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Buying a car online - why do I have to pay upfront?
I'm in the process of buying a car from a large car supermarket firm based in England.They have no outlets in Scotland so I have not yet physically seen the vehicle nor had a test drive. I'm now told that I have to pay in full 12 days in advance of their delivery.
Obviously, I'm not at all happy about this. But the seller has said I have the option to reject the car for a full refund if it doesn't match the advertised spec.
Can you offer any advice?
Obviously, I'm not at all happy about this. But the seller has said I have the option to reject the car for a full refund if it doesn't match the advertised spec.
Can you offer any advice?
Asked on 8 June 2022 by Jim Duffy
Answered by
Dan Powell
If you are buying the car outright then it's not uncommon for the seller to process the payment before they organise the delivery.
It's worth noting that, if you are buying the car remotely, you will most likely be covered by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 - commonly known as the 'Distance Selling Regulations'.
The car supermarket should make it clear in writing that your car falls under the Distance Selling Regulations - but I'd suggest checking this before you hand over your money.
Under these rules, you get a 14-day 'cooling-off period', which gives you the right to reject the car for a full refund if you are not 100 per cent happy with it.
It's worth noting that, if you are buying the car remotely, you will most likely be covered by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 - commonly known as the 'Distance Selling Regulations'.
The car supermarket should make it clear in writing that your car falls under the Distance Selling Regulations - but I'd suggest checking this before you hand over your money.
Under these rules, you get a 14-day 'cooling-off period', which gives you the right to reject the car for a full refund if you are not 100 per cent happy with it.
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