Many issues surrounding cars require a discussion. One that produces the most questions though is the subject of rejecting a car that is not as advertised or faulty. We are going to discuss this topic in detail below. Once we’re done, you should have a better understanding of what goes on here. Then, you can contact us if you want to learn more about being a car broker.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015
This is legislation that covers the UK’s consumer retails sales. It succeeded the Sale of Goods Act that goes back to the 1970s. It covers used and new cars purchased from a trader for private (consumer) use. However, it does not cover vehicles for business use via auction or by private sale.
The Consumer Rights Act offers both sellers and buyers clearer guidance about their rights if you compare to the old legislation. In particular, it details how customers can reject cars that aren’t fit for purpose, or faulty ones. In particular, it applies to second hand motors that may have been used and abused by another owner previously.
Something vital to remember though is that vehicles are complex machines. There are hundreds of thousands of components at work under all sorts of hostile conditions. Not every car error is going to mean you can give it back and gain a full refund. If you are a car broker, you need to keep this in mind too.
Dealers will do their own examination
To summarise, a car with a fault isn’t necessarily a faulty one. Dealers will prefer to examine the car prior to agreeing to refund you. They won’t take your word for it then and there.
Customers rejecting cars can cost dealers a lot of cash. They will need to purchase the car back from you at the initial price. After this, they have to fix whatever is wrong and then sell it again, likely for less money. Consequently, the dealer may dispute your rejection unless you make a good case.
If the dealer refuses your rejection, you must take legal action. You will have to talk to a lawyer and maybe take the dealer to court. Not only is this expensive, but you are not guaranteed to win.
If you have valid grounds for rejecting the vehicle, then your rights will come down to how long you’ve had the car for. The Consumer Rights Act allows for a number of options:
- Firstly, there is the short-term right to reject. It lasts for 30 days following the delivery of your car.
- Secondly is the final right to reject. It covers you for six months from the purchase date.
- Finally, you also have a right to reject after six months. However, you aren’t in the best position here and will need to prove the fault pre-dates your ownership.
Don’t jump straight into rejection
With all this in mind, rejecting a car should not be the first move, whether you buy from a dealer, a private seller, or use a car broker. The problem could be an easy fix. If so, you can save a fair amount of hassle and time if you compare to rejection.
Despite the Act giving a clear right to reject faulty vehicles, you can’t just go back to the dealer and walk away with money. The dealer will want to look at things themselves. It is possible their conclusion will be different.
Car purchases can be complex to say the least, and there is a chance you won’t get your money back. If you buy on finance, there may be costs here too.
The dealer could offer to rectify the problem and provide some compensation. This can be a superior option than pursuing a rejection. Even better, you will save yourself the effort of searching for another car.
Do you want to learn how to become a car broker?
At Auto Car Brokers, we’re happy to be able to offer clients our exceptional broking business package. With it, you will have everything necessary to set your own business up. These are quality resources and can support you throughout your time as a broker. We also offer regular free updates too.
So, if being a car broker looks like the right thing for you, please let us know. You can also browse our website for plenty of useful information.
