Buying a used car is exciting, but it can also be stressful – especially if something goes wrong. The good news is that UK law gives you strong protections when you buy from a dealer. Here's everything you need to know.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is your best friend when buying a used car. It states that any car you buy from a dealer must be:
- Satisfactory quality – It should be free from defects, considering its age, mileage and price
- Fit for purpose – It should be safe and roadworthy
- As described – It should match any description given by the seller
If your car fails any of these tests, you have rights.
The 30-Day Right to Reject
This is the big one. If you discover a fault within 30 days of taking delivery, you can reject the car for a full refund. No questions asked, no deductions for use.
The dealer cannot insist on repairing it first. You have an absolute right to reject within this window.
What counts as a fault?
A fault is anything that means the car isn't of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or as described. Learn more about what actually counts as a fault. This includes:
- Mechanical problems (engine, gearbox, brakes)
- Electrical faults
- Warning lights that won't go away
- Problems that existed at the time of sale but weren't disclosed
- Mileage discrepancies
- Outstanding finance that wasn't disclosed
How to reject your car
To exercise your right to reject, you need to:
- Tell the dealer in writing that you're rejecting the car
- Cite the Consumer Rights Act 2015 specifically
- State the fault clearly
- Request a full refund within 14 days
The dealer must then collect the car and refund you within 14 days of taking it back.
After 30 Days: Your Repair and Replacement Rights
If you're past the 30-day window but within 6 months, you still have rights – but they work differently.
You can ask the dealer to repair or replace the car. They get one chance to fix it. If the repair fails or they refuse, you can then reject for a refund (though there may be a deduction for use).
During the first 6 months, it's assumed the fault existed at the time of sale. The dealer has to prove it didn't – not the other way around.
After 6 Months
Between 6 months and 6 years, you still have rights, but you'll need to prove the fault existed at the time of sale. This usually means getting an independent inspection.
What About Private Sales?
These protections only apply when buying from a dealer – someone who sells cars as a business. Private sales (person to person) only require the car to be "as described" – so you have far fewer protections.
This is why it's generally safer to buy from a dealer, even if it costs a bit more.
What If the Dealer Refuses?
Unfortunately, some dealers will try to wriggle out of their responsibilities. They might:
- Claim it's "wear and tear"
- Insist on multiple repair attempts
- Ignore your letters
- Go silent
If this happens, you have options:
- Write a formal rejection letter citing the legislation
- Contact your finance company if you bought on finance (they're jointly liable under Section 75)
- Use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Take them to Small Claims Court for claims up to £10,000
The Bottom Line
When you buy a used car from a dealer, you're protected by strong consumer rights. The key is knowing what those rights are and being prepared to enforce them.
If you've bought a faulty car and you're within 30 days, act fast. Check out our guide on how long you have to reject a faulty car for the complete timeline.
Need help rejecting a faulty car? Check if you're eligible for our rejection service.
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