Your Consumer Rights When Buying a Car from a Dealership

The team in DoneDeal understands that buying a car, new or used is a significant investment. For many outside of a home, it will be the largest single purchase made. It’s important to understand your rights as a consumer in Ireland. When purchasing from a dealership, your purchase is covered under several layers of legal protection, ensuring that you are treated fairly and can take action if something goes wrong.

1. Covered by the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980

Here in Ireland, the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 provides core protections to consumers purchasing goods from a business. When you buy a car from a dealership, the car must be:

• Of merchantable quality: The car should be of reasonable quality, given its age, price, and description.

• Fit for purpose: It must be suitable for the use you bought it for, such as everyday driving or working with said vehicle.

• As described: Any descriptions, advertisements, or verbal statements made by the dealer must be accurate and not misleading.

  
  

These rights apply whether you are buying a brand-new car or a used model.

2. New Cars Carry Extra Protection via Warranty

Most new cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty, typically ranging from 3 to 7 years. This warranty usually covers mechanical faults, electrical systems, and some components, provided that the car has been maintained correctly and not misused. In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, your statutory rights still apply. If a fault arises shortly after purchase and is not due to wear and tear or misuse, the dealer must address it, even if the warranty doesn’t cover the specific issue.

3. Used Cars & Important Distinctions

Used cars are also protected under the same consumer law, but expectations of quality and condition are adjusted to reflect age, mileage, and price. However, you’re still entitled to a car that’s:

• Roadworthy

• Accurately described

• Free from hidden defects that would render it unusable

  
  

Dealers must disclose if a car has been previously written off, clocked, or has any legal encumbrances, such as outstanding finance. If they fail to do so, you could be entitled to a refund or compensation.

4. What to Do If a Problem Arises

If a fault develops soon after buying the car, you should act promptly. Under consumer law, you may be entitled to:

• Repair

• Replacement

• Refund

The remedy depends on the nature of the fault and how soon it occurred. Minor issues will usually be fixed, but serious faults discovered shortly after purchase may entitle you to a full or partial refund. Always start by contacting the dealer. If the issue is unresolved, escalate in writing and retain all communication and documentation. If that fails, you can contact:

• The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

• The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) if the dealer is a member

• The Small Claims Court, for claims under €2,000

  
  

5. No Rights with Private Sales or Auctions

It’s important to note that these legal protections apply only when buying from a business. If you buy a car privately (e.g., from another individual or at a public auction), your rights are limited. The principle of “buyer beware” applies, meaning it’s up to you to inspect the car carefully and verify its condition.

6. Distance and Online Sales

If you purchase a car on DoneDeal or over the phone without seeing it first, you are entitled to a 14-day “cooling-off” period under EU distance selling regulations. This means you can cancel the purchase and return the car for a full refund, though you may have to cover return transport costs. This right does not apply if you viewed and concluded the sale in person.

7. Finance Agreements

If you buy a car on finance (e.g., PCP or hire purchase), the finance provider owns the car until the agreement is completed. If there’s a fault, you should notify both the dealer and the finance company. You may have additional protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1995.

DoneDeal Conclusion

When buying a car from a dealership in Ireland, your consumer rights are robust enough to cover you against faults, misrepresentation, and unroadworthy vehicles. Whether new or used, you are entitled to fair treatment, accurate information, and legal remedies if things go wrong. Always retain documentation, ask questions, and know that help is available if needed. Use DoneDeals Trusted Dealer network and make sure the vehicle is Greenlight verified.