Bought a Faulty Car? Here's What You Need to Know
Bought a Faulty Car? Here’s What You Need to Know
Buying a car should be an exciting experience. Whether it’s your first vehicle or an upgrade, you expect it to be reliable, safe and fit for purpose.
Unfortunately, some motorists discover faults shortly after purchase and are left wondering whether they can return the vehicle and get their money back.
The good news is that if you bought your car from a dealer or trader, you may have important legal protections under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights if you’ve bought a faulty car and want to reject it.
Can You Reject a Car Under the Consumer Rights Act?
Yes, you can reject a car under the Consumer Rights Act,
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives buyers important protections when purchasing a vehicle from a dealership or motor trader.
If a vehicle does not meet the required standards, you may have the legal right to reject it and receive a refund.
To be sold legally, a vehicle must:
- Match its description
- Be of satisfactory quality
- Be fit for purpose
If the vehicle fails to meet these requirements, you could have grounds to reject it.
When Can You Reject a Car?
Not every issue will justify rejecting a vehicle.
You cannot reject a car simply because:
- You’ve changed your mind
- You no longer like it
- It has minor cosmetic defects
- The issue can be easily rectified
However, you may be able to reject a vehicle if:
The Car Was Misdescribed
The vehicle does not match the description provided by the dealer, either in advertisements or during the sales process.
The Car Is Not of Satisfactory Quality
The vehicle has significant faults that would not be considered reasonable for its age, mileage, or value.
The Car Is Not Fit for Purpose
A mechanical, electrical, or safety-related defect prevents the car from performing as expected.
The 30-Day Right to Reject a Car
One of the strongest protections available to consumers is the 30-day short-term right to reject.
If a significant fault was present when the vehicle was sold, you may reject the vehicle within 30 days of purchase and request a full refund.
During this period:
- You can reject the car rather than accept a repair.
- You may choose whether or not to accept a replacement vehicle.
- You are generally entitled to a full refund.
- The dealer must usually arrange collection of the vehicle.
If you part-exchanged a vehicle as part of the purchase, you would usually receive the value of the transaction rather than the return of your previous vehicle.
What Happens After 30 Days?
After the first 30 days, your rights change slightly.
Between 30 Days and Six Months
If a fault develops within the first six months, the dealer is normally entitled to one opportunity to repair the vehicle.
If the repair is unsuccessful or the fault persists, you may then be entitled to reject the vehicle.
Importantly, during the first six months, the law generally assumes the fault was present at the time of purchase unless the dealer can prove otherwise.
After Six Months
You may still have the right to pursue a rejection or other remedy, but it becomes more difficult.
At this stage, the burden of proof typically shifts to the buyer, meaning you’ll need to show that the fault existed when the vehicle was sold.
The longer you own and drive the vehicle, the harder this can become.
Do These Rights Apply to Private Sales?
No.
The Consumer Rights Act generally applies to vehicles purchased from dealers and traders.
When you buy from a private seller, your rights are much more limited.
The seller must still describe the vehicle accurately, but the same protections relating to quality and fitness for purpose do not usually apply.
This is why it’s particularly important to inspect a vehicle carefully before agreeing to a private sale.
What About Cars Bought at Auction?
Auction purchases can be different.
Many vehicles sold at auction are offered on a “sold as seen” basis, meaning your rights may be more limited than they would be when buying from a dealership.
Before bidding on any vehicle, always read the auction’s terms and conditions carefully.
What Should You Do if You Discover a Fault?
If you believe you’ve purchased a faulty car:
1. Report the Problem Immediately
Notify the dealer as soon as you discover the issue.
The sooner you act, the stronger your position is likely to be.
2. Gather Evidence
Keep:
- Photographs
- Repair reports
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Receipts
- Emails and letters
Evidence can help support your case if a dispute arises.
3. Communicate in Writing
Where possible, keep all communication in writing.
Email is often best because it creates a clear record of what was said and when.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Use
If you’re considering rejecting the vehicle, limit further use where practical.
Continuing to drive the car extensively could complicate matters later.
5. Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a timeline of:
- Faults discovered
- Conversations held
- Repairs attempted
- Correspondence received
Good records can be invaluable if the matter escalates.
Is Rejecting a Car Always the Best Option?
Not necessarily.
In some cases, the dealer may be willing and able to resolve the issue quickly through a repair.
A successful repair may be faster, easier, and less stressful than pursuing rejection.
However, where significant faults exist or a repair fails, rejecting the vehicle may be the most appropriate option.
Final Thoughts
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides valuable protection for motorists who purchase faulty vehicles from dealers. If a car is misdescribed, not of satisfactory quality, or unfit for purpose, you may be entitled to reject it and obtain a refund.
The key is to act quickly, keep detailed records, communicate in writing, and understand the time limits that apply to your situation.
How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident
At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.
After an accident, our expert team will take care of:
- vehicle recovery,
- collision investigation,
- organising repairs,
- providing a replacement vehicle,
- liaising with insurance companies and
- legal and medical
And we do it all, at no cost to the not-at-fault driver.
Our service is free as we recover the costs from the third-party insurers.
Why Choose CRASH Services?
- Established in 1996
- Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands Local Northern Ireland Motorists
- No Cost to You, Costs Recovered from Insurers
- Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs
- 99% Customer Recommendation Rate
Our Mission is Simple:
“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”
Need Help After an Accident in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?
Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today
CRASH Services, take care of everything, at no cost to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I return a faulty car and get a full refund?
If you purchased the vehicle from a dealer and a significant fault was present at the time of sale, you may have the right to reject the vehicle. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, consumers may be entitled to a full refund if the issue is identified within the first 30 days of purchase.
- Does the 30-day right to reject apply to all faults?
No. The fault must be significant enough to affect the vehicle’s quality, fitness for purpose, or whether it matches its description. Minor cosmetic issues or faults that can be easily remedied may not justify rejection.
- What are valid reasons for rejecting a car?
Common reasons include:
- The vehicle is not as described.
- The vehicle is not of satisfactory quality.
- The vehicle is not fit for purpose.
- The vehicle has a significant mechanical or safety-related fault.
- What happens if a fault appears after 30 days?
After the initial 30-day period, the dealer is generally entitled to one opportunity to repair the vehicle. If the repair is unsuccessful, you may still have rights to reject the vehicle or seek other remedies.
- Can I reject a car after six months?
Potentially, but it becomes more difficult. You may need to demonstrate that the fault existed when the vehicle was sold, which can require expert evidence or inspections.
- Do I have the same rights if I buy from a private seller?
No. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 generally applies to purchases from dealers and traders, not private sales. Your rights in a private sale are usually more limited.
