What's the legal definition of a new car?

We have just purchased a new Vauxhall Meriva. Prior to purchasing it we asked about it being the new facelift model (since Oct 2013) rather than the pre-facelift model (2010 to 2013). We were told that we would be getting the latest model. We checked again when we were negotiating the deal and the salesman confirmed we would get the new shape.

When we picked it up I was sure it was the pre-face lift model and queried it twice with the salesman who again assured me it was the current model, when I got home I checked on the internet which confirmed we had been given the pre face lift model. What are my rights? Can I reject the car?

Asked on 2 May 2014 by Jimmyt

Answered by Honest John

If you bought the car from a Vauxhall dealer and you clearly asked for the current model you can reject the car they supplied you with and demand a full cash refund. (Obviously if you were told it was the pre-facelift model and the car was substantially discounted for this reason, you can't demand a refund.) Quote Clegg v Olle Andersson, House of Lords, 2003. Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/

Tags: rejecting a car legal and consumer advice technical issues

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