Have you recently purchased a vehicle? Then you’re protected under consumer guarantees. The law automatically provides consumer guarantees on new and used vehicles for a reasonable time after you’ve purchased the vehicle. This guarantees that any vehicle you buy is of acceptable quality, is roadworthy, and is legally available for sale, among other things. If a dealer tries to have you sign a waiver for these guarantees, don’t let them! It’s illegal for them to refuse consumer guarantees. It’s also important to note that these guarantees don’t cover any aftermarket alterations to the vehicle, or any damage caused by misuse of the vehicle.
These guarantees operate regardless of any other warranties from the business you’ve purchased your vehicle from, and even apply after these warranties have run out. What constitutes ‘A reasonable time’ will vary based on the price and quality of your vehicle.
When you buy a car, you’re not only covered by statutory guarantees – if you buy a new vehicle, you’re also covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The dealer is legally obligated to give you a copy of this warranty. When they do, make sure you understand all the terms and conditions carefully – don’t be afraid to ask the dealer if you have any questions! It could save you big headaches in the future.
It’s also a good idea to get a qualified mechanic to inspect your vehicle while it’s still under warranty. He can point out anything that may cause problems in the future so that you can save time and money in the long run.
This warranty covers most defects, however does not cover defects in the paintwork, tyres, radio or headlights of the car. As with consumer guarantees, this warranty doesn’t cover damage sustained by mistreatment of the car, or any aftermarket alterations you add to the car.
In our next article we’ll look at making a claim and resolving warranty disputes.
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