I bought a faulty Used Car

I bought a faulty used car

Have you bought a new or used car and found it to be faulty?

The dealer gave you a warranty that doesn’t seem worth anything?

At Impel Legal, we can assist with car legal issues, including seeking repairs or damages, returning faulty vehicles, and resolving disputes with dealers.

We can also help with private sellers as well as online auctions.

The following details your rights under UK law, the steps to take and some different scenarios, including outstanding finance and undisclosed insurance categorisations

Click here to contact the paralegal at impel legal

Discovering that the used car you just purchased is faulty, unreliable, or not what was promised is one of the most frustrating and financially stressful experiences a consumer can face. You may have spent thousands of pounds on what you believed was a sound vehicle, only to find yourself stranded at the roadside or staring at an escalating repair bill within days or weeks of driving it home.

The good news is that UK law provides robust protections for buyers of used cars from dealers, and you do not have to accept the situation quietly.

At Impel Legal, our dedicated paralegal specialises in consumer rights disputes and can guide you through every stage of a complaint against a car dealer, from initial correspondence through to formal legal action.

In this article, we explore your legal rights, the most common reasons to complain, the remedies available to you, and exactly how the paralegal at Impel Legal can intervene on your behalf

Your Legal Rights When Buying a Used Car from a Dealer

When you purchase a used car from a dealer in the United Kingdom, you are protected by a comprehensive framework of consumer legislation.

The principal statute is the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which applies to all contracts between a trader and a consumer entered into on or after 1 October 2015. Under this Act, any vehicle sold by a dealer must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. Satisfactory quality means the car should meet the standard that a reasonable person would expect, taking into account its age, mileage, price, and any description given at the point of sale.

Fit for purpose means that if you told the dealer you needed the car for a specific use, such as towing a caravan or long motorway commuting, the vehicle must be capable of that use. As described means the car must match any written or verbal description provided by the dealer, including mileage, service history, accident history, and specification level.

Beyond the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you are also protected by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which prohibit misleading actions, misleading omissions, and aggressive sales practices by traders.

If a dealer failed to disclose a known fault, rolled back the odometer, or pressured you into completing the purchase without a proper inspection, they may be in breach of these regulations.

The Misrepresentation Act 1967 provides additional protection where a dealer makes a false statement of fact that induces you to enter the contract, whether that misrepresentation was made fraudulently, negligently, or innocently.

Furthermore, if you purchased the car on finance arranged through the dealer, the Consumer Credit Act 1974 may render the finance company jointly liable with the dealer under Section 75 for vehicles costing between £100 and £30,000, or under Section 75A for linked credit agreements above that threshold.

The paralegal at Impel Legal can intervene at this very first stage by reviewing your purchase documentation, sales contract, any written descriptions, text messages, emails, and advertisements to establish which statutory protections apply to your specific transaction.

Our paralegal will assess whether the dealer has breached the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, or the Misrepresentation Act 1967, and will advise you on the strength of your position before any formal complaint is made.

This early intervention ensures that your complaint is framed correctly in law from the outset, significantly increasing the likelihood of a swift resolution.

Comprehensive Reasons to Complain About a Faulty Used Car

The reasons for complaining about a faulty used car are wide-ranging, and the law recognises that faults can manifest in numerous ways. Below are comprehensive categories of complaint, each illustrated with a realistic scenario.
 
Mechanical and Engine Faults. One of the most common complaints involves serious mechanical failures that arise shortly after purchase. These include engine management faults, turbo failure, timing chain or belt defects, gearbox and transmission problems, clutch failure, and catastrophic engine seizure.
 
Scenario: Sarah purchased a 2018 diesel hatchback from a dealership in Manchester for £9,500.
 
The dealer described the car as having a full service history and being in excellent mechanical condition.
 
Eleven days after purchase, the engine management light illuminated, and an independent garage diagnosed a failing turbocharger and a stretched timing chain, quoting £3,200 for repairs.
 
Sarah had not been told of any prior turbo issues despite the dealer’s service records later revealing a previous warranty claim for the same component.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal intervened by obtaining Sarah’s purchase paperwork, the dealer’s own service records obtained through a subject access request, and the independent garage’s diagnostic report.
 
Our paralegal drafted a formal letter of complaint citing breach of the satisfactory quality and as-described requirements under Sections 9 and 11 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, demanding a full repair at the dealer’s cost or a full refund.
 
The dealer initially resisted, but the paralegal at Impel Legal escalated the matter by notifying the dealer of Sarah’s intention to pursue a claim through the County Court and by lodging a parallel complaint with the Motor Ombudsman. The dealer ultimately agreed to replace the turbocharger and timing chain at no cost to Sarah and provided a three-month warranty on the repair.
 
