The Consumer Rights Act for car dealers

What the Act requires

When you sell a vehicle to a consumer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says it must be:

• Of satisfactory quality — accounting for age, mileage and price. A 12-year-old car isn't held to the standard of a new one, but it must still be roadworthy and free of undisclosed faults.
• Fit for purpose — able to do what cars do, plus any specific purpose the buyer told you about.
• As described — matching your advert, photos and anything you said in person.

The 30-day right to reject

If a fault that was present (or developing) at the point of sale shows up within 30 days, the buyer can reject the car for a full refund. This is a short, hard window — which is why an accurate description and a documented pre-sale check matter so much.

After 30 days: repair or replace

Between 30 days and six months, the buyer must usually give you one opportunity to repair or replace the car. If that attempt fails, they can reject it or claim a price reduction. After the first six months, the burden generally shifts to the buyer to show the fault was present at sale.

What this means in practice

• Describe accurately. Note known faults, advisories and service history honestly. "Sold as seen" does not override a consumer's statutory rights.
• Keep a paper trail. A pre-sale check, photos and a clear invoice protect you if a claim arises.
• Handle issues quickly. Most disputes are cheaper to resolve early than to let escalate.
• Trade sales differ. Sales to other businesses aren't covered by consumer rights in the same way — but be clear which you're doing.

How good records help

Most disputes come down to "what was said and shown at the time." Keeping a single, accurate record per vehicle — with consistent photos and description flowing straight to your website and invoice — gives you a clean, defensible account if a buyer ever queries the car. That consistency is built into how ForecourtOnline manages stock.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Consumer law is detailed and fact-specific — check current GOV.UK and Trading Standards guidance, or speak to a solicitor, about your own situation.