Generally speaking, a dealer or car seller can be held liable for any serious faults that occur within the first six months. This is because the problem is deemed present or developing at the time of sale. The only exception to the above is damage by driving style. That means if your son has burnt out the clutch then he will be liable for the costs, but the dealer would need to prove this.

For your consumer rights, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/problems-with-a-new-or-used-c...s