“I’ve bought a pre-owned car, but it broke down after a few months, and now it’s completely useless. What to do?” We encounter such questions regularly. Don’t let the second-hand car dealers’ cocksureness intimidate you, and familiarize yourself with your rights. Read on even if you’ve purchased a new car, as this article deals with your eventuality as well.
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Purchasing a used car always represents buying a pig in the poke. However, the figurative pig may be inedible or even stolen.
The Czech legislation concerning defects and warranty has recently emerged from a truly topsy-turvy period. We don’t have the room here to delve into the debate on whether or not the mandatory 2-year warranty on consumer goods has been abolished; nonetheless, one thing is certain: Newly, the warranty (also applying to second-hand goods) needn’t be stipulated in a written agreement, as mentioning the guarantee period even in an instruction manual or advertisement binds the seller. For example, a flyer by a pre-owned car dealer or a commercial on the radio promising an extra 7-year warranty will suffice. However, we advise to somehow keep it (e.g., to save a screenshot), so that you can provide evidence in the eventual process.
Before you even start considering withdrawal from your contract, make sure that the defect at hand doesn’t fall into one of the following categories that may not be claimed:
Your Attorneys Online advise: “A buyer may only successfully complain about a defect that manifests itself within the warranty period, which usually means 24 months; however, with used cars, it’s often reduced to a year. The seller must inform you about this reduction during the transaction, i.e., include it within the vehicle purchase agreement.”
Unless the fault was duly pointed out or pertains to the usual wear and tear as previously discussed , it’s deemed hidden. The Civil Code states that if a hidden fault manifests itself within 6 months from the handover, the vehicle was already defective as of the signing of the purchase contract. As a consequence, the seller is responsible for such fault, and you’re entitled to complain.
Your Attorneys Online advise: “Frequently, car dealers reject the claim and object that the fault occurred after the handover and is the result of service wear. Don’t let this discourage you. Such an approach is unlawful, and any dealer insisting on their claim must prove that the fault indeed occurred after you took possession of the vehicle. If they’re unable to, it’s they who bear the responsibility for the hidden fault.”
When claiming hidden faults, any provisions along the lines of “the buyer has thoroughly familiarized themselves with the technical condition of the vehicle” or “the seller shall not be held liable for any defects” that the agreement may contain are utterly void and serve merely to discourage the purchaser.
Tip: After repaying the period of 6 months from receipt, the burden of proof lies with the buyer.
Although the 6-month warranty of hidden defects remains the same here, it is you who must establish your claim. Therefore, seek counsel with a mechanic or obtain an expert opinion first, and only then contact the original owner. If they reject your claim, you’ll have to resort to taking legal action.
Your Attorneys Online advise: “Do not repair the defect. It is necessary that the vehicle remains in the condition it was in when the defect manifested itself. Fixing it would render your complaint moot.”
If the car dealer accepts your claim, do insist on drawing up a protocol of claim and keep a copy. As of then, a 30-day period commences, during which your claim must be resolved. Also, make sure that the protocol specifies how the matter will be remedied.
If your complaint is rejected, a court-sworn expert will assess the vehicle’s condition. For that reason, we recommend to keep as many documents as possible to evidence the defect.
When complaining about a second-hand car, you’re entitled either to a discount, or to the removal of the defect. You may call for a withdrawal from the vehicle purchase agreement when the fault occurs repeatedly, or if the car had multiple defects.
Also, you may back out of the agreement and demand a refund when the seller fails to resolve your complaint within the 30-day period, by which they breach the contract.
Tip: Bear in mind that withdrawing from a used vehicle purchase agreement is only possible after an unsuccessful or refused complaint.
Your car comes with a 2-year warranty covering any fault, including a hidden one. Let’s quote the Czech Civil Code:
“(1) A seller is liable to a buyer for a defect-free condition of a thing upon takeover. A seller is in particular liable to ensure that at the time the buyer takes over the thing:
The seller is liable for faults that manifest themselves during the warranty period. However, the condition that the defect already existed at the time of the handover still stands. The burden of proof lies with the seller within the first 6 months and is subsequently conveyed to the buyer (as with the purchase of a used car). In practice, however, Czech car dealers usually accept their responsibility for the whole warranty period, so the purchaser needn’t prove anything.
When complaining about a new car, the buyer may demand the delivery of a new part, the removal of the defect, a discount from the purchasing price, a new vehicle (only when relevant to the nature of the defect), or, ultimately, a withdrawal from the agreement
The buyer has the right to withdraw if:
The law defines no warranty for such purchase agreements. The seller is only liable for hidden defects (those that existed at the time of the handover). If you’re buying a business car, make sure to note any agreement provisions limiting your complaint rights. Typically, these bind the purchaser to conduct regular checks in an authorized repair shop, or to a mandatory annual vehicle inspection. These provisions could be easily overlooked, which would result in the loss of your warranty.
Are you facing difficulties while cancelling a vehicle purchase agreement? Or do you seek counsel in such a situation? Order our Consultation with a lawyer and obtain a solution within 48 hours.
Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.
Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
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