What are my legal rights when buying a used car in the UK?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a used car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and exactly as described. In 2026, these rights also cover 'digital content,' meaning faults in software, infotainment, or autonomous features are treated the same as mechanical engine failures.

Can I return a faulty used car within 30 days?

If you discover a fault within the first 30 days of taking delivery, you have a 'short-term right to reject'. You are entitled to a full refund and do not have to allow the dealer an opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle.

Is a 'sold as seen' sign legally binding when buying from a dealer?

No. In a trade-to-consumer sale, 'sold as seen' has no legal standing and does not override your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act. The dealer is still responsible if the car is faulty, regardless of such disclaimers.

What happens if my used car develops a fault after 30 days?

If a fault appears between 30 days and six months after purchase, you must give the dealer one opportunity to repair or replace the car. If the repair is unsuccessful or creates a significant inconvenience, you can then exercise your final right to reject for a refund (though a deduction for usage may apply).

Does the Consumer Rights Act cover software faults in electric vehicles?

Yes. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 treats digital content as a core component of the vehicle. If the car's software or digital features are defective, you have the same rights to repair, replacement, or rejection as you would for a physical mechanical fault.

How is 'satisfactory quality' defined for a used car?

A used car must meet the standards a 'reasonable person' would expect given its age, mileage, and the price paid. While an older car with high mileage isn't expected to be perfect, it must still be roadworthy and free from defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale.

Rejecting a Faulty Used Car in 2026: Your Rights Under the CRA 2015

In 2026, the process of buying a used car has been transformed by digital-first sales and the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). However, one constant remains: your protection under the law. If you have purchased a vehicle that turns out to be a "lemon," you aren’t just stuck with it. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA 2015) continues to be the bedrock of buyer protection in the UK.

Whether you bought from a traditional forecourt or through a fully online platform, understanding how to reject a faulty vehicle is essential. This guide breaks down the legal landscape as it stands today.

Buyer Rights: Your Protections Under CRA 2015

When you purchase a vehicle from a trader, the CRA 2015 implies certain terms into your contract. Regardless of what the salesperson says or what the "sold as seen" sign might imply (which is legally meaningless in a trade-to-consumer sale), the car 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, mileage, and price.
Fit for Purpose: If you told the dealer you needed the car for a specific purpose (e.g., towing a heavy caravan), it must be capable of doing so.
As Described: The car must match the description provided in the advert or by the salesperson.

In 2026, these rights also extend significantly to software. If your car’s infotainment or autonomous driving features fail due to faulty "digital content" (as defined under Part 1, Chapter 3 of the CRA), you have the same rights to repair or replacement as you do for a mechanical engine fault.

The 30-Day Short-Term Right to Reject

If a fault is discovered within the first 30 days of taking delivery, you have a legal "short-term right to reject." You do not have to give the dealer a chance to repair it; you can simply demand a full refund.

The Right to Repair or Replacement (30 Days to 6 Months)

If a fault emerges after the first 30 days but before six months have passed, the law assumes the fault was present at the time of delivery (unless the dealer can prove otherwise). In this timeframe, you must give the dealer one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle. If the repair fails, is impossible, or takes an unreasonable amount of time, you then gain the "final right to reject" for a refund.

Section 75 and Section 99 (Consumer Credit Act 1974)

If you paid even a penny towards the car (such as a deposit) using a credit card, or if you used HP/PCP finance, you have additional protections. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the credit provider is "jointly and severally liable" for any breach of contract. Furthermore, if you are struggling with a faulty car on finance, Section 99 (Voluntary Termination) might apply in specific debt-related scenarios, though it is usually better to pursue a rejection via the CRA 2015 first to recover your deposit.

Dealer/Trader Obligations: What They Must Do

Car dealers have strict legal obligations that they cannot "contract out" of. If a dealer tries to tell you that "used cars don't come with a warranty," they are misrepresenting your statutory rights.

The Obligation to Provide "Satisfactory Quality"

Dealers must ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe under the Road Traffic Act 1988. However, the CRA 2015 goes further. A dealer must ensure that any significant defects are disclosed before the sale. If they fail to do so, they are in breach of contract.

Transparency and Prohibited Practices

Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs 2008), dealers are prohibited from engaging in "unfair commercial practices." This includes:

Omission: Deliberately hiding a car's accident history or known battery degradation in an EV.
Aggressive Sales: Pressuring you into a sale or discouraging you from exercising your rights.
Misleading Actions: Giving false information about the car's service history or number of previous owners.

The Burden of Proof

For the first six months after purchase, the burden of proof lies with the dealer. If a fault occurs, it is not up to you to prove the car was faulty when you bought it; it is up to the dealer to prove it wasn't. After six months, the burden shifts to the consumer, making rejection significantly harder.

Handling a Rejection Notice

When a consumer exercises their right to reject, the dealer is obligated to provide a refund without undue delay and usually within 14 days of agreeing that a refund is due. In 2026, for the "final right to reject" (after 30 days), the dealer is allowed to make a "deduction for use." This is a calculation of how many miles you have driven and the value you have derived from the car, which is then subtracted from your refund.

How to Formally Reject a Vehicle: Step-by-Step

Stop Driving the Car: As soon as you decide to reject the vehicle, stop using it. Continued use can be seen as "affirming" the contract.
Contact the Dealer in Writing: Do not rely on phone calls. Send a formal letter or email titled "FORMAL REJECTION UNDER THE CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015."
Detail the Faults: Clearly state why the car does not meet the requirements of being of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, or as described.
Reference the Law: Mention the CRA 2015 and, if applicable, the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
Set a Deadline: Give the dealer a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days) to respond or issue the refund.

Key Takeaways

The 30-Day Rule: You have an absolute right to a full refund for a fault within the first 30 days.
6-Month Presumption: Faults appearing within six months are presumed to have been present at the time of sale.
One Chance to Repair: After 30 days, you must allow the dealer one attempt to fix the issue before rejecting.
Finance is Shared Risk: If the car is on finance, the finance company is often just as responsible as the dealer.
Digital Goods Matter: In 2026, software glitches in your car are treated the same as mechanical failures under the law.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding UK consumer law as of May 2026 and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and the application of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 depends on the specific facts of your case. For specific legal issues, please consult a qualified solicitor or contact Citizens Advice.