SingaporeI bought a second-hand car and it broke down immediately. Any protection?
Yes, you may be protected under the Sale of Goods Act — the seller must ensure the car is of satisfactory quality and reasonably fit for purpose, unless explicitly sold 'as is'.
What the Law Says
The Sale of Goods Act sets out implied terms that apply automatically to most sales — including second-hand car purchases — unless clearly excluded.
Under section 14 of the Sale of Goods Act, when a seller sells goods in the course of business, the goods must be of 'satisfactory quality' and 'reasonably fit for any particular purpose' made known to the seller at the time of sale.
‘Satisfactory quality’ means the car must meet the standard a reasonable person would expect, taking into account its description, price, age, and mileage. A car that breaks down immediately after purchase likely fails this test.
These protections apply even to second-hand cars — but they can be excluded only if the exclusion is clear, fair, and brought to your attention before the sale (e.g., prominent 'sold as is' signage and your written agreement).
Statutory TextWhere the seller sells goods in the course of a business, there is an implied term that the goods supplied under the contract are of satisfactory quality.
— Sale of Goods Act, s. 14 — Implied terms about quality and fitness for purpose
What to Do
Check your sales agreement for any disclaimers like 'sold as is' — these must be clear and agreed to beforehand to be valid.
Contact the seller in writing to explain the fault and request a repair, replacement, or refund.
If the seller refuses and you believe the car failed the 'satisfactory quality' test, consider filing a claim at the Small Claims Tribunals (for claims up to $20,000, or $30,000 if both parties agree).
Keep all evidence: purchase receipt, photos/videos of the fault, repair quotes, and correspondence with the seller.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.