Consumer Rights Act 2015

What a trader must supply

For a consumer purchase from a trader, the vehicle must be of satisfactory quality, fit for its purpose and as described. A used car is assessed in context, including its age, mileage, price, description and other relevant circumstances. It does not have to be in the same condition as a new car.

Normal wear, damage after supply and faults specifically drawn to your attention before purchase may not establish a breach. Private sales and business purchases do not have the same protections. A warranty does not replace applicable statutory rights.

The first 30 days

If the vehicle does not meet the Act’s requirements, a short term right to reject will usually be available during the first 30 days. You do not have to accept a repair first. The period normally starts the day after ownership or possession has transferred, delivery has occurred and any required installation or other action is complete.

You must clearly tell the responsible trader or finance provider that you are rejecting the vehicle. If you request or agree to repair or replacement during this period, the rejection clock is paused under the Act’s waiting period rules. The exact remaining deadline depends on what happened.

A breakdown within 30 days does not automatically prove a right to reject. For the short term right, you need to establish that the vehicle failed to meet the relevant requirements when supplied.

Repair or replacement after 30 days

After the short term rejection period, repair or replacement is usually the next statutory remedy. It must be provided at the trader’s expense, within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience. A chosen remedy can be unavailable if it is impossible or disproportionate compared with the alternative.

A price reduction or final right to reject may become available if one repair or replacement leaves the vehicle nonconforming, if both remedies are unavailable, or if repair or replacement is not provided within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience. Not every workshop visit counts as the statutory repair attempt.

Final rejection of a motor vehicle can involve a reasonable deduction for use, including within the first six months. A full refund is therefore not guaranteed. This motor vehicle exception does not permit a deduction for use from a valid short term rejection refund.

The first six months: an evidence rule, not a guarantee

For the repair, replacement, price reduction and final rejection remedies, a failure to conform appearing within six months of delivery is generally presumed to have existed at delivery. The trader can rebut that presumption, and it does not apply where it is incompatible with the nature of the goods or how they failed.

This is not an automatic six month right to reject, and it is not the same rule as the short term right to reject in the first 30 days.

After six months

Your rights do not simply end at six months. However, you will normally need evidence showing that the vehicle failed to meet the required standard at delivery. A defect can have been developing at supply even if its symptoms appeared later.

An independent technical report may help assess that issue, alongside service history, diagnostics and repair records. It cannot always establish when a fault began. Find out about our signed CPR 35 independent report.

Financed cars and wider protections

With hire purchase or PCP, the finance provider is generally responsible as the supplier under the agreement. Other finance arrangements can work differently. A qualifying credit card or linked credit purchase may also engage section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, subject to its conditions.

Our evidence review is not limited to the Consumer Rights Act 2015. We explore relevant consumer and credit protections alongside the technical findings, including applicable Consumer Credit Act provisions and FCA rules about lender conduct and complaints. We are not solicitors and do not provide legal advice, representation or a legal decision on your entitlement.

Keep making finance payments unless your provider agrees otherwise in writing. Raising a complaint does not automatically suspend the agreement, and missed payments may affect your credit file.

Keep your evidence together

• The advert, purchase invoice, finance agreement and delivery date.
• The mileage at delivery and when each fault first appeared.
• Photos, videos, warning messages and diagnostic results.
• Repair invoices, service history and dates the vehicle was unavailable.
• Your written complaint, the remedy requested and the dealer or lender’s replies.

Do not drive a vehicle you believe is unsafe. Avoid disposing of parts or authorising unnecessary work that could remove evidence; urgent safety work may still be needed.

You can complain without paying us

You can complain directly to the dealership or finance provider free of charge. An eligible unresolved finance complaint can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service, also free of charge. Its referral deadlines and eligibility rules apply. See free complaint options.

Official sources

• Consumer Rights Act 2015 — see sections 9 to 11 and 19 to 24.
• Consumer Credit Act 1974, section 75
• Financial Ombudsman Service: car finance complaints

General information about UK consumer purchases, not personalised legal advice. Local law and procedures differ; the Isle of Man has its own legislation. No outcome is guaranteed. Legal disclaimer.