2026 CRA 2015 Guide: Is a Used Car 'Fit for Purpose' After 30 Days?
When you drive a used car off a forecourt in 2026, you expect it to hold together. Whether you’ve bought a high-mileage diesel or a second-hand EV, the excitement of a new purchase can quickly turn to anxiety if a dashboard warning light flickers on or the gearbox begins to crunch.
While many buyers are aware of the "30-day short-term right to reject," there is often significant confusion about what happens once that initial window closes. If your car develops a fault on day 31, are you stuck with a "lemon," or does the law still protect you?
In this guide, we break down the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015) as it stands in 2026, focusing on the bridge between the 30-day mark and the first six months of ownership.
Consumer Rights Act 2015: The Statutory Standards
Before looking at timelines, we must define what a dealer is legally required to sell you. Under the CRA 2015, any vehicle sold by a trader must meet three specific criteria:
- Satisfactory Quality: The vehicle should be of a standard that a reasonable person would expect, taking into account its age, price, and mileage.
- Fit for Purpose: If you specified a particular use (e.g., "I need this car to tow a heavy caravan"), the vehicle must be capable of performing that task.
- As Described: The car must match the description provided by the dealer (e.g., if it was advertised with "Full Service History," it must have it).
Buyer Rights: Post-30 Day Protections
If your car develops a fault after the initial 30-day "short-term right to reject" has expired, you do not lose your rights, but the process of seeking a remedy changes.
The Right to Repair or Replacement
Between 30 days and six months of ownership, your primary right under the CRA 2015 shifts from an immediate refund to the Right to Repair or Replacement.
If a fault occurs, you must give the dealer one opportunity to repair the vehicle or provide a replacement. The dealer must do this within a "reasonable time" and without causing you "significant inconvenience." In the UK automotive market of 2026, "reasonable time" usually accounts for parts availability (particularly for EV batteries or specialized semiconductors), but the dealer cannot leave you without a car indefinitely.
The "Final Right to Reject"
If the dealer’s attempt to repair the vehicle fails, or if they are unable to replace the car, you then move to the Final Right to Reject. At this stage:
- You can return the car for a refund.
- The Deduction for Use: Unlike the 30-day rejection window, if you reject a car after 30 days, the dealer is legally entitled to apply a "deduction for use." This is a calculation of how much value you have extracted from the car (usually based on mileage covered) since the purchase.
The Six-Month Reverse Burden of Proof
One of the most powerful tools for UK buyers is the "reverse burden of proof." If a fault appears within the first six months of ownership, the law assumes the fault was present at the time of delivery. It is not up to you to prove the car was faulty; it is up to the dealer to prove the car was not faulty (or that the fault was caused by your misuse/accidental damage).
Dealer and Trader Obligations
The CRA 2015 places the onus on the professional seller. If you are a trader in 2026, your obligations remain stringent to ensure consumer confidence in the used market.
Professional Diligence and the CPRs 2008
Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs 2008), dealers must act with "professional diligence." This means they cannot omit "material information" that might influence a buyer's decision. If a dealer knew a car had a recurring electrical fault but cleared the codes before the sale, they are in breach of these regulations.
The Mandatory Repair Attempt
Dealers cannot simply refuse to look at a car because 30 days have passed. If a consumer presents a fault within six months, the dealer is obligated to inspect it. If they refuse to acknowledge a genuine mechanical failure that renders the car "unfit for purpose," they risk legal action and potential fines under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000) if the vehicle was sold on finance.
Transparency in Price and Condition
Dealers must ensure that the price of the vehicle reflects its condition. While a £2,000 "runaround" is not expected to be in the same condition as a £30,000 approved used SUV, it must still be "roadworthy" under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Selling a car in an unroadworthy condition is a criminal offence, regardless of any "sold as seen" disclaimers (which are legally void in trader-to-consumer sales).
What if the Car is on Finance?
If you used hire purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) to buy the vehicle, you have additional layers of protection.
- Consumer Credit Act 1974 (Section 75): If you paid a deposit (between £100 and £30,000) using a credit card, the card provider is "jointly and severally liable" for any breach of contract by the dealer.
- Section 99 (Voluntary Termination): While not specific to faults, the CCA 1974 allows you to hand the car back once you have paid 50% of the total amount payable.
- The Finance Provider's Responsibility: When a car is on finance, the finance company actually owns the vehicle. If the car is not "fit for purpose" after 30 days, your complaint is technically against the finance company, not just the dealer. They have a vested interest in ensuring the collateral (the car) is of satisfactory quality.
Key Takeaways for 2026 Buyers
- Day 0-30: Short-term right to reject. You can demand a full refund for a significant fault.
- Day 31-Month 6: The dealer has one chance to repair or replace. If they fail, you can reject for a refund (minus a deduction for mileage).
- Burden of Proof: Within the first six months, the law assumes the fault was there at the start. After six months, the burden shifts to the buyer.
- Private Sales vs. Dealers: Remember, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to traders only. If you buy from a private individual, the car only needs to be "as described" and "roadworthy."
Summary Table: Rejection Rights
| Period | Primary Right | Refund Type | Burden of Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 30 Days | Rejection | Full Refund | Trader |
| 30 Days - 6 Months | Repair/Replacement | Partial Refund (Usage Deduction) | Trader |
| 6 Months+ | Repair/Replacement | Partial Refund (Usage Deduction) | Consumer |
Key Takeaways
- The 30-day window is not a "cliff edge"; you retain strong rights for up to six months.
- Dealers are allowed one attempt at a repair before you can force a rejection after day 30.
- Always communicate in writing to create a paper trail for potential legal or Ombudsman claims.
- Finance companies share liability—use this to your advantage if the dealer is being uncooperative.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding UK consumer law as of 2026. It does not constitute legal advice. If you are involved in a dispute with a motor trader, consult with a qualified legal professional or contact Citizens Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are my legal rights when buying a used car from a dealer?
- Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a used car must be of 'satisfactory quality', 'fit for purpose', and 'as described'. These standards are judged based on the vehicle's age, price, and mileage at the point of sale.
- Can I reject a used car if a fault develops after 30 days?
- After the initial 30 days but within the first six months, your primary legal right is a 'repair or replacement'. You must give the dealer one opportunity to fix the fault before you can request a refund.
- Who has to prove a car fault existed at the time of purchase?
- If a fault appears within the first six months of ownership, the law assumes the defect was present at the time of delivery. It is the dealer's responsibility to prove otherwise (the 'burden of proof').
- How many times must I let a dealer try to repair my car?
- The dealer is entitled to one attempt to repair or replace the vehicle. If the repair fails, is impossible, or isn't completed within a reasonable timeframe, you then have the right to a price reduction or a 'final right to reject' for a refund.
- Will I get a full refund if I reject a car after 30 days?
- If you exercise your 'final right to reject' after 30 days, the dealer can apply a deduction from your refund to account for the usage and mileage you have had from the vehicle.
- Does the Consumer Rights Act 2015 apply to private car sales?
- No. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 only applies to purchases made from VAT-registered motor traders. Private sales are governed by the principle of 'caveat emptor' (buyer beware), though the car must still be 'as described'.
- What faults are not covered by the Consumer Rights Act?
- Minor wear and tear consistent with the car’s age and mileage, or faults clearly disclosed by the dealer (such as on the V5C or invoice) before purchase, are not usually grounds for a claim.