{"id":3981,"date":"2026-02-13T23:19:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T23:19:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carexamer.com\/blog\/?p=3981"},"modified":"2026-02-13T23:26:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T23:26:51","slug":"your-rights-when-buying-a-used-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carexamer.com\/blog\/your-rights-when-buying-a-used-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Rights when Buying a Used Car"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>Estimated reading time: <\/span>6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buying a used car is one of those things in life that’s both extremely exciting and absolutely terrifying at the same time. You\u2019re getting a well-needed upgrade, or, making an economically genius decision, but at the same time, could be making a mistake. It\u2019s very up in the air, but, it\u2019s important to remember that it’s not all bad. There are rules and rights in place when buying a used car to act in your favour to stop you from getting taken advantage of. The only downside is that you have to know about them and make sure you don’t make any mistakes if and when the time comes that you need them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Citizens Advice<\/a>, these are the things you need to watch out for in order to be covered to get the issues accounted for by someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You Were Informed about the fault<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re buying a new used car and you\u2019re told about an issue, you need to make sure you\u2019re paying attention. Your rights when buying a used car mean that you can get the money back for things you didn’t know about, but only if you’re not told. This is one of the biggest things to remember. If you were told about it, whether you were listening or you understood it or not, you may well be on your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That doesn\u2019t mean it has to be as daunting as it sounds, so don\u2019t panic. You have to be aware of the extent of the issue, or at least understand what it means. Fancy jargon and unusual language have to be simplified to help you stay safe, even with the car’s history<\/a>. Always try to keep things clear, and don’t be afraid to take notes either. Emai and text trails can be useful here too, as well as a third party present for any interactions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You missed the visible issue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This one speaks for itself a little, but it\u2019s still something to remember. If the car has a visible issue and you\u2019ve personally seen it yourself, even if you missed it but it was there, it could be your fault for ignoring it. Remember, this is only if you have personally seen the car in real life. Images and online viewings do not count here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This one is mostly about bodywork issues. Scratches, dents or paint issues that are clearly visible on the vehicle. Take your time to inspect the vehicle, or use a third party inspection service to keep you in the clear. Really take a thorough look at what you’re buying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If You Caused the Fault<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thirdly, your rights when buying a used car are void again if the fault was caused by you. This one goes without saying, but it\u2019s surprising what some people will try and pass off as someone else. If that damage happens as a result of something that you caused, that\u2019s going to be down to you to fix, not the seller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This still needs some clarification. If the fault was already there but you didn\u2019t realise and weren\u2019t told but it happens while the car is yours, that\u2019s not your fault. Say the engine has damage and causes issues 5 miles away from the seller’s house when you leave; that\u2019s not your fault. If you scratch the vehicle on a speed bump or you crash it entirely, that\u2019s on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If The fault is fair<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The last point you need to look at when you’re keeping yourself safe as you buy your new used car is what is classed as fair wear and tear<\/a>. This one is a real issue for a lot of people, and again, it’s something you don’t have a leg to stand on a lot of the time, so do your homework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As far as your rights when you’re buying a used car go, fair wear and tear are where the car has issues, but they aren\u2019t unreasonable. Say you buy the car and the tyres are worn, or the brakes aren\u2019t great. They are faults that come with a used car in general, and that\u2019s not up to the seller to fix if they don\u2019t want to (unless you discuss that prior of course). This, however, is debatable a lot of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cooling off periods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now, before you panic about buying a new used vehicle, there\nis one final, final thing you need to be aware of too. It\u2019s not really\napplicable for most cases but if it does apply, then it\u2019s something you need to\nknow about; cooling-off periods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cooling off periods apply to every industry, not just cars.\nIt comes down to this; if you buy something without seeing it, I.E. over the\nphone or internet, these rights don\u2019t matter. Instead, you get 14 days to return\nyour purchase free of charge. That\u2019s to tell the vendor you want to return it.\nThen you get another 14 days to send it back. That\u2019s important to know if\nyou\u2019re buying something without being able to see it first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, car buying is always going to be a risk, but as\nlong as you know your stuff, you have a fighting chance. Check everything you\ncan do, including the car’s history, and try and do your homework to see the\ncommon pitfalls. Alternatively, you can use services such as ours to help you\nbe 100% sure of what you’re buying.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you know your rights!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What are my rights when buying a used car in the UK?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you buy a used car from a dealer, it must be as described, of satisfactory quality, and fit for purpose under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If a fault develops within 30 days that was not disclosed, you may have the right to reject the vehicle for a refund. Rights differ when buying privately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I return a used car if I was told about the fault?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the seller clearly informed you about a specific fault before purchase and you agreed to proceed, you may not be able to claim for that issue later. However, the description must be accurate and clear. Misleading or vague explanations may still leave the seller responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does a cooling-off period apply when buying a used car?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A 14-day cooling-off period usually applies if you buy a car online or over the phone without seeing it in person. This falls under distance selling regulations. If you purchase the car in person at a dealership, cooling-off rights generally do not apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is fair wear and tear covered when buying a used car?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fair wear and tear refers to reasonable deterioration due to age and mileage, such as worn tyres or minor cosmetic marks. Sellers are not normally required to fix fair wear and tear unless agreed beforehand. However, significant safety-related faults are not considered fair wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What should I do before buying a used car to protect my rights?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inspect the vehicle carefully, request written confirmation of any known faults, check the vehicle history, and consider arranging a professional pre-purchase inspection.<\/a> Keeping written communication helps protect your position if issues arise later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n