What are the legal requirements when selling a car?

Ensure that you have the right to sell it, i.e. that you are its legal owner or have proof of permission from the owner to sell it on their behalf. Assemble the paperwork, including the V5C registration document (logbook), handbook, MOT certificate, service log, receipts for major repairs, and any warranty.

What is your legal responsibility when selling a car?

By law, any car you sell must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. Trading Standards give any buyers time to reject a car from a motor trader and ask for a full refund (usually 30 days). Buyers can also choose to have a vehicle repaired or replaced if they are unhappy with it.

What needs to be given when selling a car?

What rights do I have as a private car seller?

The seller must have the right to sell the car. The vehicle should match the description given by the seller. The car must be roadworthy – it is a criminal offence to sell an unroadworthy car and an MOT certificate from a test several months ago is no guarantee that the car is roadworthy today.

Can you return a used car if it has problems?

Repair, replacement or refund

The law assumes that the fault was there at the time of delivery, unless the seller can prove otherwise. Where this right is exercised, dealers only have one chance at repair or replacement. If they fail to repair or replace the car, you are entitled to a full or partial refund.

How to Sell a Used Car in 4 Easy Steps | Autoblog

What are my rights after buying a faulty car?

If a fault develops with the vehicle within 6 months of purchase, you are legally entitled to a repair or replacement from the seller if the seller cannot prove the vehicle was not faulty when they sold it to you.

Can I return a faulty car to a private seller?

If you've bought a faulty car from a private seller, the first step is always to contact the seller and let them know about the fault. If the fault means that the car isn't as it was described or is not safe to be driven, you are within your rights to request a refund and return the car to the seller.

Does a private seller have to give a refund?

You can ask for a refund, but if they refuse – you may have to take court action – which could prove expensive. If the seller breaches the contract, for instance, the item is not that which you agreed to buy, or it is faulty, you may be entitled to compensation for breach of contract.

Is it illegal to sell a faulty car?

The car must match the seller's description, be roadworthy and the seller must have the legal right to sell it to you. In other words, the car must work, meet the legal requirements for being driven on public roads, and be owned by the seller.

Am I protected if I buy a car from a private seller?

If something goes wrong, you don't have as much legal protection as you would if you'd bought the car from a dealer. These are your rights when buying a used car from a private seller: The seller must have the legal right to sell you the vehicle. The car must match the seller's description.

Can someone sell my car without my permission?

Selling someone else's property without their permission is illegal, and that includes selling someone's car.

Do I need to tell DVLA I've sold my car?

You must tell DVLA you've sold the vehicle and give them the full name and address of the buyer. If you do not do this, any vehicle tax refund you're owed might be affected.

Can I sell a car on behalf of someone else?

Power of Attorney (PoA): A PoA is a legal document that allows one person to act on behalf of another. In the context of car sales, this would permit the designated person to negotiate and finalise the sale for you.

Who is responsible for changing ownership of a vehicle?

The transfer of ownership always comes down to the previous owner, as they are the one in possession of the V5C, otherwise known as the vehicle logbook, which is a certificate of registration.

Do I have to disclose issues with my car when selling?

A buyer could take legal action if they feel that you have not disclosed any issues. A buyer may also have recourse to legal action if they decide that you knowingly sold them a vehicle that was not fit for purpose, given that they had clearly communicated to you their intentions for the same.

What does sold as seen mean legally?

When goods are “sold as seen”, it generally means that the goods are sold in their existing condition and no representation is given in respect of quality. The words “without warranty” would suggest the seller is providing no warranty as to the quality or fitness for purpose of the goods.

How long do you have to reject a car?

Rejecting a car within the first 30 days should see your money refunded in full, but after this period the dealer will be able to make a deduction based on the car's use.

How long are car repairs guaranteed for?

Any repairs carried out by an approved repairer have a workmanship guarantee for as long as you own the car. Defective parts will be replaced without charge as long as they are covered by the part manufacturer's warranty.

How do I complain about a faulty car?

The Motor Ombudsman is a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider who can assist with disputes that arise between consumers and Code-accredited businesses.

What to do if a seller refuses to refund?

Can a seller refuse a return?

You can only decline a return if the buyer is returning the item because they changed their mind, and your return policy stated you don't accept returns.

What if the seller won't refund me?

Try to Work it Out with the Merchant First. Before anything else, you should contact the seller and try to work things out. Ask them why they aren't willing to issue you a refund, and make sure you're actually entitled to one, because you may not be.

Are you protected when you buy a used car?

The Sale of Goods Act 1979 offers you rights when buying a new car, but that doesn't apply when you're buying a used car. Instead, there are varying levels of consumer protection available depending on where you buy your used car from.

Can you return a used car within 14 days?

Yes, but there are certain rules that apply. If you buy a car without seeing it in person - online, for instance - then you have a 14-day cooling-off period during which time you can return it to the dealer with a full refund. The same rules apply if you buy from an online auction.

What is the 30 day right to reject a car?

This is called the short term 'right to reject'. It covers faults that were present - or developing - when you bought it, or it was received in a condition that does not match what you were told. But it'll be up to you to prove that's the case. After 30 days you lose the short-term right to reject.