What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
I bought a used car privately and it developed a fault when I drove it home - can I do anything about it?
I bought a used car privately and it developed a fault when I drove it home, can I do anything about it?
Asked on 3 February 2020 by Gary sutton
Answered by
David Ross
You do have rights when buying privately, although fewer rights because certain parts of the Consumer Rights Act do not apply. For example, the car does not have to be in a satisfactory quality or fit for purpose.However, the seller must accurately describe the car, such as the number of previous owners. They must also not misrepresent it, for example not disclosing that it has been involved in an accident or providing a false service history.
During the first six months it then becomes the responsibility of the seller to prove that the problem wasn't there when they sold it, rather than it being up to the buyer to prove that is was there. If the individual refuses to accept your rejection, you will need to take legal action to reject the vehicle. However, this is expensive and there's no guarantee that you will win.
During the first six months it then becomes the responsibility of the seller to prove that the problem wasn't there when they sold it, rather than it being up to the buyer to prove that is was there. If the individual refuses to accept your rejection, you will need to take legal action to reject the vehicle. However, this is expensive and there's no guarantee that you will win.
Similar questions
A car we bought from a secondhand dealer clearly had a fault on purchase but we only detected it when driving home on the motorway. Do we still have to pay the diagnostic costs and first £100 excess as...
My used Land Rover Discovery Sport was bought from main a dealer in 2018 as an ex-demonstrator. After four months the engine was replaced under warranty. After another four months during a service, the...
If you buy a car privately which then breaks down after 76 miles and needs a new clutch and driveshaft, do you have any legal recourse against the seller?