Your Rights When Buying From a Dealer

Understanding your consumer rights when purchasing a vehicle from a motor trade dealer in the UK.

By the MotorMkt teamPublished Last updated

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Quick Answer

When buying from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you. The car must be of satisfactory quality, as described, and fit for purpose. Within 30 days, you can reject a faulty car for a full refund. After 30 days, the dealer must attempt repair first. "Sold as seen" disclaimers do NOT remove your rights. These protections do NOT apply to private sales - only dealer purchases.

Consumer Rights Act 2015

What the Dealer Must Guarantee

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, every vehicle sold by a dealer must be:

  • Of satisfactory quality - Working, safe, durable, and free from defects that shouldn't be present given the vehicle's age, mileage, and price
  • As described - Must match any description in the advert or verbally by the dealer (including mileage, service history, previous owners)
  • Fit for purpose - If you told the dealer you need the car for a specific purpose (e.g., towing), it must be suitable for that
Your Right to Reject

30-Day Right to Reject

If a fault develops within 30 days of purchase, you have the right to reject the vehicle and get a full refund.

  • You don't have to accept a repair - you can demand your money back
  • The fault must make the car not of satisfactory quality
  • You must have not "accepted" the car (e.g., by keeping it too long after discovering the fault)

After 30 Days (up to 6 months)

Step 1: The dealer gets ONE chance to repair or replace

Step 2: If the repair fails or takes too long, you can then reject for a refund

Key protection: During this period, the fault is presumed to have existed at sale. The dealer must prove otherwise.

After 6 Months

You still have rights, but:

  • You must prove the fault existed at the time of sale (e.g., independent inspection)
  • Any refund may be reduced for the use you've had
  • The dealer can still argue the fault is due to wear and tear
What Counts as a Fault?

Likely a Valid Fault

  • - Engine or gearbox failure within days/weeks of purchase
  • - Mechanical issues that shouldn't occur on a car of that age/mileage
  • - The car was described as "full service history" but it wasn't
  • - Safety-critical components failing shortly after purchase
  • - Mileage discrepancy discovered after purchase
  • - Undisclosed previous accident damage

Unlikely to Be Covered

  • - Normal wear and tear (brake pads, tyres, clutch on high-mileage cars)
  • - Issues caused by your own misuse or neglect
  • - Minor cosmetic issues that were visible at the time of sale
  • - Faults disclosed before purchase and reflected in the price
  • - Issues found on the test drive that you proceeded with anyway
What Dealers Cannot Do

Invalid Exclusions

These terms or statements do NOT remove your legal rights:

  • "Sold as seen" - This doesn't exclude consumer rights when buying from a dealer
  • "Trade sale only" - If you're a consumer (not buying for business), you still have full rights
  • "No warranty" - Your statutory rights exist regardless of any warranty
  • "No refunds" - You have a legal right to a refund for faulty goods
  • "You test drove it" - Test driving doesn't remove your rights for faults you couldn't discover
Your Remedies
Full Refund

Within 30 days for any fault making the car unsatisfactory

Free Repair

After 30 days, dealer must attempt repair at no cost to you

Replacement

Or a replacement vehicle of equivalent value

Final Right to Reject (after 30 days)

If the repair or replacement fails, or takes an unreasonably long time, you can reject the car for a refund. Note: after 6 months, the refund may be reduced to account for the use you've had of the vehicle.

How to Raise an Issue

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Document everything: Take photos/videos of the fault. Keep any repair quotes or inspection reports.
  2. Contact the dealer in writing: Email or message through the platform. Clearly state the issue and what you want (refund, repair, etc.).
  3. Give a reasonable deadline: Typically 14 days for a response, or the timeframe in their complaints policy.
  4. Keep records: Save all correspondence. Note dates and what was discussed in any phone calls.
  5. Escalate if needed: If the dealer won't cooperate, you can use Alternative Dispute Resolution or the small claims court.
If the Dealer Won't Help

Escalation Options

  • 1.Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Free or low-cost mediation through The Motor Ombudsman if the dealer is a member
  • 2.Trading Standards: Report the dealer to your local Trading Standards through Citizens Advice
  • 3.Small Claims Court: For claims up to £10,000 (England/Wales) or £5,000 (Scotland). The process is relatively straightforward.
  • 4.Credit card/finance: If you paid any amount by credit card, you may have a claim under Section 75. Finance companies may also be liable.
Useful Resources
Related Guides

Car Buying Guide

Tips for inspecting and buying a used car

Vehicle Checks Explained

Understanding history checks, MOT history, and more

Frequently asked questions
What are my rights when buying a car from a dealer?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, any car sold by a dealer must be of satisfactory quality (working, safe, durable), as described (matching the advert and any verbal claims), and fit for purpose. These rights apply to all business sellers, not just franchised dealers.
Can I get a refund on a faulty car?
Yes. Within 30 days of purchase, you can reject a faulty car for a full refund if it doesn't meet satisfactory quality standards. After 30 days (up to 6 months), the dealer gets one chance to repair or replace. If that fails, you can then reject for a refund which may be reduced for usage.
Does 'sold as seen' remove my consumer rights?
No. When buying from a dealer, terms like 'sold as seen', 'trade sale only', 'no warranty', or 'no refunds' do NOT remove your statutory consumer rights. These disclaimers are invalid for consumer purchases from business sellers.
What should I do if a dealer won't help with a faulty car?
Document everything with photos and written correspondence. Contact Trading Standards through Citizens Advice. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution through The Motor Ombudsman. For claims up to £10,000, you can use Small Claims Court. If you paid by credit card, you may have Section 75 protection.

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