What’s the difference between consumer rights and a warranty?

(Approx: 5 min read)

Consumer rights are the built‑in legal protections you always have when you buy something, so you’re never “on your own” if things go wrong.

When you buy a car from a dealership, you’re automatically protected by statutory rights under UK consumer law. A warranty a is separate product/service – usually valid for a set period of time time – to repair or replace faulty or broken parts on your vehicle.

If your warranty ends or the repair isn’t part of the service, your core consumer rights are still there to back you up. These rights offer important protection if something goes wrong – but how they apply can change over time.

So what happens when that protection changes, and how does it affect you as the car’s owner?

Key facts at a glance:

• The Consumer Rights Act 2015 is not a mileage or time-based warranty, it is a legally enforceable right protecting consumers when they purchase goods or services.

• It applies automatically to all cars bought from dealerships, including second-hand vehicles.

• It ensures cars are of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.

• However, your legal rights change over time after you purchased a vehicle, some repair costs may become your responsibility as time passes.

• Extended warranty plans vary and, like consumer rights, typically do not include wear and tear.

• An extended warranty does not replace your consumer rights.

Do I have consumer rights when buying a second-hand car?

Yes – if you bought the car from a dealer and not a private owner.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives buyers statutory protection when purchasing a second-hand car from a dealership, just as it does for new vehicles.

What happens if a problem develops after you buy?

If a problem develops after you buy, you’re usually protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 for a certain period of time after your date of purchase.

In most cases, you should first go back to the dealer who sold you the car (not the manufacturer), explain the issue and when it appeared, and say clearly whether you want a repair, replacement or refund.

Understanding how your consumer rights work can help you plan ahead and feel more confident about your options.

If raised in 30 days:

If a serious issue appears within the first 30 days, you can usually reject the car and demand a full refund, instead of a repair.

If raised between 30 days and six months:

From 30 days to 6 months, the dealer normally gets one chance to fix the car; if the repair fails or another serious problem appears, you can push for a refund or a replacement (often with a deduction for use if you’ve had the car a while).

If raised between 6 months and up to 6 years:

After 6 months and up to 6 years (5 in Scotland), you can still claim if the car was not of satisfactory quality or durable enough, but you’ll generally need to prove the problem was there or developing at the time of sale (for example with an independent engineer’s report).

Your rights are always against the dealer who sold you the car, not the finance company or manufacturer.

How to check your status:

• Your rights depend on when you bought the vehicle and whether it was purchased from a dealership.

• Statutory protection is strongest within the first six months after purchase.

• After six months, you may need to provide evidence that an issue was present at the time of sale.

What happens when your consumer rights change?

Over time, as your rights change, the responsibility for unexpected repair costs can fall to the vehicle owner.

According to RAC estimates, the average cost of an unexpected car repair in 2025 was around £650, although actual costs vary depending on the vehicle and the type of repair required. For some drivers, planning for these potential costs in advance can help avoid unwelcome surprises.

What is the difference between consumer rights and a warranty?

Consumer rights are the legal rights you have under UK consumer law when you buy a car from a dealership. While these rights remain important, after the first six months you may need to provide evidence that an issue existed at the point of sale.

A warranty is a plan that some drivers choose to put in place as their statutory protection changes. It is designed to help with expensive and unexpected repair costs. It does not replace your consumer rights – it can sit alongside them.

You can find out more information about the benefits of a warranty here.

Beyond statutory protection:

Knowing how statutory protection works, and how it changes over time, puts you in a stronger position as a car owner.

While your consumer rights remain in place, proving when an issue first developed can become more challenging as time goes on. For this reason, some drivers choose to explore warranty options as part of their wider approach to managing the long-term cost of car ownership.

The right approach depends on your vehicle and your circumstances.

Why choose Warrantywise?  

At Warrantywise, we believe drivers deserve clear information, fair support and no pressure.

We offer a range of warranty plans designed to support motorists with repair costs beyond the initial statutory protection period. Our discretionary warranty plans are managed by experienced warranty experts, not automated systems – that’s where we’re different.

For a quick quote or more information, visit our car warranty page. 

Important information
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or professional advice.