Have you just bought a second hand car from a franchised or non-franchised car dealer? If it develops a problem, you have significant rights, even if you have no warranty cover.
The Consumer Rights Act, enacted in October 2015, gives you the statutory right to reject a new or used car (or anything else) within 30 days of purchase if any fault is found.
Additionally, a reputable new or used car dealer may have signed up to ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ (arbitration) under an Industry Code of Practice for Vehicle Sales run by the SMMT. This used to be called Motor Codes but has now been re-named The Motor Ombudsman.
Ask the dealer whether they are signed up to the Motor Ombudsman. If they have not, ask yourself why?
A second-hand car I bought recently was burning oil internally. Although undetectable at purchase, I identified a problem within a few days, and had the garage of my choice diagnose the fault – worn / ill-fitting piston rings. The selling dealer came and took the car back, gave me a full refund and also paid the expenses I had incurred – my train ticket to the garage on the day of purchase and insurance cancellation costs.
Please contact me if you need advice about a vehicle you have bought. I’ll do all I can to provide advice and practical help.
Also consider contacting Citizens Advice – citizensadvice.org.uk or call 03454 040506.