Is a dealer who sells a faulty car responsible for the repair, even if the car is out of warranty?

I am sure that I have read in your column that if a fault which was present when the car was purchased, despite being just out of warranty, and the fault has not been rectified by the selling dealer, then they are still responsible for the repair.

Asked on 29 August 2011 by JR, Wetherby

Answered by Honest John

Generally, that lasts for six months from date of purchase. But if the vehicle was fundamentally faulty from day one, then Clegg v Olle Anderson (trading as Nordic Marine) 2003 applies, and that was a Supreme Court ruling that can only be overruled by an Act of Parliament. See: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/

Tags: legal and consumer advice faults repairs

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