Car sold with a fault

legal updates

Ensure the consumer is aware, understands, and most importantly, accepts the vehicle is subject to fault.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

At Lawgistics, we are asked by our members if they can sell a vehicle with a fault.

The answer is… Yes! BUT, subject to the following:

  • If the vehicle has a minor fault/or a component that is failing but has still passed an MOT, then ensure this is referenced within the advertisement. S11 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 is all about description, and the legislation specifically states: “goods will match the description” which is why it is extremely important to ensure the description on the advert is correct!
  • If the vehicle in question has a clutch that is slipping, then list it in the description in bold. Bear in mind, the price should reflect any fault or repair required. When a consumer enquires about the vehicle, reiterate the details of any fault, ensure the consumer is aware, understands, and most importantly, accepts the vehicle is subject to fault.

To also ensure you have everything covered, list any fault on the sales invoice and request the consumer to sign their initials to acknowledge the fault.

  • If the consumer was to contact you a month or so later stating the clutch had since failed, you can remind the consumer the vehicle was advertised with a slipping clutch, they were verbally informed about the clutch at the time of enquiring, they received a discount due to the vehicle requiring such repair, AND they also acknowledged it on the sales invoice.

Therefore, no remedy would be owed to the consumer in relation to the clutch (only).

Please note – The above refers to a vehicle with a valid MOT. Advice regarding an unroadworthy vehicle or spares and repairs sales is different from the above. It is always worth contacting Lawgistics to ensure you are acting upon the correct advice.

Cable For My CarWe offer free next day delivery* on all EV charging cables when shipped within mainland UK

Stocking only premium EV charging cables, we ensure you experience a stress-free EV charge, over and over, confidently backed by our 2 year warranty. Our premium & reliable charging cables are compliant with EU & UK safety standards. We offer free next day delivery* on all EV charging cables when shipped within mainland UK.

Roxanne BradleyLitigation ExecutiveRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

“Running Well”: Two words that cost a consumer £3,300

The judge found our member’s repairs were sound and ruled the email undercut the later allegations, dismissing the claim and awarding expenses.

The photo you didn’t take could cost you thousands

Proving a vehicle’s condition at handover is the difference between recovering costs and footing the bill.

They Broke It, You Don’t Pay: Intervening Acts that defend dealer claims

When damage stems from what a customer did after purchase, you may not be on the hook.

Is the legislative framework outdated or misunderstood?

A claimant mixed pre-2015 laws with a post-2015 car purchase and the result was, frankly, embarrassing.

Come On, Baby, Light My Fire

If a car goes up in smoke, does the buyer’s insurance mean the trader escapes liability? Here’s how insurer involvement really works…

Don’t Get Soaked: The Habitation Checks That Stop Motorhome Rejections

Buyers are rejecting motorhomes for damp, leaks and unsafe cabins. Here’s what to inspect in the habitation area and why a simple pre-sale check can save you a costly Consumer Rights Act dispute.

Can You Claim What You Haven’t Lost? The ‘No Loss’ Principle Meets s19 CRA 2015

A live claim against a member raises a sharp question: if no money has changed hands and only deductions are in dispute, has the claimant suffered a recoverable loss?

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.