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Can I reject a car I just bought because one of the doors won't open?

I bought a car one week ago and noticed one of the doors won’t open. Can I reject the car or do I have to get it repaired if the dealer offers? Thank you.

Asked on 6 January 2021 by Ben

Answered by Georgia Petrie
You don't say if the car is new or used but considering you bought it from a dealer - you're covered by the 2015 Consumer Rights Act. My understanding is that within the first 30 days, the Consumer Rights Act covers the purchase of goods, digital content and services - including new and used cars - from official dealers. It outlines the fact that vehicles must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.

This Act gives you the statutory right to reject a new or used car (or anything else) within 30 days of purchase if your rights have been breached. It covers faults that were present - or developing - when you bought it, or it was received in a condition that does not match what you were told.

However, rejecting a car isn't always an easy, quick solution - especially if the dealer refuses the rejection. In which case, it might be best letting them know about the fault and if they suggest letting them try to fix it first (and you're happy with the car otherwise), then this might be a better outcome. Yet, the minor issue may be indicative of the car not being looked after properly if it's used. We don't know enough about the car to know what it's like, but the dealer may well say this is a minor issue and refuse rejection.

You may also have a 14-day 'cooling off period'. A vehicle order signed on the dealer’s premises has no cooling-off period. Once you sign it, you are legally committed to everything shown on the form. However, if you bought online and didn't go to the dealer, you may have the right to cancel from the moment an order is placed until 14 days after taking delivery of the car. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new or used car, the law is the same.
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