We bought a used car and now the paint is peeling - what are our rights?

I purchased a year old Volvo XC90 from a main dealership in Sep 2025 and within 4 months the paint on rear bumper is peeling off. Another Volvo dealership has assessed the damage and has stated if has previously been re-sprayed before I purchased it. Where do I stand with the original dealership and getting a repair completed?

Asked on 11 February 2026 by Angus Wilson

Answered by David Ross
It is possible that the previous owner of vehicle caused the damage and that the repair was paid for, so there may be no insurance claim for the repair which would show up on a vehicle history check. It is also possible that the supplying dealer was not aware it had previously been damaged or that they were reponsible for carrying out the repair. However, it is not unreasonable for the repair to be carried out to a sufficient standard. We would suggest sharing the assessment you have received from the second dealership with the supplying dealer, and ask them to make good the repair.
Similar questions
I owned a couple of red cars in the 1980s and 90s. Both were new and even though they were garaged much of the time the paintwork suffered badly from ‘sun bleaching’. I understand that modern paint finishes...
I currently have a black MINI which is getting damaged by bird droppings. As this is unavoidable where I live and the damage occurs in minutes. I wondering if a different colour or car manufacturer would...
There are many products that advertise the simplicity of masking or removing scratches on bodywork. Are they as magical as purported to be and if so what product would you recommend?
Related models
Incredibly refined and quiet on the move. High quality cabin with room for seven adults. Well equipped as standard.