What you can do

If the car you bought doesn’t match its description, you are entitled to one of these options:

• reject the car and get your money back
• insist that any mistakes are put right
• ask for a discount

The option you choose should be the most suitable one for the situation.

• if you still want the car and the mistake can be put right, such as getting an MOT for the car, ask the seller to do this
• if the mistake is serious, such as a mileage that is much higher than advertised, you might decide it is not worth keeping the car and ask for your money back.

You may also be able to claim compensation for other costs you've had as a result of the mistake.

• How to take action when the car you bought doesn’t match its description.

Examples of when a car doesn’t match its description

You may be able to claim a car doesn’t match its description where:

• specific features mentioned in the advert or agreed with you haven’t been included, such as a fitted CD player
• you agreed certain work would be carried out on the car before you got it, but it hasn’t been done
• you find the mileage is higher than you were told
• you find out the car has been an insurance write-off, even though the seller told you it has never been in an accident
• the MOT certificate isn’t valid for as long as you were told.

Evidence

It’s easier to claim if you can prove the description was wrong. See if you can get a copy of the advertisement as evidence. If the information was verbal, did anyone else hear it who could act as a witness for you?

You will find it more difficult to prove that a statement such as "in good condition," was misleading. The car’s age, mileage and price paid would all be taken into account in deciding what "good condition," actually meant.

Next steps

• If you’re not happy with the seller’s response, you can make a complaint.
• If you need more help

Citizens Advice