Buying a used car - know your consumer rights

So you’re buying a used car, the dealer tells you it’s a good little runner, one careful owner, with all the mod cons, MP3 player, air conditioning and it won’t let you down.

Sounds perfect, but as soon as you get home, it’s a different story. When he said air con, he must have meant windows, he said MP3 player but it only plays CDs, and the perfectly normal oil patch is actually a leak. Well here’s some good news – you have parted with your hard earned cash but as soon as you’ve entered into a contract with the seller you have rights.

The sale of goods act says that any item you buy from a trader, someone selling goods such as a business such as a shop or online shop must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If it isn’t the item is faulty and you should contact the trader as soon as possible, because you can usually get a repair, replacement or refund.

So next you time buy a used car don’t get caught out. Get any agreements in writing and make sure you ask all the right questions what mechanical and mileage checks are there, how many owners has the car had, is the full service history available, has the car been modified or been involved in an accident. Most importantly know your legal rights so you can have confidence when you buy.