2007
Consumer Direct East Midlands is urging would-be car owners not to be in a hurry to part with their cash but to take time to choose the right used car. Buying a second hand car can be more risky than buying new, particularly as most of us aren’t car experts. Take the safest route to buying a used car with advice from Consumer Direct to make sure you get a good deal.
24th September 2007
Following new registration plates at the beginning of September, there is an increase in availability of nearly new cars and even lower used car prices on offer, but it can be a complicated business deciding whether to buy from a dealer or a private seller.
According to the latest figures from Consumer Direct East Midlands, second hand cars are the second most complained about issue in the region with over 5,600 calls to the advice line last year.
Sara Barry, Consumer Direct East Midlands Manager said:
'For most people buying a car is a big financial commitment. It makes sense to take your time and make sure you choose the right used car. The law recognises that a second hand car won’t be perfect but it must be fit to be used on the road and be reasonably reliable and safe.'
'Motorists should always make checks on a used vehicle’s history before purchase and consider having the car independently checked, as a few simple steps could save a lot of money and stress later on.'
So before you make that purchase check Consumer Direct’s top tips to help steer you through the process:
- Look at car magazines and price guides to see what is available for the price you want to pay and check the value of any car you want to trade-in.
- Shop around. Visit a number of different dealers or check private for sale listings to see what is available in your price range.
- If you don’t know much about cars, it’s a good idea to take someone with you who does, or pay for an independent inspection by a professional mechanic or one of the motoring organisations.
- If buying from a dealer look for a trade association sign. This may help you to resolve a dispute if you encounter any problems.
- If buying privately, from an individual person, you have fewer legal rights if the car becomes faulty.
- Make sure you test-drive any vehicle you are interested in to check for any problems as well as comfort, visibility and road handling.
- Don’t be afraid to haggle. Buying at a discount will not affect your legal rights.
Turn to Consumer Direct East Midlands for advice on any car issue by calling 08454 04 05 06
-ends-
MEDIA enquiries:
Georgina Barton
Tel: 01522 535792
Mobile: 07768 840239
Email: georgina.barton@consumerdirect-eastmidlands.gov.uk
NOTES
1. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service funded by government and managed by the Office of Fair Trading. It operates in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services to offer consumers clear, practical and impartial advice and information.
2. Consumer Direct has around 350 trained advisers in 11 contact centres across England, Wales and Scotland.
3. The information and advice helpline is available on a single national telephone number - 08454 04 05 06 from 0800 – 1830 Monday to Friday, and 0900 – 1300 Saturday, excluding bank holidays and public holidays.
4. A Welsh-speaking Consumer Direct service is available on 08454 04 05 05. Minicom users should call 08451 28 13 84.
5. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
6. Northern Ireland has its own service called ConsumerLine (available on 08456 00 62 62) which is similar to Consumer Direct. Visit the ConsumerLine website.
