Starting a dealership
Trading standards requirements for used car dealers
The consumer law rules every UK used car dealer must follow — CPRs, the Consumer Rights Act, advertising standards and complaints.
TL;DR
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires vehicles to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. The CPRs 2008 ban misleading claims and omissions. Get advertising, pre-sale checks and a complaints procedure right and trading standards rarely become a problem.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Every used car sold by a trader must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If it isn't, buyers have a short-term right to reject within 30 days, a right to repair or replacement, and — in some cases — a price reduction or final rejection.
Consumer Protection Regulations
The CPRs 2008 ban misleading actions, misleading omissions and aggressive practices. In the motor trade, most cases involve failing to disclose accident damage, Cat S/N history, previous rental use or a clocked odometer.
Advertising and pricing
Adverts must include the total on-the-road price (or state clearly what is excluded). Finance representative examples must follow the FCA's financial promotions rules. Do not use "from" pricing without a genuine range of vehicles at that price.
Complaints and dispute resolution
Every dealer should have a written complaints procedure with named responsibility and a target response time. Joining the Motor Ombudsman gives buyers a free adjudication route before they escalate to court or trading standards.
General information only. For a specific dispute, take advice from a solicitor or your local trading standards office.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 30-day rule?
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a buyer has 30 days from delivery to reject a faulty vehicle and get a full refund. After that they must give you one chance to repair or replace before rejecting.
Do I need to declare a vehicle's history?
Yes — any known material information (previous accident damage, Cat S/N status, high mileage, previous rental use) must be disclosed. Failing to do so breaches the CPRs.
Are 'sold as seen' clauses valid?
No. You cannot contract out of the Consumer Rights Act with private consumers. 'Sold as seen' only has effect in trade-to-trade sales.
Do I need a complaints procedure?
Yes — both for FCA compliance (if you sell finance) and as a matter of good practice. The Motor Ombudsman's TISA code sets a widely accepted standard.
Who enforces trading standards?
Your local council's trading standards office, backed up by the Competition and Markets Authority for wider issues.
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