In the case of Nesbit v Porter, what determined whether the buyer was considered a consumer?

The determination of whether the buyer in the case of Nesbit v Porter was considered a consumer primarily rested on the buyer's intended use of the vehicle. In consumer law, the definition of a 'consumer' typically revolves around the purpose for which the goods or services are acquired. Specifically, if the buyer intended to use the vehicle for personal purposes rather than for business or commercial use, they would fall under the definition of a consumer.

This distinction is significant because it impacts the buyer's rights under consumer protection laws. Unlike business transactions, consumer transactions come with additional protections, such as guarantees and rights concerning the quality and suitability of the goods bought. Hence, understanding the intended use of the vehicle clarifies whether the protections afforded to consumers apply in this case.

Other factors, such as the vehicle's history or the cost, do not directly influence the definition of the buyer as a consumer. Their relevance tends to lie in issues like product quality or valuation rather than in determining the consumer status itself, which is fundamentally based on the intended use of the purchased item. Therefore, while aspects such as repair costs and vehicle history may be important in other contexts, they do not shape the classification of the buyer in terms of consumer protection law.