If that sounds like you, don’t panic. You’re not alone. Where some buyers assume that ‘part ex to clear’ means ‘cheap but risky’, others think it’s the same as a private sale. We’ve also heard motorists worry that it removes their consumer rights altogether. The reality is a bit more nuanced.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what ‘part ex to clear’ means in plain English. We’ll also overview why dealers use the term, what the risks and limitations are, how it differs from standard used cars and what you should check before buying or financing a part ex to clear car. 

By the end, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether a part ex to clear car is right for you, and how to avoid common misunderstandings.

What does ‘part ex to clear’ actually mean?

In the simplest possible terms, if a car is ‘part ex to clear’, that means a dealer’s taken the vehicle in on part exchange and wants to sell it quickly without investing too much time or money in the car.

When a motorist buys their next car from a dealership, they can trade in their old vehicle as part of the deal (part exchange). Some of the trade-ins are newer, low mileage and easy to resell. Others are older, higher mileage or outside the dealer’s usual stock profile. 

As a way of avoiding fully preparing or refurbishing the vehicle, the dealer might list them as ‘part ex to clear’.

It’s all about speed. The dealer wants the car gone quickly and at a reduced price so as to avoid investing time, forecourt space and money in the vehicle.

Why do dealers sell cars as ‘part ex to clear’?

There are a number of reasons why dealers can list part ex cars to clear:

• Limited resale value – If the cost of repairing, servicing and reconditioning a vehicle outweighs the profit it would generate for the dealer, they’re more likely to list it as part ex to clear.
• Outside the dealer’s core stock profile – If dealers are franchised, they’ll have a brand image to maintain. As such, they may be less interested in retailing very old cars, high-mileage diesels or niche models.
• Space and cash-flow considerations – Slow-moving stock takes up forecourt space and ties up capital. Selling a car as part ex to clear frees these up quicker.
• Faster turnaround – Part ex to clear cars are priced to sell. They’re therefore suitable for drivers who aren’t concerned about their vehicle’s look and first time or budget conscious buyers looking for more affordable options.

Is a ‘part ex to clear’ car a bad thing?

Whether a part ex to clear car is right for you will depend on your needs. In fact, some can represent very good value for money, especially if you’re realistic about what you’re buying.

The suitability of a part ex to clear car really depends on three main factors:

• Condition – mechanical and cosmetic
• Price – relative to market value and known issues
• Expectations – what you need the car for and how long you plan to keep it

If motorists are after a cheap, practical and short-term vehicle (or a second car for occasional use) a part ex to clear vehicle can be a sensible choice.

However, you should always do your due diligence to check the vehicle and dealership thoroughly before purchase.

What are the risks of buying a part ex to clear car?

As with many purchases, there are risks to purchasing a part ex to clear vehicle:

• Limited or no warranty – Many part ex to clear cars are sold with little or no warranty (or only a very basic one). This means you may be responsible for repair costs soon after purchase.
• Sold ‘as seen’ claims – You’ll often hear part ex to clear cars described as ‘sold as seen’. While this doesn’t remove your legal rights (more on that below), it’s a signal that the dealer isn’t offering the same level of aftersales support.
• Higher likelihood of wear or faults – These vehicles are typically older or have higher mileage. As such, they’re more likely to have wear and tear, cosmetic damage or underlying mechanical issues. Remember, too, that if you’ve only got minimal warranty cover, you may be responsible for repair costs on the above.
• Minimal preparation – Unlike standard used cars, part ex to clear vehicles may not receive a full service, valet or refurbishment before sale.
• Fewer aftersales protections – Compared to buying a fully prepared used car, you may have less flexibility if issues arise.

What consumer rights apply to part ex to clear cars?

This is one of the most misunderstood areas when it comes to part ex to clear vehicles. 

If you buy a part ex to clear car from a dealer, it is still covered by the Consumer Rights Act, regardless of the label used.

The vehicle must therefore be as described (it cannot be misrepresented), and it must be roadworthy.

A dealer can’t remove your legal rights by calling a car ‘sold as seen’ or ‘part ex to clear’. If the car is unsafe, significantly misdescribed or unfit for purpose, you still have legal protection.

However, expectations matter. If a dealer disclosed any known issues with a car prior to purchase, these are generally not grounds for rejection.

So, you have more legal protection buying a part ex to clear vehicle from a dealer than you would via private sale. There are far more limited consumer protections if you choose the private sale route.

Can you finance a part ex to clear car?

You can secure car finance for a part ex to clear vehicle, but it’s not always possible. 

