Used car warranties and your rights

Most Isle of Wight dealers include a short warranty, often three months, on the cars they sell. Right now 120 of the 1115 cars and vans on this site come with a warranty or the dealer's own cover. Here's what a warranty usually means, and the rights you have whatever it says.

Your rights when you buy from a dealer

A warranty is extra. It doesn't replace your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which apply to every car you buy from a trader. The car must be:

• Of satisfactory quality, allowing for its age, mileage and price. A ten-year-old car won't be perfect, but it shouldn't have hidden faults beyond normal wear.
• Fit for purpose, including any purpose you told the dealer about, such as towing a caravan.
• As described, in the advert and by the salesperson. Mileage, service history and specification all count.

How your rights change over time

1. The first 30 days: reject itIf the car has a fault, you can reject it and get a full refund. Tell the dealer clearly, in writing, that you're rejecting it. You don't have to accept a repair, though you can if you'd rather keep the car.
2. Up to 6 months: repair or replaceThe dealer gets one go at repairing or replacing the car, at no cost to you and without significant inconvenience. If that fails, you can ask for money off or reject the car. For cars, the dealer can take off an amount for the use you've had. A fault that appears in these six months is presumed to have been there when you bought the car, unless the dealer can show otherwise.
3. After 6 months: you prove itYou can still claim, but it's up to you to show the fault was there when you bought the car, not caused by wear or how it's been driven since. An independent inspection report is the usual evidence. You have up to six years to bring a claim.

What a dealer warranty usually covers

A used car warranty pays for repairs if a covered part fails during the warranty period. Most cover the engine, gearbox and main electrical parts. Each dealer's terms differ: some run their own, others sell a policy from a warranty company. Wear-and-tear items like brake pads, clutches, tyres, wipers and bulbs are almost never included.

Questions to ask before you rely on a warranty

• Which parts are covered, and which aren't? Ask for the list in writing.
• Is there a claim limit? Many cap what they'll pay for one repair, sometimes at the car's value.
• Is there an excess, and does the warranty pay full labour rates?
• Where are repairs done? Some dealers want the car back at their own workshop. Others use a warranty company with approved garages. On the island, a local garage is far easier than a ferry trip. See island or mainland?
• What are the conditions? Some need the car serviced on time, or only apply when you pay the full advertised price.
• How do you claim? Most need you to call before any work starts, or they won't pay.
• Can you extend it, and for how much?

If something goes wrong: how to complain

1. Stop and gather the evidenceKeep the invoice, the advert, the warranty terms and any messages. Note when the fault started, and take photos or video.
2. Tell the dealer, then put it in writingA phone call is a good start, but follow it with an email or letter. Say what's wrong, which of your rights you're using (rejection, or repair under the Consumer Rights Act), and give a reasonable deadline, such as 14 days. Citizens Advice has template letters.
3. Use the Motor Ombudsman if the dealer is accreditedMany dealers sign up to The Motor Ombudsman's code of practice for vehicle sales. If yours has and you can't agree, it can look at the dispute for free.
4. Get advice from Citizens AdviceThe Citizens Advice consumer service can explain your options and may pass the case to Trading Standards.
5. Small claims, as a last resortFor claims up to £10,000, the small claims court is designed for people without a solicitor.

Bought on finance? You have more protection

On hire purchase or PCP, the finance company legally owns the car and supplies it to you, so your Consumer Rights Act rights are against them as well as the dealer. If you reject the car, you reject it through the finance company. On a credit card or a loan arranged through the dealer, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes the lender jointly responsible with the dealer for cars costing £100 to £30,000. If a finance company won't help, you can take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service. More in car finance explained.

Buying privately: far fewer rights

Private sales can be good value, but you're relying on your own checks. Read buying privately, safely first.

Before you hand over money

• Check the car's MOT history for free on GOV.UK. Advisories about corrosion matter more on the island. How to read it.
• Get the warranty terms in writing, and keep a copy of the advert.
• Ask what work the dealer has done since they bought it.

This is a general guide to the law in England and Wales, checked in October 2026, not legal advice. For your own situation, talk to Citizens Advice.