Used Car Sales – Terms & Conditions

(Motor Ombudsman–Aligned / UK Consumer Law)

1. Introduction

These Terms & Conditions govern the sale of vehicles by [Dealership Name] (“we”, “us”, “our”) to the customer (“you”, “your”). By placing an order, paying a deposit, or taking delivery of a vehicle, you confirm that you accept these Terms & Conditions in full.

2. Vehicle Information

We take reasonable care to ensure that all vehicle descriptions, specifications, and pricing are accurate at the time of publication. Vehicles are sold as described and are subject to availability.

  • Illustrations, photographs, or online listings may differ slightly from the actual vehicle.
  • Any missing or additional options, features, or accessories will be specified at the time of sale.

3. Deposits and Payment

  • A deposit may be required to reserve a vehicle. This deposit is non-refundable once finance has been approved or the vehicle has been prepared for delivery, except where required by law, for example;
    • if the sale is cancelled within the 14-day cooling-off period for distance or off-premises sales
    • If finance is withdrawn by the lender
    • If the vehicle is misdescribed or faulty
    • If consumer law (Consumer Rights Act 2015 / Consumer Contracts Regulations) requires a refund
  • Full payment must be made prior to vehicle collection or delivery.
  • Payments may be made by cleared funds, credit/debit card, or other methods agreed in writing.  Our cash limit is £1,000.00.
  • Vehicles will not be released until payment has cleared in full.

4. Test Drives and Customer Responsibilities

  • Test drives are permitted only with a valid driving licence and fully comprehensive insurance cover (third party is not accepted).
  • We do not offer unaccompanied Test Drives, all Test Drives must be carried out with a member of staff who is authorised to do so.
  • You are responsible for the vehicle during the test drive. Any damage incurred may be your liability.
  • Test drive vehicles must not incur more than 15 miles and must be returned to the dealership promptly and in the condition in which they were received.

5. Delivery and Collection

  • Vehicles are normally available for collection from our dealership at no additional charge. If a Customer requests delivery of a vehicle, a delivery fee will apply. The amount of the delivery fee will be advised to the Customer prior to delivery and must be paid in full before the vehicle is dispatched.
  • Any agreed pre-delivery work, documentation, or inspections will be completed prior to collection.
  • You are responsible for inspecting the vehicle at delivery and notifying us immediately of any visible issues before finalising the purchase.
  • Risk in the vehicle passes to the customer upon collection or delivery.  (If the vehicle is damaged, lost, or stolen after that point, it’s not the seller’s responsibility anymore. So from the point of collection or delivery, the risk (and usually the insurance responsibility) belongs to the customer).

6. Vehicle Condition and Warranties

  • Used vehicles are sold with all faults and wear consistent with age, mileage, and condition.
  • Where a warranty is offered, it will be clearly stated in writing, including coverage period, parts, labour, and any exclusions.
  • Any pre-existing faults, known issues, or service history will be disclosed to the best of our knowledge.

7. Consumer Rights

  • Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you are entitled to vehicles that are of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
  • Minor defects consistent with age, mileage, or wear will not normally constitute a breach.
  • You are advised to report any issues as soon as possible so they can be investigated. If the EML warning light appears, the vehicle should not be driven until our technicians have inspected and diagnosed the fault.

8. After-Sales Service and Complaints

  • Any post-sale complaint should be made in writing or via email as soon as reasonably possible.
  • Complaints will be investigated according to the Motor Ombudsman Code of Practice, https://www.themotorombudsman.org/consumers/our-codes-of-practice/new-car-code.
  • Vehicles may be retained while complaints are investigated, in accordance with our legal right of lien.

9. Storage Charges

  • If a vehicle remains on our premises after sale, delivery, or during a complaint or dispute, storage charges of £15 plus VAT per day will apply until the vehicle is collected or a storage agreement is in place. You will be given 7 days’ notice before any storage charges are applied.
  • This applies regardless of whether the vehicle fault is resolved.
  •  Storage charges cover space, security, and administration costs.

10. Finance Agreements

  • Where a vehicle is purchased via finance, all agreements are subject to approval by the finance provider.
  • You must comply with the terms of any finance agreement, including payment obligations.
  • We act as an intermediary only and are not responsible for finance provider decisions.

11. Limitation of Liability

  • We will not be liable for:
    • Premature wear and tear, age-related deterioration, or corrosion
    • Pre-existing faults or latent defects not reasonably detectable
    • Misuse or negligence after collection
    • Loss of personal property left in the vehicle

12. Cancellation and Returns

  • Used vehicles are not automatically returnable once the sale is completed, unless required by UK consumer law.
  • Where a legal right to cancel applies (such as for distance or off-premises sales), full details will be provided to you in writing.
  • Any deposit refunds or cancellation charges will be handled in accordance with applicable UK consumer legislation.

13. Optional Extended Warranties

  • Extended warranties or service packages may be offered at the point of sale.
  • Full details, including coverage, exclusions, and duration, will be provided in writing.
  • Acceptance of an extended warranty is optional and must be confirmed in writing.

14. Acknowledgement

  • This includes confirmation of vehicle condition, pricing, warranties, and responsibilities.
  • Any digital acceptance forms part of the contract.

15. Data Protection (GDPR)

  • Personal data provided will be processed in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
  • Data will only be used for the purpose of vehicle sale, delivery, warranty, and legal compliance.
  • Customers have the right to request access, correction, or deletion of their personal data in line with GDPR requirements.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

  • These Terms & Conditions are governed by English law.
  • Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the English courts.
  • Customers may also refer disputes to the Motor Ombudsman’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service.

17. Acceptance

By placing an order, paying a deposit, or taking delivery of a vehicle, you confirm that:

  • You have read, understood, and accepted these Terms & Conditions.
  • You accept the vehicle in its current condition, subject to any disclosed warranties or agreements.
  • You accept your responsibilities regarding payment, insurance, safe use, and storage charges.

These terms and conditions do not take away or override any rights you already have under UK law.