Warranty on used spare parts: your rights and how to claim

When you buy used spare parts, the warranty is your main safety net. However, many consumers are unaware of their legal rights or don't know how to exercise them. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about warranties on used parts in Spain.

Legal framework: what does Spanish law say?

Spanish warranty legislation for second-hand products is primarily governed by Royal Legislative Decree 1/2007 (General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users), as amended by European Directive 2019/771.

The key points are:

- Minimum legal warranty: 2 years for new products, which can be reduced to 1 year for second-hand products if the seller and buyer expressly agree. - Reversal of the burden of proof: During the first 12 months, it is presumed that the defect already existed at the time of purchase. The seller must prove otherwise. - Consumer rights: Repair, replacement, price reduction, or contract termination.

What about purchases between private individuals?

Consumer law only applies when the seller is a professional or business. In private-to-private purchases (for example, on Wallapop), there is no mandatory legal warranty. This is yet another reason to buy from professional platforms like Rutapart.

Rutapart's warranty: full 2 years

At Rutapart, we've decided to offer a 2-year warranty on all parts, double the legal minimum for second-hand products. This decision reflects our confidence in the quality of parts from our network of professional scrapyards.

What does our warranty cover?

1. Functional defects: If the part stops working properly during the 2 years following purchase. 2. Verified compatibility issues: If you used our license plate search system and the part turns out not to be compatible. 3. Discrepancy with description: If the part doesn't match the photos, description, or condition grade indicated.

What does the warranty NOT cover?

- Natural wear: Wear from normal use is not a warranty defect. Brake pads wear out, shock absorbers lose effectiveness over time. - Incorrect installation: If a workshop or individual installs the part incorrectly and this causes damage, the warranty doesn't apply. - Modifications: If modifications are made to the part (machining, welding, etc.), the warranty is voided. - Misuse: If the part is used for a purpose other than what the manufacturer intended.

How to claim warranty: step-by-step process

1. Document the problem

Before contacting us, take photos and/or videos of the problem. If the part was installed by a workshop, ask the mechanic for a report or diagnosis.

2. Contact support

Access your Rutapart account, go to the "My Orders" section, and select the problematic part. Click "Request Warranty" and attach the documentation.

You can also contact us by email (soporte@rutapart.es) or phone (+34 900 000 000).

3. Evaluation

Our technical team will evaluate your claim within a maximum of 48 hours. In most cases, photos and a description are sufficient to resolve the issue.

4. Resolution

We offer three resolution options:

- Replacement: We send you an equivalent part at no cost. - Full refund: If no replacement part is available or you prefer the money. - Partial refund: If the part is usable but doesn't exactly match the description (for example, Grade B instead of Grade A).

The resolution timeframe is 72 hours from the approval of the claim.

Tips to protect your warranty

1. Always keep your invoice. It's the document that proves your purchase and date. 2. Take photos when you receive the part. Before installing it, document its condition. 3. Have it installed by a professional workshop. If a professional does the installation, it will be easier to prove the problem is with the part and not the installation. 4. Don't modify the part. Any modification can void the warranty. 5. Claim within the deadline. The warranty has a 2-year time limit from the purchase date.

Warranty comparison across the market

| Seller | Warranty | Returns | Coverage | |---|---|---|---| | Private (Wallapop) | No warranty | Not mandatory | — | | Local scrapyard | 6-12 months | Variable | Limited | | Average online scrapyard | 12 months | 14 days | Standard | | Rutapart | 24 months | 30 days | Full |

Frequently asked questions about warranty

Does the warranty cover installation labor? No. The warranty covers the cost of the part and shipping, but not installation or removal costs at a workshop.

Can I claim warranty if I bought a Grade C or D part? Yes. The grade indicates cosmetic condition, but the part must work properly as described. If a Grade C alternator stops working after a month, it's covered.

What happens if the scrapyard that sold the part has closed? At Rutapart, the warranty is assumed by the platform, not the individual scrapyard. Even if the scrapyard closes, your warranty remains valid.

Conclusion

Warranty is not an extra; it's a fundamental consumer right. When buying used spare parts, make sure the seller offers a real, documented warranty. At Rutapart, our 2-year warranty is designed so you can buy with total peace of mind, knowing that if something doesn't work, we're here to solve it.