Good news from the courts for car dealers

legal updates

Consumers and their rights and can leave our dealers a little pessimistic about their chances in front of a judge.

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.

As a car dealer being taken to court, you may well feel that you will be judged before even stepping inside the courtroom when up against a consumer.  The current climate seems to be all about consumers and their rights and can leave our dealers a little pessimistic about their chances in front of a judge.

However, it’s not all bad news as demonstrated by the outcomes in 5 of our cases which were heard in courts around the country last week.

In one case, we succeeded in preventing our client being made bankrupt. In three others, the consumers were all awarded less than 30% of what they tried to claim and in the other, the consumer’s claim was dismissed completely as our dealer had been thoroughly reasonable while the consumer had failed to provide enough evidence to convince the judge they had a case at all.

There are many factors which can influence the outcome of a court hearing and we work with all our clients to work out the correct strategy for their individual case. Of course the vast majority of our cases are resolved before they get to court but inevitably not all can be. If you want to give yourself the best chance of avoiding a miserable loss at court, do contact us as soon as you think a case could be heading that way.  

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.

Nona BowkisHead of Legal Services / SolicitorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Recent Cases, Real Consequences – and What to Learn

From missed emails to misplaced vehicles, here are a few real-world reminders to help you avoid unnecessary headaches.

Legal Disputes: Why traders should avoid direct contact

The urge to sort the matter out, or attempt to, can put a strain on the process and you may find yourself in a difficult position.

The etiquette of handling consumer complaints

It is always best practice to get involved while you have the chance and follow the correct process at the very beginning.

A settlement agreement may not protect you

An agreement does not need to be in writing to be binding, but it is much easier to prove the terms of an agreement if there is a documented paper trail.

Small Claims Mediation Pilot Scheme

I predict HMCTS (HM Courts and Tribunal Service) will announce the scheme as a success by May 2026.

Implications, assumptions, and confusion – why being clear on your actions could be key to winning

The diagnosis showed the third-party garage had failed to repair the vehicle to a satisfactory standard and this was relayed to the consumer.

Burden of proof? Get your evidence while you can!

The burden of proof reverses for issues raised between 30 days and six months of ownership.

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.