Electrical and Software Faults. Modern vehicles are heavily reliant on electronics, and faults in wiring, sensors, infotainment systems, battery management, and ECU software can render a car unreliable or unsafe.
 
Scenario: James bought a 2020 electric vehicle from a franchise dealer in Birmingham for £22,000. Within three weeks, the battery management system began displaying erroneous range readings, the regenerative braking intermittently disengaged, and the touchscreen froze repeatedly.
 
The dealer dismissed the issues as minor software glitches requiring only a reset.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal intervened by commissioning an independent automotive electrician’s report that confirmed a defective battery management module and a wiring harness fault, neither of which could be resolved by a simple software update. Our paralegal prepared a detailed complaint letter referencing Sections 9, 10, and 11 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, arguing that the dealer’s dismissal of the faults constituted a misleading omission regarding the vehicle’s true condition.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal also advised James of his short-term right to reject the vehicle under Section 20 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, as the fault had manifested within thirty days. The dealer agreed to a full refund of £22,000 and reimbursement of £340 in diagnostic fees.
 
Bodywork, Structural, and Accident Damage. Dealers are under a duty to disclose any previous accident damage, structural repairs, or write-off history. Selling a car with concealed accident damage or misrepresenting its structural integrity is a serious breach.
 
Scenario: Priya purchased a 2019 SUV from an independent dealer in Leeds for £16,800. The dealer’s advertisement and verbal assurances stated the car had no accident history. Four months later, Priya needed bodywork repairs after a minor kerb scrape, and the body shop discovered extensive filler, mismatched panel gaps, and evidence of a previous Category S insurance write-off repair that had not been declared.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal intervened by arranging an independent vehicle inspection and obtaining a comprehensive HPI check and insurance claims history. Our paralegal then drafted a complaint alleging breach of Section 11 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, misrepresentation under the Misrepresentation Act 1967, and a breach of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal calculated Priya’s losses, including the vehicle’s diminution in value, the cost of the independent inspection, and the additional insurance premiums she had paid based on the false history. A formal claim was submitted, and the paralegal at Impel Legal negotiated a settlement of £6,400 in compensation plus the cost of the inspection, without the need for court proceedings.
 
Mileage Discrepancies and Clocked Vehicles. Altering a vehicle’s odometer reading, commonly known as clocking, is a criminal offence under the Fraud Act 2006 and a clear breach of consumer protection legislation.
 
Scenario: David bought a 2017 estate car from a dealer in Bristol for £11,200, with the odometer showing 42,000 miles. Six months later, during a routine service, the main dealer’s records showed the car had been serviced at 78,000 miles eighteen months earlier.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal intervened by gathering the main dealer service records, MOT history from the DVSA, and the original sales invoice.
 
Our paralegal drafted a complaint citing the Fraud Act 2006, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, and Section 11 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal also reported the matter to Trading Standards and advised David of his right to reject the vehicle or claim the difference in value between a 42,000-mile and a 96,000-mile example of the same model.
 
The dealer refunded the full purchase price of £11,200 plus £580 in investigation costs after the paralegal at Impel Legal issued a formal letter before action.
 
 
Faulty Safety-Critical Components. Defects in brakes, steering, suspension, airbags, seatbelts, and tyres are not merely inconvenient; they pose a direct risk to life.
 
Scenario: Karen purchased a 2016 family saloon from a dealer in Nottingham for £7,900. Two weeks after purchase, she experienced a complete loss of power steering while driving on a dual carriageway. An independent inspection revealed that the power steering pump had been failing for some time and that the front brake discs were dangerously below the minimum legal thickness.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal intervened urgently, advising Karen to cease driving the vehicle immediately and arranging for it to be collected and stored. Our paralegal drafted a complaint emphasising that the vehicle was not fit for purpose under Section 10 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and was not of satisfactory quality under Section 9, given the safety-critical nature of the defects.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal also highlighted the dealer’s potential liability under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for failing to disclose known safety defects. Karen exercised her short-term right to reject under Section 20 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The paralegal at Impel Legal secured a full refund of £7,900 plus £210 in towing and storage charges.
 
Incorrect Specification or Missing Features. A car that does not match its advertised specification, such as lacking satellite navigation, heated seats, a particular trim level, or the stated engine variant, is not as described.
 
Scenario: Tom purchased a 2019 premium hatchback from a dealer in London for £18,500. The advertisement and the dealer’s own listing stated the car was a top-specification model with a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and a premium sound system.
 
Upon collection, Tom discovered the car was a mid-specification model with none of those features.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal intervened by collating the original online advertisement, screenshots, the dealer’s printed sales sheet, and the vehicle’s build sheet obtained from the manufacturer.
 
