Faulty Car

Kelsara

Hi, we purchased a Ford Focus ST 2020 (Diesel) in May 2026 from a main dealer, following collection of the vehicle, we immediately reported an issue with juddering brakes (which they have subsequently replaced - but it has not resolved the juddering) and also an issue with throttle lag, when you put your foot down, at around 2.5k revs, there is a hesitation to the engine before it kicks in.

The Dealer has had two separate Ford garages try to find the fault, whilst they can replicate the fault on test drive, they cannot find the fault.

We spent £20k on this car and as we are still within the six months of purchase, can we ask for our money back?

What are our consumer rights regarding the faults, how long is it before we are no longer covered for any repairs to be done by the Dealer?

If not what would our options be, as we are not prepared to just live with the fault.

Thanks

Woodstok2000

They get one chance to fix the issue (which they seem to have had), then you can reject the car. They can make a reduction in the refund amount for the use you have had of it since May.

This is a helpful guide: https://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/rejecting-a-car/

sheslookinhot

How long is the “hesitation” ? 1 second, 2 seconds ?

born_again

Turbo lag?

LukeB_92

Woodstok2000 is right, and a couple of points to add. Because you are still within six months of purchase, the law presumes the fault was present at sale — the burden is on the dealer to prove otherwise, not on you. The 30-day short-term right to reject has passed, but after the failed repair attempts the 'final right to reject' applies: put the rejection in writing (email is fine), reference the Consumer Rights Act 2015, and keep a record of the two garage visits and dates. They can deduct a fair amount for your use of the car, but they cannot simply refuse.

One more practical point: if you bought on finance or paid any of the deposit on a credit card, the finance company or card provider is jointly liable under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act — so if the dealer drags its feet, the lender is another route. And if the dealer is signed up to the Motor Ombudsman, that is a free escalation route if they refuse.

Ectophile

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82153503#Comment_82153503

It's going to be difficult if they refuse to accept that there's anything wrong with the car. You don't get a free change of mind for up to 6 months just because you don't like the way the car drives.

Kelsara

@Ectophile its not a case of not liking how the car drives, there is quiet clearly a problem with the car

ThumbRemote

"The Dealer has had two separate Ford garages try to find the fault, whilst they can replicate the fault on test drive, they cannot find the fault."

Do you have this in writing/email from them? It will make proof much easier if so.