A buyer should vary their expectations of a car depending on its age and mileage, i.e. you' should reasonably expect a high-mileage banger to be more problematic than a newish motor with little mileage on the clock. However, it must still be: fit to be used on the road; in a condition which reflects its age and price; and reasonably reliable.
A car dealer cannot alter your legal rights by displaying a 'sold as seen' sign.
You are entitled to expect that the car is roadworthy when you buy it, unless you and the car dealer clearly agree it is to be sold as scrap
Buying a Car Privately
Your legal rights are reduced if you buy from a private seller. Privately sold cars need only be 'as described', so the onus is on the buyer to ensure it's 'of satisfactory quality' or 'fit for purpose' - so inspect the vehicle carefully.
You are, however, entitled to expect that the car is roadworthy when you buy it, unless you and the private seller clearly agree it is to be sold as scrap.
Buying a Car at Auction
Auctioneers are allowed to effectively sidestep a buyer's rights by issuing the disclaimer 'sold as seen'. This is because a car auction is not considered to be a consumer sale. What rights you and the auction house have will be stated in the auction's terms and conditions, which must be available to view. Therefore, it's a very good idea to take someone with you who knows about cars before raising your hand to bid.
Buying a Car Online
You have the same basic consumer rights when buying a car from an online car dealer as you have when buying a car on a dealer forecourt. Additionally, you may be covered by The Distance Selling Regulations, which protect buyers who enters into contracts that are concluded at a distance and without personal contact.
If you buy online from a private seller, you have the same rights as if you were buying privately via a classified advertisement.
You can view Trading Standards advice on your consumer rights here. Buyers in Scotland are subject to slightly legislation, the relevant terms of which can be viewed here.
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