Bought a Faulty Car From a Dealer UK

Within the first 30 days of purchase, buyers may be entitled to a full refund if the car has a fault that was present at the time of sale or delivery. After 30 days but within six months, the dealer generally has one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle before a refund can be requested, though any refund after the first six months might have a deduction for use. If the car was bought on finance, the finance company may be jointly liable under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, provided the cash price was between £100 and £30,000. People often find it helpful to put complaints in writing and keep records of all faults and communications.

Common situations include: a car developing mechanical faults shortly after purchase, a dealer refusing to accept responsibility for pre-existing issues, mileage discrepancies or clocking, a car described as having full service history when it does not, warning lights appearing within days of collection, and discovering outstanding finance on the vehicle after purchase.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (sections 9–11) requires goods sold by a trader to be of satisfactory quality, fit for a particular purpose, and as described. Section 22 provides a 30-day short-term right to reject. Sections 23–24 set out rights to repair, replacement, and price reduction. If the car was purchased on credit between £100 and £30,000, section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 may make the finance provider jointly liable. The Misrepresentation Act 1967 may also apply where false statements were made about the vehicle.

People in similar situations often consider: exercising the 30-day short-term right to reject, requesting a repair or replacement from the dealer, making a section 75 claim through their credit card provider or finance company, raising a complaint with the Motor Ombudsman if the dealer is a member, or pursuing the matter through the small claims court. Some people also explore whether an independent inspection report would strengthen their position.

Common mistakes include: waiting too long and missing the 30-day rejection window, accepting verbal promises of repair without getting them in writing, continuing to drive the car extensively after discovering the fault (which may weaken a rejection claim), not obtaining an independent vehicle inspection to document faults, and not checking whether the dealer is a member of a trade body with a dispute resolution scheme.