Navigating the Return of Part-Exchange Vehicles

legal updates

When a financed car sale is rejected, what happens to the part-exchange (and its cleared finance) is rarely straightforward.

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Picture a scenario where a trader has sold a vehicle to a customer under a finance agreement (Finance A), accepted a part exchange vehicle as part of the transaction, and settled the outstanding finance on the part exchange vehicle (Finance B).

Subsequently, the customer seeks to reject the new vehicle, and Finance A agrees to the rejection.

The trader is considering whether to retain and resell the part exchange vehicle or attempt to return it to the customer, arguing that all parties should be restored to the position they were in prior to the contract.

If Finance A refuses to accept the return of the part exchange vehicle, it is recommended that the trader retain the vehicle and resell it, rather than insisting on returning it to the customer. If the part exchange vehicle was returned to the customer, Finance B would need to reapply a finance marker to the vehicle to restore the parties to their original position. However, Finance B would be unable to do so.

Therefore, it is recommended that the trader retain the part exchange vehicle and proceed with its resale.

If you are dealing with a rejection where part-exchange finance has been settled, our legal team at Lawgistics can help you navigate the practical steps and reduce the risk of a dispute.

Impression Communications LtdPutting the motive in automotive

Impression works with businesses across the automotive aftermarket supply chain such as parts suppliers, warehouse distributors, motor factors and independent garages. Covering all aspects of automotive aftermarket marketing, including social media, event management, customer newsletters and PR, Impression is able to quickly establish itself within a client’s business and work towards their objectives.

Nidhi ShahTrainee SolicitorRead More by this author

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