Whether you can finance a part ex to clear vehicle depends on several factors, including:

• Age of the car
• Mileage
• Vehicle value
• Lender criteria

Many traditional dealerships won’t offer finance on these vehicles, especially if they fall outside mainstream lending limits. However, specialist finance brokers can sometimes help where dealers can’t.

At My Car Credit, we assess eligibility using a soft search, which doesn’t impact your credit score. This helps you understand whether finance is realistic before you commit. 

That said, your expectations need to be realistic. For example, very old or low-value part ex to clear vehicles may only be suitable for cash purchase.

Part ex to clear vs standard used cars

Understanding the differences between part ex to clear vehicles and standard used cars helps you choose the option that best matches your needs.

What should you check before buying a part ex to clear vehicle?

Before you commit to purchasing a part ex to clear car, make sure you’ve completed the following actionable checklist:

• Review the car’s service history and maintenance records
• Check the vehicle’s MOT status and advisories
• Confirm all known faults are disclosed
• Properly test drive the vehicle
• Consider independent inspection (if possible)
• Calculate the total cost of ownership, including repairs and maintenance
• Decide whether a cash purchase or car finance is most suitable

Is a part ex to clear car right for you?

No one driver is the same, and the best way to determine whether a part ex to clear vehicle is suitable for you is by assessing your motoring needs.

If you’re working with a tight budget or you only need the vehicle for short-term ownership, a part ex to clear car could be suitable. Equally, if you’re looking for a second or backup vehicle, or if you’re planning to use the vehicle for trade or commuting purposes, it may be a good solution.

A part ex to clear vehicle is less likely to suit drivers who want long-term vehicle ownership, or who prioritise warranty cover. Equally, if you’re after maximum peace of mind – for example, if you’re a first time buyer seeking reassurance – a part ex to clear car probably isn’t appropriate.

How My Car Credit can help

Our role at My Car Credit is to help you make informed decisions. 

We can help you understand whether car finance for a part ex to clear vehicle is realistic and suitable for both your needs and the car you’re considering purchasing.

With us, you can assess your car finance eligibility through a soft search that won’t impact your credit score. 

Plus, if you’d rather shop around for other vehicles, we can help guide you towards alternative used cars through our one-stop shop of quality, pre-approved vehicles.

As an FCA-regulated broker, we focus on transparency, clarity and helping customers avoid misunderstandings. Our goal is to support you in finding affordable, suitable car finance solutions for your circumstances.

What does part ex to clear mean? A simple summary

In this guide, we’ve covered all the bases on ‘part ex to clear’ vehicles. 

If a car’s listed as part ex to clear, it’s been accepted as a trade-in that a dealer wants to sell quickly, usually with minimal preparation and at a lower price. 

These cars aren’t automatically bad purchases, but they do carry more risk and therefore require careful checks before committing.

Understanding your rights, setting realistic expectations and knowing your finance options can help you decide with confidence.

If you’ve got further questions about whether a part ex to clear car on finance is appropriate for you, contact My Car Credit for professional support and guidance.

Part ex to clear FAQs

Does part ex to clear mean no warranty?

The kind of warranty offered for a part ex to clear vehicle will differ by dealer. That said, many part ex to clear cars are sold with little or very basic warranty, so you can be responsible for repair costs soon after purchase.

Are part ex to clear cars sold ‘as seen’?

Part ex to clear cars are often listed as ‘sold as seen’ – but consumer rights still apply when buying from a dealer. However, you may not benefit from the same level of aftersales support compared to that offered post-standard used car purchase.

Can I return a part ex to clear car?

You may have rights under the Consumer Rights Act to return a part ex to clear car if the car is misdescribed or unroadworthy. It’s essential to do due diligence on a part ex to clear vehicle before purchasing to reduce the risk of any problems.

Are part ex to clear cars cheaper than normal used cars?

One of the main appeals of part ex to clear cars is their affordability. That’s why this type of vehicle often attracts first time buyers, budget-conscious motorists or those looking for a wallet-friendly occasional second car.

Can I finance a part ex to clear vehicle?

It’s possible to secure car finance on a part ex to clear vehicle, but it will depend on the lender criteria, as well as the vehicle’s age and mileage. Brokers like My Car Credit can help you assess whether financing a part ex to clear car is your most suitable option.

Is part ex to clear the same as a private sale?

Dealer sales of part ex to clear vehicles still carry consumer protections that private sales do not. As such, you have fewer rights for the private purchase of a vehicle.