Problems, none of us want them. If you have recently purchased a new car, this can be even more of a worry. In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at what your legal rights are when things go wrong. Hopefully, this will allow you to understand your legal rights when it comes to new cars.
To begin with, always run a car check before purchasing a vehicle. This step can potentially save you from buying a car with a hidden history, such as outstanding finance (which means the owner is the finance company), being written off, or recorded as stolen.
My New Car’s Not Right – What Now?
If your new car has a fault, there are a few things you could consider. Of course, the exact nature of this largely depends on whether you purchased new or used.
For brand new cars bought from a dealer, your rights will likely be greater. These vehicles usually come with a thirty day refund policy. During this time, you are entitled to all of the money you paid back if the vehicle is faulty. This also applies to servicing work on existing vehicles.
If a fault has developed outside of this time frame, you may still be able to get support. If faults arose between one and six months after purchase, you may be able to request a repair or replacement. However, if you knew about this fault at the time of purchase, the seller may be able to decline this. Similarly, if the seller can prove there was no such fault at the time of sale, this may not stand. Keep in mind that if a repair is attempted and fails, though, you won’t necessarily receive a full refund; instead, the amount refunded will be based on your use of the vehicle.
Of course, in addition to these points, it’s also worth double checking the assurances the seller provided. Many sellers, especially dealers, will offer assurances such as money back or free repairs; this can often be an appealing offer for buyers. So, double check the paperwork before making any claims. It’s entirely possible that the seller may have given additional protections.
What if I Didn’t Buy From a Dealer?
If you didn’t buy from a dealer, your rights become more limited. When buying a used car from a private seller, your rights largely extend to whether the car was sold accurately. You can potentially ask the seller for a refund if the car was misadvertised. However, if you change your mind, the seller may not be happy to take the car back.
Final Thoughts
If you have been looking to buy a new car, going to a dealer can definitely offer more protection. However, it’s important to note here that this rule only stands for a certain period; as such, it’s important to consider the terms of your car purchase. And, if you’re concerned about this, looking at the possibility of buying a second-hand car may suit your needs better.
Of course, used cars won’t come with as many protections. However, they do cost significantly less money to purchase, allowing you to keep more back for potential repairs. Plus, older cars may have already experienced manufacturing faults, meaning most issues will be the result of wear as opposed to a factory issue.
Dariel Campbell is currently an English instructor at a university. She has experience in teaching and assessing English tests including TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG. With over a decade of teaching expertise, Dariel Campbell utilizes his knowledge to develop English lessons for her audience on English Overview.
