They said this… · Motor vehicles

“The fault appeared after collection, so it was not present when the car was sold.”

Generally incorrect

The date a symptom becomes obvious is not necessarily the date its underlying cause arose. Statutory presumptions and technical evidence may affect who must prove what.

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Why this answer

What actually matters

  • Report the problem as soon as reasonably possible.
  • Record mileage and symptoms before further use changes the evidence.
  • Obtain an independent diagnosis where proportionate.
  • The first six months can affect the evidential position.

Important nuance

When the statement may have a point

  • Damage caused after delivery may be the consumer’s responsibility.
  • Normal deterioration can occur without a pre-existing defect.

What you could say

Keep the response tied to the actual rule.

Evidence

What to have beside you

  • Advert, order form, invoice and finance agreement
  • MOT history, inspection reports and diagnostic evidence
  • Messages describing symptoms and when they appeared
  • Dealer, warranty and finance-company responses

If they still refuse

Move the dispute forward.

  1. Notify the supplying trader promptly and describe the fault rather than relying only on a diagnosis.
  2. Keep the dealer, finance provider and warranty roles separate; more than one route may apply.
  3. Use an applicable motor ADR scheme, the Financial Ombudsman for regulated finance, or court action where appropriate.

Read the full rules

Go deeper before escalating.

Primary guideRead the detailed ConsumerWise guidance.Motor & VehiclesRead the full guide.Faulty goodsRead the full guide.Repairs and replacementsRead the full guide.

Official sources

Check the rules behind this statement.

Consumer Rights Act 2015legislation.gov.uk · checked 19 Sep 2026Check the MOT history of a vehicleGOV.UK · checked 19 Sep 2026