UK consumer law is some of the strongest in the world for car buyers — but it only applies in certain situations. Knowing exactly what you're entitled to (and what you're not) is the difference between fixing a problem and being stuck with one.
The Foundation: Consumer Rights Act 2015
If you buy from a UK trader (a dealer, an online retailer, anyone selling cars in the course of business), you have the Consumer Rights Act 2015 on your side. The car must be:
- Of satisfactory quality. Free from minor defects, durable, safe.
- Fit for purpose. Including any specific purpose you told the seller about.
- As described. Matching the listing, photos, and any verbal claims.
If any of these are not met, you have legal remedies — with no need for the seller's permission.
The 30-Day Right to Reject
If a fault appears within 30 days of buying from a trader, you have the right to reject the car for a full refund. The seller can't make you accept a repair instead. They have to take the car back.
This is the strongest right you have, and it's why buying from a trader is so much safer than buying privately.
The 6-Month Reverse Burden
If a fault appears within 6 months, the law presumes the fault existed when you bought the car — unless the seller can prove otherwise. They get one chance to repair or replace. If that fails, you can reject the car for a full or partial refund.
Beyond 6 months, the burden shifts to you to prove the fault was inherent. Still possible, but harder.
Online Retailer-Specific Rights
On top of these statutory rights, most online retailers add their own:
- Cazoo: 7-day return policy, no questions asked. 90-day warranty as standard.
- Cinch: 14-day return policy. 90-day warranty as standard.
The 7- or 14-day return is on top of, not instead of, your Consumer Rights Act protections. The 30-day right to reject for faults still applies.
Distance Selling Regulations
Buying online with no physical viewing also gives you Consumer Contracts Regulations protections — typically 14 days to cancel and return for a full refund, regardless of fault. This is automatic for online purchases where you don't see the car before buying.
Some sellers try to disclaim this. They can't if you genuinely bought online without inspection.
Where Rights Are Weaker: Private Sellers
Buying from a private seller, your only legal right is that the car must match the description given. Caveat emptor — buyer beware — applies to almost everything else.
If the seller said nothing about the gearbox and the gearbox fails the next day, you have no claim. The car simply has to match what was actually described.
Where Rights Are Murky: eBay Auctions
eBay auctions occupy a middle ground. Trade sellers on eBay still owe you Consumer Rights Act protections. Private sellers do not. Read the listing carefully to see whether you're dealing with a "trade" or "private" seller.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
- Within 30 days: contact the seller in writing. State that you are exercising your statutory right to reject under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Ask for a full refund.
- If they refuse: follow up in writing again. Cite the law. Mention that you'll involve trading standards.
- If still no luck: contact your bank if you paid by card and request a chargeback. Visa, Mastercard and Amex have robust dispute processes.
- Report to trading standards: via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
- Last resort: small claims court. Self-represented, low fees, surprisingly effective.
What You Can't Reject For
- Faults you knew about and accepted at the time of buying.
- Wear and tear consistent with the car's age and mileage.
- Damage you caused after buying.
- Things you didn't like in hindsight (this is what the 7/14-day return policies are for).
The Bottom Line
Buying from a UK trader gives you genuinely strong rights. Buying privately gives you almost none. This is the single biggest reason most savvy UK buyers stick with dealers, online retailers, or trade sellers — and why Car Cupid focuses on aggregating across the major trader platforms first.