What is a Statutory Warranty on Used Cars?
Buying a second-hand car can feel like a leap of faith. You drive off the forecourt hoping you’ve chosen wisely… and then cross your fingers that nothing major goes wrong.
A Statutory Warranty is a legal warranty on cars bought from licensed dealers. This type of second-hand car warranty is not something you pay extra for, and it’s not an extended warranty. It’s a built-in safety net. If a covered fault pops up soon after your purchase, the dealer is obligated to fix it.
How does a Statutory Warranty Work?
A statutory warranty is all about fairness. If you buy from a licensed dealer, the warranty comes with the car automatically. Depending on the dealer, cover usually lasts for a set period of time (say six months) or a mileage cap (for example 5,000 miles) - whichever comes first.
Think of it as a bedding-in period, making sure the car is roadworthy beyond the dealer’s forecourt.
Who is Eligible for a Statutory Warranty?
Not every used car qualifies, and that’s where people often get caught out. To be covered:
- You need to buy your car from a licensed dealer, not a private seller.
- The car usually has to be under a certain age and mileage.
- Some vehicles such as older classics, motorbikes or heavy commercial vans are excluded altogether.
If you have purchased a car through a private seller or not eligible for a statutory warranty? A MotorEasy warranty covers you from unexpected mechanical and electrical failures, with plans suitable for cars of all ages and mileages up to 13 years old and 130,000 miles.
What’s Covered Under a Statutory Warranty?
So, what does statutory warranty cover? The whole idea is that you’re not left with a car that’s unsafe the moment you get it home. Dealer warranty on used cars usually includes:
- Major mechanical faults like transmission issues or steering failures.
- Electrical faults that stop the car working safely (for example faulty alternators and wiring problems).
- Anything else that makes the car unroadworthy.
Important to note! Used car warranty cover is all about faults that were already there (even if hidden) when you bought the car. If something breaks because of how it’s driven after purchase, that’s not on the dealer.
What’s not covered?
Here’s where expectations need to be realistic. A statutory warranty doesn’t mean the dealer pays for every little problem you notice once you’ve collected your car. In fact, there are a number of exclusions that are part of a Statutory Warranty:
- Routine wear and tear items such as brakes, tyres, wiper blades…
- Cosmetic imperfections like a scuffed bumper or faded upholstery
- Damage caused after you’ve bought it, for example due to an accident or neglect
- Issues the dealer already pointed out in writing before the sale
In short, a Statutory Warranty is there to keep it safe and roadworthy. Always take a moment to read the small print to understand your warranty, so there are no nasty surprises later.
Statutory Warranty vs Your Consumer Guarantees
A statutory second-hand car warranty is a time-limited legal warranty on certain used cars from dealers. Consumer guarantees, on the other hand, are broader rights under law that exist to protect consumers.
Here’s a quick example: let’s say you start having gearbox issues a month after the statutory warranty has ended. You may still have a case under consumer guarantees, because it’s within reason to expect your gearbox to last longer than that. Knowing this can help you understand your buyer rights and what protection you have when you purchase a car. With a MotorEasy Warranty if your vehicle has been serviced in-line with manufacturer guidelines you are covered for both unexpected mechanical and electrical failures.
Statutory Warranty Checklist
- Only licensed dealer sales count - private sellers aren’t covered.
- Cars must be under specific age and mileage limits.
- Cover applies to serious, roadworthiness-affecting faults, not just wear and tear.
MotorEasy offers flexible cover tailored to your vehicle and needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every used car have a statutory warranty?
No Statutory Warranties are only available on cars from licensed dealers that meet the age, mileage and car type rules qualify.
How long does a statutory warranty last?
In the UK, a statutory used car warranty typically lasts up to six months.
Can a dealer refuse to fix my car under statutory warranty?
Only if the fault isn’t covered (like wear and tear). If it is covered, the dealer’s legally obliged to repair it.
Is statutory warranty the same as manufacturer warranty?
No, a manufacturer warranty is separate and usually longer. A Statutory warranty is the dealer’s legal duty to protect their customers.
What happens if my warranty runs out but I still have problems?
If your statutory warranty on second hand cars runs out, consumer law may still give you rights if you can prove the problem was pre-existing (Before you bought the car).
Thinking of buying a car soon?
A statutory warranty offers a short-term safety net, but it only goes so far. That’s why many drivers choose to extend their cover with a MotorEasy warranty - so you’re covered for the long run, not just the first 3 months.
