UK - returning defective car (bought yesterday from dealer)

March 17, 2020 4:39 PM

Yesterday a friend bought a used car from a dealership. Within 20 minutes of purchase, it was nonfunctional and he had to call the AA. It now mostly drives, but their investigation revealed bad gearbox issues. I understand that under the Consumer Rights Act he is entitled to a full refund, but how does that actually work? Do we just show up on the lot and ask? What if they refuse? It seems a slightly sketchy place, so we'd like to be extra prepared.
posted by wattle to Travel & Transportation (1 answer total)

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 should protect your friend here. It requires that the thing that you've bought is of satisfactory quality, is fit for purpose, and is as described. Seems like this case would fall under "not fit for purpose".

Your friend can require that the dealership carries out repairs at their cost. Within the first 30 days after the sale, your friend can also return the car and ask for a full refund.

You should get legal advice if you're unsure, but take a look here to see what's possible: https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/the-second-hand-car-i-bought-has-a-problem-what-are-my-rights
posted by rd45 at 3:55 AM on March 18, 2020 [1 favorite]