What Car? Q&A - How can I pay off my car quickly?

Q: I have just bought a 2004-registered car. After having the car for three weeks, I have decided I do not like it. In fact, the way it handles and drives is horrible and I don't feel safe in it. The car is on finance and I know usually the only way out of such a contract is to pay it off, which I cannot do. Is there another way to go about it?
A Cole

A: In the UK, two laws protect dissatisfied customers – the Supply of Goods Act 1973 and the Sale of Goods Act 1979. These laws are very similar, and put simply, allow you to return a product if it does not meet the satisfactory quality expected by a reasonable person.

The phrase 'satisfactory quality' is important. If the way your car handles is deemed to be below a satisfactory margin for that type of car, and especially if it is dangerous, then the law is on your side.

If the handling is just not desirable to you as a person, then you do not have a legal right to return. The fact that it's already been in the hands of one owner since 2004 and has emerged unscathed suggests the problems you describe may just be down to personal preference and may not actually be dangerous.

If you do want to pursue a claim, you're much more likely to get a good result if you send a letter of complaint to the dealer within two weeks, especially if the case then eventually reaches court.

Also remember that buying a car using finance enters you into a contract with the finance company, and it is they who must be approached if a legal course of action is taken. It is important to keep the dealer abreast of the situation as well.