Specialists:
Automotive Law & Motor Trade Solicitors | High-Value Vehicle Disputes
The motor trade is a complex, high-value sector governed by strict regulatory frameworks and consumer laws. Whether you are a commercial dealership expanding your operations or a High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) in a dispute over a luxury supercar, the financial and reputational stakes are significant.
At Huttons, our specialist automotive legal team represents motor traders, garages, and members of the public. Because we successfully litigate on both sides of the industry, we possess a unique strategic advantage. We understand the commercial realities of running a dealership, and we know exactly how to enforce consumer rights when a high-performance vehicle fails to meet expectations.
Elite Representation for High-Value Vehicle Disputes
Purchasing a luxury or high-performance vehicle should be a seamless experience. When a vehicle is defective, unfit for purpose, or misrepresented, you need lawyers who are entirely comfortable taking on major manufacturers and premium dealerships.
We have a formidable track record in high-value vehicle rejection under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Our recent notable successes include:
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Maserati Rejection: Successfully rejecting a Maserati on the grounds that it was not fit for purpose.
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Supercar Litigation: Successfully securing the rejection of a new Porsche and a Ferrari.
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Director Liability: Successfully pursuing the director of a motor trading company personally for breach of promise, piercing the corporate veil to secure a result for our client.
Commercial Services for Motor Traders & Garages
We partner with car garages, commercial traders, and franchise dealerships to protect their commercial interests and ensure strict regulatory compliance. We provide proactive advice to stop disputes before they happen, and robust defense when claims are brought against you.
Our specialist motor trade services include:
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Commercial Property & Funding: Negotiating new commercial leases for showrooms and garages, and advising on complex funding and dealership finance arrangements.
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Contractual Terms & Conditions: Drafting bulletproof B2B and B2C sales contracts, warranties, and supply chain agreements.
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Regulatory Compliance: Advising on Trading Standards investigations, FCA compliance (for finance and insurance products), and advertising regulations.
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Dispute Resolution: Defending dealerships against unwarranted customer rejection claims and managing supplier disputes.
The Huttons Advantage: Commercial Pragmatism
Automotive disputes require swift, decisive action. Vehicles depreciate rapidly, and business operations cannot afford to be stalled by protracted litigation. We combine City-tier legal expertise with commercial pragmatism, frequently utilizing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve matters discreetly and cost-effectively.
Discuss Your Automotive Legal Needs
Whether you need to reject a defective luxury vehicle or require comprehensive legal support for your motor trade business, Huttons has the niche expertise to protect your interests
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Telephone : 02920 378621
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Email: hello@huttonslaw.co.uk
FAQ'S:
Can I reject a defective high-performance or luxury vehicle?
Yes. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a vehicle is of unsatisfactory quality, not fit for purpose, or not as described, you have a “short-term right to reject” within the first 30 days of purchase for a full refund. If a fault develops after 30 days but within the first six months, the dealer usually has one opportunity to repair or replace the vehicle; if that fails, you have a final right to reject it. We have successfully utilized this legislation to reject high-value vehicles, including new Porsches, Ferraris, and Maseratis.
How long do I have to reject a faulty car?
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0-30 Days (Short-Term Right to Reject): You can reject the vehicle for a full refund if a fault is present.
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30 Days to 6 Months: The dealership usually has one opportunity to repair or replace the defective vehicle. If the repair fails, or if a replacement is not possible, you have the final right to reject the vehicle (though a deduction for usage may apply).
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After 6 Months: The burden of proof shifts to you. You must prove the fault was present at the point of sale, which often requires an independent automotive engineer’s report.
Does the law apply if I bought the car privately?
No. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 only applies to business-to-consumer (B2C) sales. If you buy a vehicle from a private seller, the rule is generally caveat emptor (buyer beware). Your only legal recourse against a private seller is if they actively misrepresented the vehicle (e.g., lying about its service history or crash damage).
Can a director be held personally liable for a dealership’s dispute?
Usually, the corporate structure protects directors from personal liability. However, the “corporate veil” can be pierced if a director makes a personal guarantee, engages in fraudulent misrepresentation, or breaches a direct personal promise to a client. We have successfully pursued directors personally in high-value cases where corporate protection was abused.
How can our dealership defend an unjustified rejection claim?
Consumers are well-protected, but traders have robust defenses. A buyer cannot reject a vehicle for faults they were made aware of before purchase, for fair wear and tear, or for damage caused by their own misuse or negligence. We assist dealerships in drafting stringent Terms & Conditions and providing strong, evidence-based defenses against unwarranted litigation.
Can I reject a vehicle bought on finance (PCP or HP)?
Yes, but the legal process is different. If your vehicle is financed via Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP), the finance company is actually the legal owner of the vehicle, not you. Therefore, your claim for rejection and a refund must be directed against the finance company under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, holding them jointly liable for the dealership’s breach of contract
What should we do if Trading Standards investigates our garage?
Trading Standards investigations can lead to severe penalties, including criminal prosecution and the loss of your ability to trade. It is critical to seek specialist legal advice immediately, ideally before providing formal statements or handing over documentation. We advise dealerships on compliance, advertising standards, and robust defense strategies during regulatory investigations