Consumer rights
What should I check when buying a car from a dealer?
Dealers must deal fairly — ask about faults, get agreements in writing, and use Motor Trade Association or disputes routes if needed.
Cars are expensive, so a calm checklist beats a rushed yes. From a registered motor vehicle trader, you still have consumer law protections — the vehicle should be of acceptable quality and match what you were told. Ask directly about known faults, service history, and whether it is on finance.
Get the sale terms in writing: price, extras, warranty wording, and delivery date. Take a test drive and, if you can, an independent inspection for older vehicles. Consumer Protection publishes car-buying guidance; the Motor Trade Association runs a disputes process for many dealer complaints.
Private sales from individuals are different — fewer consumer guarantees may apply. This guide focuses on trader purchases. Not legal or mechanical advice.
Calm next moves
- Check the vehicle on the Motor Vehicle Register.
- Ask if money is still owed on the car.
- Keep every advert, email, and invoice.
Official resources
Always confirm details on the official site — laws and processes can change.
Educational signposting only from the Resilience Programme. Not legal, financial, or medical advice. Updated 2026-07-10.