Considering the purchase of a new automobile involves a considerable amount of consideration. The cost, brand, size and dependability are the key attributes generally scrutinised before parting with your hard-earned money. There is also the dilemma of whether to choose diesel, petrol or even an electric car.
As of 2024, a brand new medium-sized vehicle could have you spending anywhere from £26,000 to £28,000 as per the data provided by car insurance on nimblefins.co.uk. Even a small new car could set you back roughly £19,000. Therefore, it’s crucial to do your research.
When it comes to used cars, some may opt for a private transaction, hoping to land a good deal. However, many prefer dealerships for both, new motors or used ones, as they generally provide a warranty and assistance in case of any mechanical issues.
But a certain motorist who purchased their vehicle through a dealership found themselves in a conundrum when their dealership declined responsibility for a malfunctioning car.
Motorist:
I’ve been having some issues with a car I bought from a dealership. From the time of purchase, it has been making abnormal noises, and warning lights have popped up on the dashboard. The dealership management denies responsibility. Can you assist?
Advice Direct Scotland responded:
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 stipulates that any car or vehicle purchased from a dealer should meet satisfactory quality standards. In case of a used vehicle, its condition should align with its age and the price you paid, including provision of necessary documents such as the logbook, service history or MOT records.
The vehicle is also required to match the sample or model you were shown, comply with the seller’s description, and be fit for any purpose you conveyed to the dealer. For instance, if you requested a car capable of towing a trailer, and the trailer connection is faulty, you could argue the car is not fit for purpose.
If not more than thirty days have elapsed from your vehicle purchase, and you don’t believe the vehicle met satisfactory quality standards at the time of purchase, you may be eligible to return it to the seller for a complete refund. This is called your ‘short-term right to reject’. You may need to provide proof of the vehicle not meeting satisfactory quality at sale.
A refund should be provided within 14 days of the vehicle’s return to the dealer, using the same payment method you used. For instance, a cash refund is applicable if you paid in cash. If more than thirty days have passed since the purchase, you can also request the dealer to repair the vehicle or provide a like-for-like replacement, to be done within a reasonable period, without causing significant inconvenience.
If the dealer cannot repair or replace the vehicle, you can keep it with a discount or return it for a refund. During the first six months from purchasing, if you need a repair or replacement, the onus is on the dealer to prove that the vehicle was not defective at the time of sale.
After this 6-month period, it’s up to the buyer to prove the opposite. You are required to give the dealer only one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle. If the dealer fails to repair, or the replaced vehicle is also defective, you can consider offering the dealer another chance to make amends or return it for a refund. This is termed as your ‘final right to reject’.
In such a case, you should receive a refund within 14 days of the vehicle being returned and in the same payment manner. Most reputable car dealerships are well-versed in consumer rights and should work collaboratively towards resolving the issue.
consumeradvice.scot offers free, practical, and impartial advice to the citizens of Glasgow and Scotland on a wide range of consumer-related matters, including next steps if the car dealership fails to resolve your issues. For additional information, do visit www.consumeradvice.scot or call 0808 164 6000 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).