Our paralegal drafted a complaint under Section 11 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, arguing the vehicle was not as described. The paralegal at Impel Legal presented Tom with two options, either a price reduction reflecting the difference between the mid-spec and top-spec models, or rejection of the vehicle for a full refund. The dealer opted to refund £3,800, representing the specification difference, plus £150 towards Tom’s independent valuation fee, negotiated by the paralegal at Impel Legal.
 
Persistent and Recurring Faults. A car that repeatedly breaks down or requires the same repair multiple times within a short period may be fundamentally defective, even if each individual fault seems minor.
 
Scenario: Aisha bought a 2021 city car from a dealer in Sheffield for £13,400. Within the first three months, the car returned to the dealer four times for the same coolant leak, twice for a faulty alternator, and once for a misfiring engine. Each time, the dealer carried out a temporary fix.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal intervened by compiling a detailed chronology of every fault, every visit to the dealer, and every repair attempt.
 
Our paralegal argued that the cumulative effect of these recurring defects meant the vehicle was not of satisfactory quality under Section 9 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and that the dealer had failed to repair the car within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience under Section 23.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal issued a formal notice rejecting the vehicle under Section 24 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, as the right to repair had been exhausted.
 
The dealer initially offered another repair attempt, but the paralegal at Impel Legal firmly declined on Aisha’s behalf and pursued a full refund. After a final letter before action referencing County Court proceedings, the dealer refunded the full £13,400.
 
Finance and Warranty Mis-selling. Where a car is purchased on hire purchase, personal contract purchase, or dealer-arranged finance, additional protections apply. Mis-sold warranties, undisclosed balloon payments, and unsuitable finance agreements are all grounds for complaint.
 
Scenario: Mark purchased a used car on a PCP agreement arranged by the dealer in Glasgow for £15,000. He was not told about a £4,500 balloon payment at the end of the term, and the optional warranty he was told was included turned out to be a separate chargeable product adding £28 per month to his payments.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal intervened by reviewing the finance agreement, the pre-contract credit information, and the warranty terms.
 
Our paralegal identified breaches of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Financial Conduct Authority’s CONC rules, and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal drafted a complaint to both the dealer and the finance provider, invoking Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 for joint and several liability. A settlement was reached whereby the finance agreement was restructured at no additional cost, the balloon payment was waived, and the warranty charges were refunded in full, totalling £672.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal handled all correspondence with the finance company and the dealer throughout.

What You Can Claim, Repair, Refund, or Compensation

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 sets out a clear hierarchy of remedies for a faulty used car purchased from a dealer. In the first thirty days after purchase, you have the short-term right to reject the vehicle under Section 20 if it does not conform to the contract. This entitles you to a full refund of the purchase price. The refund must be provided within fourteen days of the dealer agreeing that you are entitled to reject. You are not required to accept a repair or replacement during this thirty-day window.
 
After the first thirty days but within the first six months, you have the right to request a repair or replacement under Section 23. The dealer must carry out the repair within a reasonable time, without significant inconvenience to you, and at the dealer’s own cost. If the repair or replacement fails, is impossible, or is not carried out within a reasonable time, you may then claim a price reduction under Section 24 or exercise your final right to reject the vehicle for a refund, subject to a deduction for use. The law presumes that any fault appearing within six months of purchase was present at the time of sale unless the dealer can prove otherwise.
 
After six months, the burden of proof shifts to you to demonstrate that the fault was inherent in the vehicle at the time of purchase rather than arising from wear and tear or misuse. However, this does not mean you lose your rights. A reasonable person would not expect a major fault to develop in a relatively new or recently purchased vehicle, and expert evidence can often establish that a defect was pre-existing.
 
In addition to repair or refund, you may be entitled to compensation for consequential losses. These can include the cost of independent diagnostic reports, towing and recovery charges, hire car costs while your vehicle is off the road, additional fuel costs incurred due to a fault, loss of earnings if the car was needed for work, and the diminution in the vehicle’s value. Under the Misrepresentation Act 1967, you may also claim damages for any loss suffered as a result of a false statement made by the dealer, and under Section 2 of that Act, the court may award damages in lieu of rescission.
 
Where the dealer’s conduct amounts to a criminal offence, such as clocking under the Fraud Act 2006, you may also report the matter to Trading Standards or the police, and the paralegal at Impel Legal can assist in preparing that referral.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal can intervene in securing your remedy by assessing which tier of rights applies to your situation, calculating the full extent of your losses including all consequential costs, drafting the formal demand for repair, refund, or compensation, and negotiating directly with the dealer or their solicitors.
 
Where a dealer refuses to comply, the paralegal at Impel Legal will prepare and issue proceedings in the County Court, including claims under the small claims track for values up to £10,000 and the fast track for higher-value disputes.
 
Our paralegal will also advise you on alternative dispute resolution options, including the Motor Ombudsman’s free adjudication service, which can resolve many dealer disputes without the need for litigation.

