Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Key Points for Car Buyers

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects consumers when buying goods, including new and used cars from dealerships (traders).

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Car Must Be:

Of Satisfactory Quality
The car should be in a condition that reflects its age, mileage, price, and description.
Fit for Purpose
It must be suitable for the purpose it’s sold for. If you’ve told the dealer you need it for a specific purpose, it must meet that too.
As Described
The car must match any description given – including verbal claims, advertisements, and written specifications.

2. Short-Term Right to Reject – 30 Days

You have 30 days from the date of purchase to reject the car and get a full refund if it’s faulty or doesn’t meet the three criteria above.
This applies whether it’s a new or used car, but not for private sales.

3. Right to Repair or Replacement

If you miss the 30-day window, you still have the right to request a repair or replacement within the first 6 months of ownership.
The dealer must carry out the repair or replacement at no cost to you.
If a repair fails or the issue recurs, you may be entitled to a refund or price reduction.

4. Refunds After 30 Days

After 30 days but within 6 months, you can still get a partial refund, usually with a deduction for usage.
After 6 months, the burden of proof shifts to you to show the fault was present at the time of sale.

5. Misrepresentation or False Advertising

If the car was sold based on false claims (e.g. mileage, number of previous owners), you may be entitled to:

A full refund
Compensation
Or cancellation of the contract

6. Warranties and Guarantees

Any warranty offered does not replace your legal rights.
You can still make claims under the Consumer Rights Act regardless of whether the car is “sold as seen” or has a limited dealer warranty.

Not Covered:

Private sales: The Act only applies to purchases from dealers/traders, not private individuals.
Business-to-business sales: Different rules apply for commercial buyers.
Fair wear and tear: Age-related issues or minor faults expected in used cars are generally not grounds for rejection.

Summary for Buyers:

Right	Time Limit	Remedy
Reject faulty car	Within 30 days	Full refund
Repair or replacement	Up to 6 months	Partial Refund
Refund (after repair fails)	Up to 6 months	Partial Refund
Legal protections	Always	Cannot be waived

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