"Am I too late to reject?" It's one of the most common questions we hear. The time limits under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 can seem complicated, but they're actually quite logical once you understand them.
The Three Time Periods
Days 1-30: The "Short-Term Right to Reject"
This is your golden window.
During this window you can reject the car for any fault that makes it unsatisfactory and get a full refund with no deductions for use. The dealer cannot insist on repairing it first – the choice between accepting a repair or rejecting outright is entirely yours.
This covers any defect present at delivery, anything making the car not of satisfactory quality, anything making it unfit for purpose, and anything meaning it's not as described – whether it's a car that broke down on the way home or a fault that only appeared on day 25. The 30 days runs from delivery, not the purchase date – and it's a one-chance right. If you accept a repair, you lose the short-term right to reject. You must tell the dealer you're rejecting in writing, and they then have 14 days to refund you. If they won't collect the car, you have options.
Days 31-180: The "Repair or Replace" Period
Still strong rights, but the process changes.
You can request a repair or replacement (your initial choice), and if the repair fails, you can then reject and claim a refund – though it may have a small deduction for use. Crucially, the burden of proof is still on the dealer during this period: they must prove the fault wasn't present at sale.
The process is straightforward – report the fault to the dealer, request repair or replacement, and give them one reasonable chance to fix it. If the repair fails or they refuse, you can reject. "One chance" means one proper attempt, not multiple goes at the same problem. If the same fault recurs, the repair has failed. If new faults appear, they're treated as separate issues.
6 Months to 6 Years: Long-Term Rights
You still have rights, but you need to prove more.
You can request repair, replacement, or a partial refund, and if the repair or replacement fails, you can reject – though the refund will likely include a deduction for use.
The catch is that you must now prove the fault existed at the point of sale. This usually requires an independent inspection, and the dealer can argue the problem developed after purchase. What helps is evidence of known issues with that model, technical service bulletins, expert inspection reports, and any documentation showing how the fault developed over time.
When Does the Clock Start?
Delivery Date, Not Purchase Date
The 30 days begins when you take physical delivery of the car, not when you pay or sign papers.
For example, if you pay a deposit on 1st March, sign finance documents on 5th March, and the car is delivered on 10th March, your 30-day window runs until 9th April – counted from delivery, not from when you paid or signed.
What If Delivery Is Delayed?
If the dealer holds the car for prep work, the clock doesn't start until you actually receive it.
Collection vs Delivery
Whether you collect or they deliver, the clock starts when you take possession.
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What Pauses or Extends the Time?
Time for Diagnosis
If the car is with the dealer being diagnosed, some argue this pauses the clock. It's not settled law, but document when you handed it over, note when you got it back, and argue that the 30 days should reflect the time you actually had the car.
Attempted Repairs
If you agree to a repair attempt within 30 days, you lose your short-term right to reject and move to the "repair or replace" stage instead. This is why saying no to repairs within the first 30 days is often the wisest course of action.
Disputes and Negotiation
Ongoing discussions don't pause the clock. If you're negotiating while the 30 days tick by, you may lose your strongest position.
Calculating Your Deadline
The 30-Day Deadline
Delivery date: The day you take possession (day 1) Last day to reject: 30 days later
Example: Delivery on 15th January = deadline 14th February
Act immediately when you discover a fault and put your rejection in writing as soon as possible – email creates an instant timestamp. Don't wait to see if the problem gets worse; you can always accept a repair later, but you can't recover the right to reject once it's gone.
What If You're Close to a Deadline?
Near Day 30
If you're approaching day 30, send a rejection email immediately – state the fault clearly, reference the Consumer Rights Act 2015, request a full refund, and follow up with a posted letter. Even if you send it on day 29, you've exercised your right in time.
If you're approaching 6 months, report the fault in writing now and request a repair under the Consumer Rights Act. The clock effectively resets for the repair attempt, buying you additional time. Document everything carefully.
Common Timing Mistakes
Waiting Too Long to Complain
Too many people hope the problem goes away, keep driving despite issues, wait for it to get worse, and miss the 30-day window entirely. Act fast – you can always accept a repair later, but you can't recover the right to reject.
Accepting a Repair Within 30 Days
Dealers often say "let us look at it" or "we'll fix it for you." Within 30 days, you don't have to accept this – accepting a repair loses your rejection right. Say no if you want to keep your options open.
Not Putting It in Writing
Verbal complaints don't prove timing. Always email your rejection, keep sent messages, use recorded delivery for posted letters, and screenshot everything. A paper trail is essential if the dispute escalates to the Financial Ombudsman or small claims court.
Assuming You're Out of Time
People often think they've missed the window when they haven't. Even after 30 days or 6 months, you still have rights – they just work differently.
Quick Reference Table
| Time Period | What You Can Do | Burden of Proof | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-30 days | Reject outright | Dealer | Full |
| 31-180 days | Repair/replace, then reject | Dealer | May deduct for use |
| 6 months-6 years | Repair/replace, then reject | You | Will deduct for use |
Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Fault on Day 7
You notice an engine warning light a week after delivery. Action: Reject immediately for full refund. Do NOT accept repair.
Scenario 2: Car breaks down on the way home
The car fails before you even get it home from the dealer. Action: Reject immediately. This is as clear-cut as it gets.
Scenario 3: Fault on Day 45
Gearbox starts making noise 6 weeks in. Action: Request repair in writing. If it fails, reject. Small deduction possible.
Scenario 4: Fault on Month 8
Suspension fails 8 months after purchase. Action: Get independent inspection proving fault existed at sale. Request repair, then reject if it fails.
Recommended reading
Special Situations
Rejecting a High-Mileage Car
Higher mileage doesn't remove your rights – faults are still faults if they're beyond what's reasonable for the car.
Rejecting an Ex-Demo Car
Ex-demo cars must still meet satisfactory quality standards. Previous use doesn't excuse defects.
Rejecting for Minor Faults
Not sure if your problem is "serious enough"? The law doesn't distinguish – any fault affecting quality can be grounds for rejection.
Already Paid for Repairs Elsewhere?
If you've paid to fix the car yourself, you may still be able to claim costs back.
The Bottom Line
Time matters, but it's not as restrictive as dealers want you to think. Within 30 days, act fast and reject outright – don't accept repairs that could cost you your strongest right. Within 6 months, you're still in a strong position: allow one repair attempt, and if it fails, reject. After 6 months, your rights continue but you'll need evidence that the fault was present at sale. Whatever stage you're at, the key is acting promptly and putting everything in writing.
Not sure where you stand on timing? Get a free assessment – we'll tell you what rights you have right now.
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