Dealers of second-hand cars have experienced a rough ride regarding their activity reports from the Office of Fair Trading. The watchdog discovered that one out of five people who purchased a used car from a car trader later on discovered some problems with their vehicle purchase.
A lot of these issues surface within the first month of purchase. For many of these customers, a car is considered the second most expensive purchase made in their life, after the home. What can be done to be protected from rouge salespeople, and what are the rights of the customers?
General Tips for You
Buyers also need to be honest regarding their purchase. The report has discovered that some buyers actually had expectations, which were unrealistic regarding the car condition, given the mileage, age, as well as the price charged for it.
Sales director of Carsite.co.uk, Alistair Jeff, said that people usually spend a whole lot of time and energy in searching for the cheapest car that they can purchase. However, the best car value can be found in a good quality car, with a good price, and coming from a vehicle dealer who is also willing to provide back-up and service.
A lot of people spend a whole lot of money, but may not have an idea on what they are actually purchasing. Therefore, you may want to take somebody who is more familiar with cars.
Things to Search For
If you are planning to purchase a car, there are certain things that you need to consider. You can have any car checked independently. Afterwards, you can do a test drive and make sure that all relevant documents are prepared accordingly.
However, the industry’s trade body, the Retail Motor Industry Federation, suggests having a check list for inspection. This typically includes checking the bodywork as well as the underside, ensuring that the tyres come with the right tread, which is 1.6mm and more. Also, check the condition of the paintwork, the locks, as well as the rubber seals. This also means checking on the doors and windscreen wipers since leaks may be very expensive to repair.
On the exterior, make sure that all panels are similar in shade, not uneven, rippled or heavily chipped. The interior of the car may also provide clues regarding its treatment as well as the accuracy of the mileage. Therefore, it is important to check the condition of your seatbelts, the carpets, pedal condition and dashboard instruments.
For further advice please contact your local Mr Clutch