Covered by law
Every vehicle Motor Traders sells to a consumer is covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act: it must be of acceptable quality and last a reasonable time for its age and price. If it does not, the yard must repair it, replace it or refund you, at no charge and within a reasonable time. That right applies whether or not you buy any optional cover.
If something goes wrong
Tell us first
Contact the yard as soon as you notice a fault, with the stock number or your purchase date. The business that sold you the vehicle is the one responsible for putting it right.
It gets put right
The remedy is a repair, a replacement or a refund, at no charge and within a reasonable time. If that does not happen, you can have it repaired elsewhere and claim the reasonable cost, or return the vehicle.
A serious fault is your call
If the fault is substantial — one a reasonable buyer would not have accepted, or one that makes the car unsafe — you can return it for a refund or replacement, or keep it and claim compensation for the drop in value.
If you cannot agree
A dispute about a vehicle bought from a motor vehicle trader can go to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.
Read the records first
A fault you were told about before buying is not covered, so go through the auction sheet and service records for the exact car before you commit.
What to check on an importA plain-English summary of the Consumer Guarantees Act, not legal advice. The Act does not cover a fault you were told about before buying, or damage caused by misuse after delivery.
Warranty questions
Still unsure? Call 027 252 4968 or send the yard a question.
Do your vehicles come with a warranty?
Every car comes with your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act: it must be of acceptable quality for its age and price, and a fault that breaks that guarantee is the yard's to repair, replace or refund. Optional cover, where offered, is a separate product with its own policy wording.
What does mechanical breakdown insurance actually cover?
The covered parts, limits, excess and exclusions depend on the policy offered. Ask for the actual policy wording before buying, and compare it with the Consumer Guarantees Act rights you already have.
What are my rights if something goes wrong?
The Consumer Guarantees Act requires a vehicle sold in trade to be of acceptable quality and to last a reasonable time given its age and price. That right exists whether or not you buy mechanical breakdown insurance, and it cannot be contracted out of on a consumer sale.
Does the cover transfer if I sell the car?
Transferability depends on the policy. Check its terms and ask the provider before relying on a future transfer.
Now find the right car
Or call 027 252 4968