Date published: 15th May 2024

If you buy a used car, it’s important to be aware of your rights to ensure your investment is protected. The last thing you want is to be left out of pocket with a broken car! 

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you if you buy your car in the UK and it is not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose and not as described by the seller. The Act gives you the right to request a repair or replacement of the vehicle and in some circumstances, it allows you to reject the vehicle and return it.   

Some of the conditions when it comes to purchasing a used car include:  

  • If your used car proves to be faulty then you have the right to ask for a full refund in the first 30 days after buying it. 

  • If a problem is found after 30 days, but within six months of purchase, you can request a repair or a replacement vehicle. 

  • The burden is on the seller of the car to prove that the fault wasn’t present when the car was sold to you. 

  • The dealer will have one chance to repair the fault and if they can’t fix it, you are entitled to a refund. 

  • If a fault appears after six months, it is down to you to prove that the problem was there at the time of purchase. To do that, we recommend that you get an expert to examine the car and provide a written report. 

One of the main things to note is that you have more legal protection if you buy your used car from a recognised dealer rather than a private seller or auction. When buying from a registered dealer, the law recognises that they will have specialist vehicle knowledge and should be aware of any issues with the car before listing it for sale. It is still worth doing your research on any trader you are considering purchasing a used car with, to ensure the business is correctly registered and recognised with the appropriate bodies.  

When buying from a private seller or auction, you have less legal protection than you would buying from a trader. 

The rights you have when buying from a private seller are: 

  • The seller's description of the car must match the vehicle. For example, if disclosing number of previous owners or mileage.  

  • The seller must have the legal right to sell you the car in the first place.  

  • The car must be roadworthy and safe to drive on public roads (unless the seller very explicitly tells you otherwise) 

If you choose to buy from a private seller, ensure that the car is in full working order before making the purchase. It is also wise to check their identification to make sure it matches with the logbook and any other documentation. We’d also advise you keep a copy of any adverts in case you need to make a claim.  

If your car develops any faults, we recommend that you let the seller know as soon as possible. You should keep a record of all of your correspondence, such as emails and notes of phone calls.   

If you find yourself in a dispute with a car dealer or seller, Jackson Lees can assist you. Give us a call or make an enquiry today to speak to one of our experts.