Max Sharpe 
Buying a Used Van in the UK? Ask These 3 Warranty Questions That Dealers Don’t Want You to Ask!
Buying a used van in the UK can be overwhelming. With so many options and dealers to choose from, it’s crucial to make an informed decision especially if you don’t have extensive mechanical knowledge. To ensure peace of mind, always buy from an established dealer with strong Google reviews and one that honours the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which effectively provides you with a 6 month warranty.
At Huntswood Van Centre, we take customer satisfaction seriously. We have glowing 5-star reviews and offer a comprehensive 1 year warranty. Avoid purchasing from individuals on Facebook Marketplace or private sellers, as they have no legal obligation to fix any issues after the sale, unless the vehicle was specifically misrepresented.
If you’ve found a van you like from a reputable dealer, here are three essential warranty questions you should ask before making a purchase. At Huntswood Van Centre, we are happy to answer them for you!
- Will They Honor the Consumer Rights Act 2015?
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 legally requires dealers to provide a six-month warranty on used vehicles. Here’s what this means for you:
- If a fault occurs within 30 days, you have the right to reject the vehicle and receive a full refund.
- Between 1 and 6 months, the dealer must repair or replace the vehicle unless they can prove the fault was not present at the time of sale. You must allow them one opportunity to fix the issue, but if they fail, you are entitled to a refund.
- After 6 months, you can still request repairs, but you’ll need to prove the fault existed when you bought the van, something that becomes increasingly difficult over time.
To protect yourself, ask the dealer if they fully honour the Consumer Rights Act and whether they handle warranty claims fairly and transparently.
- Do They Offer a Warranty That Extends Beyond the Consumer Rights Act?
Although some dealers may not mention it, UK law already provides you with a 6 month warranty under the Consumer Rights Act. However, some reputable dealerships, like Huntswood Van Centre, go beyond this and offer an extended one-year warranty.
When discussing additional warranties, ask if the coverage is insurance-based or directly provided by the dealer. Insurance-backed warranties often have hidden clauses that make it difficult to claim repairs. Dealers using insurance-based warranties cannot avoid liability under the Consumer Rights Act, even if they impose mileage restrictions or claim limits.
Ideally, you should look for a back-to-base warranty, where the dealer personally covers repairs. At Huntswood Van Centre, we offer this type of warranty. If the issue is minor, we may even allow you to take the van to a local garage, and we’ll cover the bill within our warranty terms. This ensures a smoother and more reliable process.
- What Are the Terms of Their Extended Warranty?
If a dealer does offer a warranty that extends past the Consumer Rights Act, make sure you understand its terms and conditions. Ask about:
- Mileage restrictions
- Claim limits
- General exclusions
Request a full written copy of their warranty terms. If they refuse or cannot provide it, don’t buy from them. At Huntswood Van Centre, our warranty includes a 7,500 mile restriction and a £1,000 claim limit per claim, and we provide all details upfront before you commit to a purchase.
Find Your Next Van With Confidence.
If you’re looking to buy a commercial vehicle in the London area, we at Huntswood Van Centre are happy to answer any questions about our warranty. We provide full terms and conditions before you buy, ensuring transparency and confidence in your purchase.
If you are looking for any van-related advice, feel free to check out our YouTube channel by clicking the word the link in this sentence.
