UKI bought a used car from a dealer that's not roadworthy. What are my rights?
You have the right to reject the car and get a full refund within 30 days if it’s not roadworthy, or claim repair, replacement, or a price reduction after that — because the car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
What the Law Says
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 sets out your legal rights when buying goods — including used cars — from a business seller (like a dealer). It replaces older laws and gives clear, enforceable protections.
When you buy a used car from a dealer in the UK, the law says it must meet three key standards: it must be of ‘satisfactory quality’, ‘fit for purpose’, and ‘as described’. A car that is not roadworthy almost always fails all three — especially ‘fit for purpose’ (since being safe and legal to drive on UK roads is a basic purpose) and ‘satisfactory quality’ (which includes safety and roadworthiness).
Under section 9 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality — meaning they meet the standard a reasonable person would consider acceptable, taking into account the price and description. Roadworthiness is central to this, particularly for vehicles.
Statutory TextThe quality of goods must be satisfactory.
— Consumer Rights Act 2015, s. 9 — Satisfactory quality
What to Do
Contact the dealer in writing (email or letter) straight away, stating the car is not roadworthy and explaining why (e.g., failed MOT, dangerous fault, illegal tyres).
Within 30 days of purchase or delivery, you can reject the car and demand a full refund — this is your short-term right to reject.
If more than 30 days have passed, ask for a repair or replacement first; if that’s impossible, disproportionate, or unsuccessful, you can claim a price reduction or final right to reject.
Keep records: photos, mechanic reports, MOT failure notices, and all correspondence with the dealer.
If the dealer refuses, contact Citizens Advice or make a claim through the small claims court (up to £10,000).
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.