How the Consumer Is Protected Against Faulty Used Car Purchases

The UK consumer protection framework is designed to redress the inherent imbalance between a professional car dealer and a private buyer.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 imposes non-excludable obligations on traders, meaning a dealer cannot contract out of the requirements of satisfactory quality, fitness for purpose, and accurate description. Any clause in a sales contract that attempts to exclude or limit these rights is void under Section 31 of the Act. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 give Trading Standards the power to investigate and prosecute dealers who engage in misleading or aggressive commercial practices, and a consumer can also bring a civil claim for damages under Regulation 27A if they have been the victim of such a practice.

The Misrepresentation Act 1967 allows a buyer to rescind the contract or claim damages where they were induced to purchase by a false statement.

The Fraud Act 2006 criminalises deliberate deception, including odometer tampering and the concealment of accident history.

The Consumer Credit Act 1974 provides additional layers of protection for buyers who use finance, and the Financial Conduct Authority regulates the conduct of credit brokers and lenders.

Furthermore, the Motor Ombudsman operates a voluntary code of practice and a free dispute resolution service that many dealers subscribe to, and the Advertising Standards Authority polices the accuracy of vehicle advertisements.

The paralegal at Impel Legal can intervene by identifying every applicable layer of protection relevant to your purchase and deploying them strategically.

Our paralegal will determine whether your complaint should be directed at the dealer, the finance provider, or both, whether a Trading Standards referral would strengthen your negotiating position, whether the Motor Ombudsman route is appropriate, and whether court proceedings are necessary.

The paralegal at Impel Legal will also ensure that all statutory time limits are observed, that your complaint is submitted in the correct legal format, and that every piece of evidence is preserved and properly presented. This comprehensive, multi-statute approach ensures that the dealer cannot hide behind technicalities or delay tactics.

 

Practical Steps to Take When You Discover a Fault

If you discover a fault with a used car you have purchased from a dealer, it is important to act promptly and methodically.
 
Stop driving the vehicle if the fault is safety-critical.
 
Do not authorise any repairs at an independent garage before notifying the dealer, as this may prejudice your right to require the dealer to remedy the fault.
 
Gather all documentation, including the sales invoice, any written description, the advertisement, text messages, emails, and the vehicle’s V5C log book.
 
Obtain an independent diagnostic report from a qualified mechanic or automotive engineer.
 
Notify the dealer in writing, setting out the fault, the date of purchase, and the remedy you are seeking. Keep a record of every conversation, visit, and repair attempt. If the dealer refuses to engage or disputes your claim, do not delay in seeking professional assistance.
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal can intervene at every one of these practical steps. Our paralegal will advise you on whether to stop driving the vehicle, how to preserve evidence, what information to include in your initial complaint letter, and how to respond to any counterarguments raised by the dealer.
 
If the dealer attempts to pressure you into accepting an inadequate repair or waiving your rights, the paralegal at Impel Legal will communicate with the dealer on your behalf, ensuring that your position is stated firmly, accurately, and in accordance with the law. Our paralegal will also manage all deadlines, including the critical thirty-day short-term rejection window and the six-month presumption period, so that your rights are not inadvertently lost through delay.
 
 

Why Choose the Paralegal at Impel Legal

Navigating a dispute with a car dealer can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are dealing with the stress of an unreliable vehicle, mounting repair quotes, and a dealer who refuses to accept responsibility.

The paralegal at Impel Legal brings specialist knowledge of consumer rights legislation, motor trade practices, and dispute resolution procedures to every case.

Our paralegal will provide a clear, honest assessment of the merits of your claim at the outset, explain the available remedies in plain language, and keep you informed at every stage.

We handle all correspondence with the dealer, their solicitors, finance providers, the Motor Ombudsman, Trading Standards, and the court, so that you are not left to manage a complex legal dispute alone.

Whether your claim is for a £500 repair or a £25,000 refund, the paralegal at Impel Legal will treat your matter with the same diligence, rigour, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Disclaimer
 
The information provided in this article is for general guidance and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is fact-specific, and the outcome of any dispute will depend on the particular circumstances, the evidence available, and the applicable law at the time.
 
The references to legislation, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, the Misrepresentation Act 1967, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, and the Fraud Act 2006, are provided as a general overview and should not be relied upon as a substitute for tailored legal advice.
 
The scenarios described in this article are illustrative examples and do not represent actual cases. No solicitor-client or paralegal-client relationship is created by reading this article. If you believe you have purchased a faulty used car and wish to explore your legal options, you should seek specific advice from a qualified professional. #
 
The paralegal at Impel Legal is available to discuss your individual circumstances and to advise you on the most appropriate course of action. Impel Legal accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information contained in this article. All rights reserved.