Consumer Help guide

Reject or repair a faulty used car from a dealer

Use your consumer rights when a used car bought from a dealer develops a fault, whether you paid outright or with finance, and escalate if the dealer refuses.

Estimated time: 1–2 hours plus follow-upUpdated: 28 September 2026

Use this guide when a used car bought from a motor dealer develops a fault that is not down to normal wear and tear. Have the sales invoice, any finance agreement, the advert and the car's service and MOT history ready. If the fault affects safety, stop driving the car until it has been checked.

Step by step

  1. Make the car safe and stop using it

    If the fault affects brakes, steering, lights, tyres or anything else safety-related, stop driving and arrange recovery if needed. Continuing to drive a faulty car can make the problem worse and weaken your claim. Keep the recovery receipt.

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