Most buyers have no idea what their legal rights actually are when they buy a used car. Here is what the law says and what to do if the vehicle turns out not to be what you were told it was.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015
When you buy a used car from a dealer a business it must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
Satisfactory quality takes into account the vehicle's age, mileage, and price. A used EV will have wear and tear, and the Act accounts for this.
But undisclosed faults that a reasonable person would not expect at the vehicle's price, age, and condition are covered including a battery SoH materially lower than stated, non-functioning ADAS systems, or an undisclosed battery lease.
The 30-day right to reject
Within 30 days of purchase, if the vehicle is faulty or not as described, you have the right to a full refund.
After 30 days but within six months, the seller has the opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle if they cannot, you are entitled to a price reduction.
After six months, the burden shifts to you to show the fault existed at the point of sale. The 30-day window is the strongest position you have as a buyer.
If a fault emerges, act immediately and in writing.
Private purchases - the difference
Private sales are not covered by the Consumer Rights Act in the same way. The vehicle must be as described and the seller must have the right to sell it but the satisfactory quality and fitness for purpose protections do not apply.
When buying privately, pre-purchase checks carry more weight precisely because your legal fallback if something goes wrong is more limited.
Outstanding finance - the ownership risk
A car bought on Hire Purchase finance is legally owned by the finance company until the final payment is made.
A seller with outstanding HP finance cannot legally sell the vehicle. An HPI check before purchase confirms whether finance is outstanding always run one and keep the result.
An innocent private buyer who was unaware of the outstanding finance is generally protected from repossession under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 but only if they acted in good faith, which a documented HPI check helps demonstrate.
