What to Do If You’ve Purchased a Defective Vehicle

If you have purchased a vehicle from a car trader or garage, we can assist you and guide you through a claim in accordance with your Consumer Rights.

Consumer Rights for Defective Vehicles

Whether the vehicle is new or second-hand, you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015). Under the CRA 2015, all products must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If they do not meet these criteria, they fail to comply with the legislative requirements implied into your contract by the CRA 2015.

For example, if you find that your car has been involved in an accident when it was described as never having been, or if your brand-new car will no longer start, then it is likely that the vehicle does not comply with the standards set out by the CRA 2015. In such cases, you may well have a valid claim.

It is important that you seek advice as soon as possible, as strict timelines apply when determining your rights and remedies under the CRA 2015:

Timeline for Consumer Rights

• 0-30 Days: You can claim a full refund for goods that are of unsatisfactory quality, unfit for purpose, or not as described.
• 30 Days – Six Months: The seller has one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle before you can claim a refund.
• Six Months or Longer: You must give the seller one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle before claiming a partial refund. The burden of proof is on you to prove the product is faulty.

Where the car trader has an opportunity to repair, they are required to carry out the necessary remedial work to your vehicle at no cost to you and without any undue delay.

If the car trader does not carry out the repair work to a satisfactory standard, we can advise you further on pursuing the claim and recovering your losses.

What If the Vehicle Sale Was Private?

If the vehicle was purchased from a private individual (i.e., not a garage or vehicle trader), then you would not be protected by the CRA 2015.

However, you could still bring a legal claim against the private seller if they misrepresented the condition of the vehicle to you.

Contact Us for Assistance

For more information or support, please contact Daniel Hovell or our Litigation team on 01623 782785. You can also find more details here:

• Daniel Hovell – Hopkins Solicitors
• Civil Litigation & Disputes – Hopkins Solicitors