A car dealer in Wiltshire has been prosecuted following admissions of offences relating to misdescribed and faulty vehicles. The case shows buyers of used cars from traders are well protected.
The prosecution followed complaints to Trading Standards from customers who said they had been refused refunds after problems arose with vehicles they had purchased.
The case provides a reminder that used cars bought from traders are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and must meet legal standards relating to quality and description [2].
What Happened?
One customer bought a Ford Ka for £2,200 in March 2025 after seeing the vehicle advertised on social media.
During the test drive, the odometer was flashing. The buyer was reportedly assured that the problem would be fixed before completing the purchase.
Further faults later developed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for repair, but the problems remained unresolved.
When the customer attempted to reject the car and request a refund, the dealer refused. The Ford later became a non runner.
A separate customer bought a Fiat 500L for £1,850 in June 2025.
After completing the purchase, the buyer discovered that the vehicle had previously been recorded as a Category S insurance write off. The report states that this history had not been disclosed before the sale.
The customer's request for a refund was also refused.
Dealer Ordered to Pay Around £4,000
Following the guilty pleas, magistrates imposed a £1,400 fine.
Meacham was also ordered to pay £980 in prosecution costs, £1,060 in compensation and a £560 victim surcharge.
The council also said dealers must respect consumers' statutory rights when faults arise.
What Rights Do You Have When Buying a Used Car?
Used cars bought from a motor trader are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
A vehicle must be of satisfactory quality, taking into account factors such as its age, price, mileage, history and description.
A used vehicle does not have to be in the same condition as a new car. Normal wear and tear can be expected.
However, simply being roadworthy is not enough. The vehicle should still meet the standard a reasonable person would expect for a car of that age, mileage and price.
The Car Must Match Its Description
Dealers also have obligations concerning how a vehicle is described.
Information used to market a car can form part of the consumer's expectations when they agree to buy it.
This makes information about matters such as mileage, previous ownership, vehicle history and significant damage particularly important.
A customer discovering significant information after buying the car may therefore have rights if the vehicle did not match the description on which the sale was based.
Can You Reject a Faulty Used Car?
Potentially.
The Consumer Rights Act provides a short term right to reject goods that do not meet the required standards.
For qualifying faults, this period generally lasts for 30 days after the consumer receives the vehicle.
If the consumer validly rejects the vehicle during that period, the trader is required to provide a refund.
The position depends on the circumstances. Not every problem that develops during the first month automatically establishes a right to reject.
The issue must amount to a failure to meet the applicable legal requirements.
What Happens After 30 Days?
Following the initial 30 day period, consumers will usually be entitled to require a repair or replacement where the vehicle is not in conformity with the contract.
The repair or replacement must be carried out within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience.
The trader usually has one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle to the consumer's satisfaction.
If that repair or replacement is unsuccessful, the consumer may be entitled to a price reduction or the final right to reject the vehicle.
For motor vehicles, a refund following the final right to reject can potentially include a deduction to reflect use of the vehicle.
What If a Fault Appears Within Six Months?
The precise timing of a fault can also be important for the burden of proof.
If a defect is found within six months and the consumer is claiming certain remedies, the law usually presumes that the problem was present at the time of delivery unless the trader can prove that was not the case or that assumption would be incompatible with the circumstances.
After six months, the consumer will generally need to demonstrate that the defect existed when the vehicle was supplied.
This does not mean every fault appearing within six months is automatically the dealer's responsibility.
Factors such as misuse, wear and tear, the vehicle's age and its mileage can still matter.
Does a Warranty Replace Your Consumer Rights?
No.
A dealer warranty is additional to statutory rights. It does not replace them.
A trader cannot simply refuse to consider a valid Consumer Rights Act complaint because a warranty has expired or because a particular fault falls outside the warranty terms.
This distinction can be important when a significant problem develops shortly after buying a used vehicle.
What About Cars Bought on PCP or Finance?
Buying through PCP, hire purchase or another finance arrangement can alter who is responsible for resolving the complaint.
With many finance agreements, the finance company is the legal supplier of the vehicle.
Trading Standards guidance gives the example of a car supplied under PCP developing a serious gearbox fault shortly after delivery [5]. Where the consumer validly rejects the vehicle, responsibility ultimately rests with the finance company, although the supplying dealership may coordinate the process.
A faulty car complaint is therefore different from a complaint about how the finance itself was arranged.
Problems with the condition or description of a vehicle should not automatically be confused with PCP claims or the wider car finance claims relating to historic commission arrangements.
What Should You Do If a Dealer Refuses a Refund?
Start by putting the complaint in writing.
Explain what is wrong with the vehicle, when the problem became apparent and what remedy you are requesting.
Keep copies of the advertisement, sales invoice, finance agreement, messages with the dealer, repair reports and any independent inspection evidence.
If the dispute cannot be resolved, consumers may be able to seek assistance through an alternative dispute resolution scheme, Trading Standards related channels or ultimately the courts depending on the circumstances.
The most important step is understanding which legal right you are relying on and acting promptly.
What This Case Shows
The Wiltshire prosecution demonstrates that dealers cannot simply ignore their obligations when selling used vehicles.
Cars must be accurately described. They must also meet the standards required by consumer law.
For buyers, the case reinforces the importance of keeping evidence and raising problems quickly when something appears wrong.
The Consumer Rights Act does not guarantee that every used car will remain fault free. It does, however, provide meaningful protections where a vehicle was not of satisfactory quality, was inaccurately described or otherwise failed to meet the terms required by law.
_________
References:
- Benjamin Meacham, 35, of Meacham's Car Centre in Westbury, pleaded guilty to three offences relating to vehicle sales at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on 18 August 2026 - https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/dodgy-car-dealer-slapped-with-4000-bill-after-admitting-to-misleading-customers/326783
- used cars bought from traders are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and must meet legal standards relating to quality and description - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/pdfs/ukpga_20150015_en.pdf
- Wiltshire Council said motorists buying from traders have clear consumer rights and should receive accurate information about the vehicles they purchase - https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/20186/Westbury-motor-trader-prosecuted-after-denying-customers-refunds/
- Trading Standards guidance confirms that dealers can be liable for public statements about a vehicle's characteristics, including information provided through advertising - https://www.bromley.gov.uk/leaflet/122489/16/759/d
- Trading Standards guidance gives the example of a car supplied under PCP developing a serious gearbox fault shortly after delivery - https://www.businesscompanion.info/focus/car-traders-and-consumer-law/part-2-consumer-rights-act