When you buy a car from a dealer, you have the same rights as when you buy any other product from a business. Read more about your rights when you buy goods, and your rights when you buy second-hand goods.
There are a number of things to watch out for when buying a used car. Our car buyer’s checklist will also help you to ask the right questions.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you have a problem after you buy a car, consumer law sets out the steps a dealer has to take to resolve your issue. Remember that these rights will not apply if the issue relates to wear and tear that was pointed out to you before you bought the car.
If you think the car has been clocked, you should contact us immediately. Read our car crime consumer guide for more information on our car crime investigations.
You do not have the same consumer rights if you buy a car from another consumer. You should get a mechanic to check the car before you buy it. Make sure you get the seller’s address and telephone number. Know what to look out for when buying privately and use our car buyer’s checklist.
Disguised traders
A disguised trader is a business who acts as though they are private seller, even though they are selling as part of their business. They may do this by selling cars through online platforms and marking the ads as private sales. Disguised trading is illegal. If you think you have come across a disguised car dealer, you should contact us immediately. You can read our car crime consumer guide for more information on what to expect if you make a complaint about car crime to us.
What to do if something goes wrong
If you buy a car from a private seller and discover a problem, there may be little you can do beyond taking a civil case through the courts. Because of this you should be very careful when buying from a private seller; you really need to be aware of what you’re buying.
If you think the car has been clocked, you should contact us immediately. You can read our car crime consumer guide for more information on what to expect if you make a complaint about car crime to us.
