Used car develops a fault: writing to the dealer before court
Find out what to include in a complaint to a used-car dealer, and why private purchases and finance agreements need separate consideration.
By TBD · Sources checked · Republic of Ireland
If a used car develops a fault, keep the advert, invoice and a record of the symptoms. Note the mileage, purchase date and what the dealer has said. Check whether you bought directly from the dealer, privately or through finance, as this affects who you should contact.
What you need to know
The CCPC explains that used cars bought from a business carry consumer protections, with expected quality assessed in light of factors such as age and price. Private purchases are different. A dealer warranty does not replace statutory rights. Available remedies depend on matters including timing, the fault and whether an appropriate remedy can resolve it.
Read the official sources below for the detail and current procedure.
Documents and details to keep
- Sales invoice, advertisement, mileage and any warranty or finance agreement.
- A timeline from delivery to the first symptom and the dealer’s response.
- Diagnostic report or estimate separating observed findings from suspected causes.
What to do first
Notify the dealer promptly and describe the symptoms without inventing a diagnosis. Ask how inspection will be arranged and state the remedy you seek with reasons. Avoid authorising major third-party repairs before clarifying the dispute and preserving evidence, unless safety or another urgent need requires action. Never keep driving a car that a qualified professional considers unsafe just to document the fault.
A fictional example
In this fictional example, a used car repeatedly loses power soon after collection from a dealer. A garage records the fault codes. The buyer sends the dealer the report and purchase details, asking how the fault will be addressed. This does not establish that the dealer knew about it or that a full refund is due.
What you could write
Adapt only if accurate for your facts. This is not a court document or formal statutory notice.
I am notifying you of the loss-of-power problem described in the attached diagnostic record. Please confirm your proposed inspection and remedy arrangements in writing, taking account of the purchase date and the vehicle description in the advertisement.
How TBD can help
TBD can help you write the complaint and spot missing details. We cannot diagnose the car or decide which remedy you are legally entitled to. Check the draft against your vehicle records before using it.
If the first letter does not resolve it
Finance agreements, large losses, safety concerns and contested technical evidence may need specialist advice. Check the right respondent and dispute route before filing anything. The value of a car can exceed small-claims limits even where a repair estimate looks modest.