In short (UK): A car bought from a dealer must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Serious faults within 30 days can support a full rejection and refund in many cases; later, repair may come first. Write to the dealer, keep evidence, and involve finance or card routes if needed. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
A faulty car is stressful and expensive. This guide covers the core rights for dealer purchases — not a full litigation pack. For a structured plan, evidence timeline, and formal rejection letter from your details, use Refundly.
Your Rights When a Car Is Faulty
From a trader, the car must be:
- Of satisfactory quality for age and mileage
- Fit for purpose / roadworthy for normal use
- As described in the advert and sales talk
Private sales are a different (usually weaker) legal world.
The 30-Day Window and After
| Timeframe | Typical position |
|---|---|
| Within 30 days | Strong short-term right to reject for full refund in many serious-fault cases |
| After 30 days | Repair/replacement may come first; refund still possible if that fails |
| Within 6 months | Fault often assumed present at sale unless the dealer proves otherwise |
What to Do Next (High Level)
- Stop using the car if unsafe; document any necessary use.
- Evidence — photos, diagnostics, independent inspection if proportionate.
- Write to the dealer — reject or request remedy; be clear.
- Keep collection/return records.
- Escalate via finance provider, Section 75/chargeback, or court if ignored.
High-value disputes need a dated evidence bundle — Refundly helps structure it
What Your Complaint Should Cover
Checklist: vehicle and price; purchase date; fault and when it appeared; inspection if any; that you are rejecting (if so); refund method; deadline. Stay factual.
A formal written rejection is harder to dismiss than a showroom argument
Common Dealer Pushbacks
| Dealer says | High-level response |
|---|---|
| "Wear and tear" | Serious faults soon after sale need more than a slogan |
| "Repair only" | Within 30 days rejection can be stronger; later repair may come first |
| "Our garage only" | Independent evidence is still useful |
| "Sold as seen" | Core CRA rights against traders are not switched off by a phrase |
Paid on Finance?
Notify the finance company as well as the dealer. Qualifying card or finance routes may add leverage — details depend on your agreement and payment structure.
Using Refundly for Faulty Vehicle Claims
- Log the goods / vehicle issue
- See CRA remedies in plain English
- Build a timeline and evidence list
- Generate a formal complaint or rejection letter
- Track and export if you escalate
Final Tip
Act fast on serious faults. Photos plus an independent inspection early often decide high-value outcomes.
General information for UK consumers only — not legal advice. See the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Citizens Advice on cars.
Common questions
Short answers to common questions on this topic.
- Does the Consumer Rights Act apply to used cars from a dealer?
- Yes for purchases from traders. The car must be of satisfactory quality for its age and mileage, fit for purpose, and as described. Private sales are different and usually weaker.
- Can I reject a faulty car within 30 days?
- Often yes for a serious fault discovered within the short-term right to reject. You may be able to claim a full refund without accepting a repair first — act quickly and in writing.
- What if the dealer says “sold as seen”?
- Traders cannot exclude core statutory rights with slogans. Age and mileage matter for “satisfactory quality”, but serious faults soon after sale are not automatically “wear and tear”.
- What if I bought on finance?
- The finance company may also have responsibilities. Section 75 or finance agreement remedies can sit alongside claims against the dealer — keep both informed in writing.
- Do I need an independent inspection?
- Not always legally required, but a garage report is powerful evidence for high-value disputes and helps if the dealer disputes the fault.