I bought a car from a dealer but have discovered it was purchased at auction - do I have any recourse?

Four weeks ago I bought a used vehicle from who I believed to be a bona fide car trader - this wasn't cheap at over £21K. I have now discovered that the vehicle was purchased at auction by the dealer. Had I known this at the time there is no way I would have bought it. Do I have any recourse?

Asked on 12 June 2025 by Derreck

Answered by David Ross
It is common practice for dealers to buy and sell vehicles through auction, for dealers who trade mostly in used vehicles this is how they obtain stock and generate profit by buying cars cheaply at auction before selling them on their forecourt at a higher value. Unless there is something wrong with the vehicle then it is unlikely you have any recourse.
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