
If you agree to a repair attempt within 30 days:
- You LOSE your short-term right to reject
- You move to the "repair or replace" stage
- This is why saying no to repairs within 30 days is often wise
Disputes and Negotiation
Ongoing discussions don't pause the clock. If you're negotiating while the 30 days tick by, you may lose your strongest position.
Calculating Your Deadline
The 30-Day Deadline
Delivery date: The day you take possession (day 1) Last day to reject: 30 days later
Example: Delivery on 15th January = deadline 14th February
Tips for Timing
- Act immediately when you discover a fault
- Put your rejection in writing ASAP
- Email creates an instant timestamp
- Don't wait to see if it gets worse
What If You're Close to a Deadline?
Near Day 30
If you're approaching day 30:
- Send a rejection email immediately
- State the fault clearly
- Reference the Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Request a full refund
- Follow up with a posted letter
Even if you send it on day 29, you've exercised your right in time.
Near 6 Months
If you're approaching 6 months:
- Report the fault in writing NOW
- Request repair under CRA 2015
- The clock effectively resets for the repair attempt
- Document everything
Common Timing Mistakes
Waiting Too Long to Complain
Some people:
- Hope the problem goes away
- Keep driving despite issues
- Wait for it to get worse
- Miss the 30-day window
Act fast. You can always accept a repair later – you can't recover the right to reject.
Accepting a Repair Within 30 Days
Dealers often say "let us look at it" or "we'll fix it for you". Within 30 days:
- You don't have to accept this
- Accepting repair loses your rejection right
- Say no if you want to keep your options open
Not Putting It in Writing
Verbal complaints don't prove timing. Always:
- Email your rejection
- Keep sent messages
- Use recorded delivery for letters
- Screenshot everything
Assuming You're Out of Time
People often think they've missed the window when they haven't. Even after 30 days or 6 months, you still have rights – they just work differently.
Quick Reference Table
| Time Period | What You Can Do | Burden of Proof | Refund | | ---------------- | --------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------- | | 0-30 days | Reject outright | Dealer | Full | | 31-180 days | Repair/replace, then reject | Dealer | May deduct for use | | 6 months-6 years | Repair/replace, then reject | You | Will deduct for use |
Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Fault on Day 7
You notice an engine warning light a week after delivery. Action: Reject immediately for full refund. Do NOT accept repair.
Scenario 2: Fault on Day 45
Gearbox starts making noise 6 weeks in. Action: Request repair in writing. If it fails, reject. Small deduction possible.
Scenario 3: Fault on Month 8
Suspension fails 8 months after purchase. Action: Get independent inspection proving fault existed at sale. Request repair, then reject if it fails.
The Bottom Line
Time matters, but it's not as restrictive as dealers want you to think.
- Within 30 days: Act fast, reject outright, don't accept repairs
- Within 6 months: Still strong position, one repair attempt then reject
- After 6 months: Rights continue, but get evidence first
Whatever stage you're at, the key is acting promptly and putting everything in writing.
Not sure where you stand on timing? Get a free assessment – we'll tell you what rights you have right now.
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