What is minimum warranty offered by dealers?

gord115

ontheroad1970 said:

Although the Sale of Goods Act still exists and hasn't been replaced by The Consumer Goods Act 2015, the latter is more specific in nature and generally more useful.  You have a right to reject in the first 30 days, or after if a fault has been notified to the dealer inside the first 30 days.  After the this and within the first 6 months the retailer has the right to repair, once, after that rejection can usually take place.  It won't cover anything that is wear and tear.  

Thanks, just the info I wanted. 

neilmcl

Advocado said:

gord115 said:

My son is going to look at a used car at a dealer.
Anyone know what the law states is the minimum warranty offered by dealer?
Is it 30 days or 3 months?
Google not helpful at all.
Thanks in advance

Legally, as it's a used car, the dealer doesn't have to offer any warranty at all - the honus is on you to ensure you're happy with it before making the purchase. 

If they do offer one, read it carefully before making the purchase as it's unlikely to be anywhere near as good as the protection you get when buying new.

The only legal comeback you would have if there was any problem is if the car was incorrectly advertised or they misled you (ie, lie about its history or something).  But bear in mind, that's not the same as not telling you something, so it's important you ask all the right questions.

I'm sorry but that is just plain incorrect. The CRA covers for more than just that when purchasing a used car.

neilmcl

TELLIT01 said:

gord115 said:

Surely if we bought the car from a dealer and the engine blew up on the way home we would have  some comeback?

Purchases from a dealer should be covered by the Sale of Goods Act, i.e. they must be of merchantable quality / fit for purpose.  If the engine blew up on the way home it clearly isn't.  There is no protection on a private sale.

Purchases by a consumer are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, not SOGA.

Grumpy_chap

gord115 said:

Surely if we bought the car from a dealer and the engine blew up on the way home we would have  some comeback?

CRA 2015 give short term right to reject and an longer period in which the Dealer can be obliged to repair if the fault was present or developing at the time of sale.

In either case, the right to reject or force repair is not absolute in so far as not everything gives the consumer rights as it is tempered by "reasonable expectations".  In the example of failing to make it home because the engine failed catastrophically, that would probably be a right to reject in virtually all cases as "reasonable expectations" have not been met.  Less absolute failures can fall into a greyer area.  

The following gives guidance on the protections afforded under CRA:
https://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/rejecting-a-car/

Obviously, the best approach is to put the effort in before purchase to verify the condition of the car - review past service history, on-line records, own HPI check etc.  You are right to ask, though, as even the most prudent caution cannot guarantee.

Most cars supplied by Dealers will be offered with a warranty of sorts.  Although what is covered under a warranty can be rather hit and miss, a Dealer not offering any warranty is unusual and perhaps indicates that another car from another place would be wise.

What sort of age, mileage and value of car is being considered?  The "reasonable expectations" of a £20k nearly new car are different to those for a £2k end-of-life car.

Finally, can any of the purchase price be paid on credit card?  Even just the initial holding deposit.  That will then mean that S75 applies (subject to limits that I assume are not a concern in this case).

Ibrahim5

If I bought a used car from a dealer I would much rather rely on the CRA2015 than a warranty. What happens if you ask for a discount rather than the warranty? You know if they give you a 3 month warranty then when there is a problem they will tell you to use the warranty. The warranty company will then tell you it's not covered and go back to the dealer. You are better without it 

AdrianC

Grumpy_chap said:

Finally, can any of the purchase price be paid on credit card?  Even just the initial holding deposit.  That will then mean that S75 applies (subject to limits that I assume are not a concern in this case).

It's worth clarifying that this does not mean any more protection at all, simply that the financier is equally liable with the vendor. Or not.

jimjames

gord115 said:

Surely if we bought the car from a dealer and the engine blew up on the way home we would have  some comeback?

If the dealer is still in business and you're prepared to sue them through the small claims court (if the value is correct) then yes you would.

AdrianC

jimjames said:

gord115 said:

Surely if we bought the car from a dealer and the engine blew up on the way home we would have  some comeback?

If the dealer is still in business and you're prepared to sue them through the small claims court (if the value is correct) then yes you would.

...and - depending on the age, price and apparent condition of the vehicle - you might win.