"Sold as seen." "Trade sale." "Sold for spares or repair." Dealers love these phrases because they make buyers think they have no rights. But here's the truth: when buying from a business, these disclaimers are meaningless.
The Law Is Clear
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, when you buy from a trader, goods must be of satisfactory quality (Section 9), fit for purpose (Section 10), and must match their description (Section 11). Section 31 of the same Act states that these rights cannot be excluded or restricted by any term of the contract.
In plain English: a dealer cannot sign away your legal rights, no matter what their invoice says.
Why Dealers Use These Phrases
It's Intimidation
Most buyers don't know their rights. When they see "sold as seen" on paperwork, they assume they can't complain. It works – many people give up without even trying.
It's Cheap Stock Management
Dealers sometimes buy cars cheaply at auction, knowing they have issues. They want to pass them on quickly without spending on repairs or checks. These disclaimers are an attempt to transfer that risk to you.
It's Legally Worthless
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 specifically prevents traders from excluding the statutory rights. A contract term that attempts to do so is void.
Think you might have a claim?
Check if you're entitled to a refund under the Consumer Rights Act. Free, takes 2 minutes.
What "Sold As Seen" Actually Means
For Private Sales
If you buy from a genuine private seller (not a business), "sold as seen" does carry more weight. Private sellers don't have to guarantee satisfactory quality – only that the car matches its description and they have the right to sell it.
But be careful: many "private sellers" are actually traders in disguise. If so, full consumer protections apply. See our guide on buying from private sellers.
For Trade Sales
If you buy from any kind of business – whether a main dealer or independent garage, car supermarket, or someone selling cars as a trade – your rights are protected regardless of any disclaimer.
"Trade Sale" Explained
Some dealers claim to offer "trade sales" – supposedly sales on trade terms without consumer protection.
It's Still a Consumer Sale
Unless you're a registered motor trader, buying stock for resale, or acting in the course of your own business, you're a consumer – and the Consumer Rights Act applies.
An ordinary person buying a car for personal use is always a consumer, regardless of how the sale is labelled.
The Exception That Rarely Applies
The only time "trade sale" might limit your rights is if you're genuinely buying in a trade capacity – for example, you're a car dealer buying stock from another dealer.
What To Do When They Use These Excuses
Step 1: Don't Be Intimidated
When the dealer says "it was sold as seen, you have no rights," recognise this for what it is: an attempt to avoid their legal obligations.
Step 2: Put It In Writing
Write to them clearly stating:
You have stated the vehicle was "sold as seen" and that I have no recourse. This is incorrect.
Under Section 31 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the statutory rights to satisfactory quality (Section 9), fitness for purpose (Section 10), and conformity with description (Section 11) cannot be excluded by any contract term.
Your "sold as seen" disclaimer is therefore void and unenforceable.
I maintain my right to [reject the vehicle / request a repair / claim compensation].
Step 3: Reference the Law
The key sections to cite are Section 9 (satisfactory quality), Section 10 (fitness for purpose), Section 11 (match description), and Section 31 (these rights cannot be excluded).
Step 4: Escalate If Needed
If they still refuse, escalate. Report the unfair practice to Trading Standards. If the dealer is a member, complain to The Motor Ombudsman. You can take them to small claims court to force compliance. And if you used PCP, HP, or credit card, contact the finance company – they're jointly liable.
Common Variations and What They Mean
"Sold for Spares or Repair"
If the car was genuinely described as not roadworthy and priced accordingly, you may have less grounds to complain – because it matched its description.
But if it was priced like a working car, the listing suggested it was roadworthy, or you were told it just needed minor work, you can still argue it wasn't of satisfactory quality for what was described.
"No Warranty"
A dealer saying they don't offer a warranty is fine – warranties are extra, not a legal requirement.
But statutory rights exist regardless of warranties. Your Consumer Rights Act protections don't depend on having a warranty.
"Buyer Has Inspected and Accepted"
You signing to say you've inspected the car doesn't remove your rights either. You're not expected to be a mechanic. Hidden faults that a reasonable buyer wouldn't spot are still the dealer's responsibility.
"No Returns"
Again, meaningless for consumer sales. Your right to reject a faulty car comes from statute, not the dealer's returns policy.
Evidence the Sale Was From a Trader
If the dealer is now claiming they sold privately, gather evidence they're actually a business. Check for multiple cars for sale under the same phone number or at the same address. Consider whether they operated from business premises like a garage or forecourt. A VAT receipt is strong evidence, as is a business name on paperwork – even a trading name. Look for an online presence such as a website, Google listing, or social media profile. Search Companies House for their name. And check whether they're a frequent buyer at auctions, which suggests trade activity. See our guide on spotting disguised traders for more.
If you can prove they're a trader, all consumer protections apply regardless of their claims.
Real Examples
Example 1: "Sold As Seen" Invoice
A dealer sells a car with "sold as seen – no warranty" printed on the invoice. Two weeks later, the gearbox fails.
Your rights: Full 30-day rejection right. The disclaimer is void. The car wasn't of satisfactory quality.
Example 2: "Trade Sale" to a Consumer
A dealer at an auction site sells to an ordinary buyer, claiming it's a "trade sale" with no consumer rights.
Your rights: You're still a consumer. The sale label doesn't change your status. Full Consumer Rights Act protection applies.
Example 3: Genuine Spares/Repair Sale
A dealer advertises a car as "not running, sold for spares, £500." The buyer knows it doesn't work and pays a low price.
Your position: Weaker claim, because the car matched its description. But if major undisclosed issues exist beyond "not running," you may still have grounds.
Recommended reading
Reporting Dealers Who Use These Tactics
Dealers using "sold as seen" disclaimers to mislead consumers may be breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
Report to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, and to The Motor Ombudsman if they're accredited.
Even if it doesn't help your individual case, reports build a picture that can lead to enforcement action.
The Bottom Line
"Sold as seen" cannot remove your rights when buying from a trader – Consumer Rights Act Section 31 makes such exclusions void. "Trade sale" doesn't change your consumer status either; you're still protected. Private sales are different, as genuine private sellers have more flexibility, but many supposed private sellers are actually traders in disguise. Don't be intimidated by these phrases – dealers rely on buyers not knowing the law. Put your claim in writing, cite the relevant sections, and report misleading dealers to Trading Standards. If you bought on finance, write to the finance company at the same time.
Dealer hiding behind "sold as seen"? Check if you qualify for our rejection service. We know the law and will help you enforce your rights.
Related Topics
