There are plenty of used cars for sale in this country and the motoring public is eager to buy them. One of the reasons why people are keen to buy used cars is price. Used Ford and BMW cars are much less expensive than new ones.
Used cars can be purchased from car lots, showrooms and car supermarkets. It is in these traders’ best interests that the vehicles they sell please their customers. Providing keenly priced roadworthy cars is the best way to ensure returning customers and attract new ones.
Used cars can also be bought privately from their owners and also at car auctions.
Just where the vehicle is purchased will determine the rights customers are entitled to should something go wrong. Those who purchase their used cars from traders, such as car lots and car supermarkets enjoy the strongest consumer rights.
The law governing cars purchased from traders insists that they must be sold as described, be of satisfactory quality and be roadworthy. The term ‘satisfactory quality’ will be determined by the age of the vehicle, the mileage on the clock and the price paid for it. This stipulation makes sense, as old, very cheap cars that have covered a lot of miles, cannot be expected to be in the same condition as those fresh out of the motor manufacturers.
If a used car develops a problem shortly after being purchased the purchaser has the right to take it back and seek a refund.
The rights for those who bought their used car at a live auction are less extensive. It is always best to check the auction’s terms and conditions. For those purchasing in a private deal there are even fewer rights and the vehicle being sold does not have to be in a ‘satisfactory’ condition.
