The RAC says that it is simply very difficult to sell a car that meets all legal requirements at much below this level, thanks to the Consumer Rights Act.<\/p>\n
Sean Kent, director, corporate and independent dealers, said: “We are not saying that all cars priced below \u00a32,000 are of poor quality or that dealers operating in that sector are not operating with customer interests at heart.<\/p>\n
“But what we are hearing increasingly from independent dealers is that the cost of acquiring a car and selling it to the standards required by the Consumer Rights Act is difficult to achieve for much below this figure.<\/p>\n
“It is not a hard and fast rule but it is definitely a trend that we are increasingly seeing across the market and chimes with other recent reports that small franchise dealers have abandoned the sub-\u00a31,500 sector.<\/p>\n
“In effect, the Consumer Rights Act is causing a shift in this sector, meaning many dealers are choosing to move into a slightly higher price bracket and changing their proposition.”<\/p>\n
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that anyone buying goods (such as a car), which are found to be faulty within 30 days of delivery can demand a full refund. Known as the \u2018early right to reject\u2019, this replaces earlier rules which said a vendor could merely replace or repair a faulty item or part.<\/p>\n
A defect found after 30 days (but within six months), entitles the customer to a repair or replacement \u2013 and dealers will have only one chance at repair or replacement. If they fail, the customer is, again, entitled to a full or partial refund.<\/p>\n
A defect is something that renders the vehicle not of satisfactory quality, not fit for purpose or not as described. A wear and tear item, or minor fault does not give the customer return\/refund rights under the act.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"