The law that applies
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Applies to purchases from dealers (not private sellers). Within 30 days: full rejection and refund. After 30 days: one repair/replacement attempt, then partial or full refund.
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
Prohibits misleading practices and omissions. Applies to misrepresented mileage, service history, or condition.
Consumer Credit Act 1974, Section 75
If purchased partly on credit, your credit provider is jointly liable.
Consumer Credit Act 1974, Section 99
Voluntary Termination (VT): if you have paid 50% or more of the total finance amount, you have the right to return the vehicle and walk away. No penalty beyond half the total amount.
The process - step by step
Formal rejection or complaint letter to the dealer
Assert your rights under the CRA 2015. Within 30 days: demand a full refund. After 30 days: request one free repair attempt.
Voluntary Termination letter (if on finance)
If you've paid 50%+ of the total finance amount and want to return the car, Fight My Corner generates a statutory VT letter to the finance company.
Section 75 claim or small claims
If the dealer refuses, escalate via Section 75 to your credit card provider or issue a small claims court claim.
Possible next steps
Section 75 (if on credit) / Trading Standards / Small Claims Court
For significant amounts, the small claims track (up to £10,000) handles these disputes regularly. Mis-selling can also be reported to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice.
This is general guidance only. Whether an external scheme applies depends on the company, its membership, the complaint stage, and verified case facts. Fight My Corner does not currently start an external route.
Important warnings
The Consumer Rights Act only applies to dealers - not private sellers ('sold as seen').
The 30-day rejection right is strict - if you've accepted a repair attempt, you may lose the right to a full refund.
Voluntary Termination only applies to regulated hire purchase or conditional sale agreements - not personal contract purchases (PCP) which have different rules.
What Fight My Corner covers for this dispute
What's included
- Formal rejection of a faulty vehicle within 30 days
- Repair / replacement demands after 30 days
- Voluntary Termination letters to finance companies
- Mis-selling complaint letters
What's not included
- Disputes with private sellers
- MOT and servicing disputes (separate Trading Standards area)
Start your fact-checking intake
Tell us what happened with car dealers. We'll save the facts you confirm and check the company classification. No letter is generated at this stage.
Legal disclaimer · Fight My Corner provides dispute guidance, not legal advice.