Gleaming paintwork and a sparkling interior may be covering a multitude of sins
HPI is urging used car buyers to be vigilant and take advantage of the tools available to guard against buying a dud.
For the fourth year in a row, independent traders have topped the Consumer Direct list as the most common customer gripe. Franchise dealers were also named and shamed within the top ten listing. However says HPI, it is a minority within the trade that is casting a shadow over the industry as a whole, and that buying has its risks whether a consumer is buying from a dealer or from a member of the public. HPI believes that there are some simple things consumers can do to reduce this risk.
Nicola Johnson, Consumer Services Manager for HPI says: “It’s all too easy for buyers to take a vehicle for sale at face value, irrespective of who they are buying from, and particularly if it ticks all the boxes in terms of make, model and price. But handing over money based on a decision made from the heart and not the head can often lead to heartache once the deal is done.”
The first thing any buyer should do if they are intending to buy from a trader, recommends HPI, is find out which of their local dealers belong to a trade association that requires the firm to abide by a code of practice. The Retail Motor Industry (RMI) or Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) provides this information. Once this is established buyers should do some groundwork before they visit a trader so that they have a good understanding of what make and model of car they can realistically afford, and what sort of condition they should expect that vehicle to be in for the price they are willing to pay.
“When you visit dealers, ask them a few basic questions to help you separate out the good from the dodgy ones. This can help you save time, trouble and money. Under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968, all descriptions applied to a vehicle must be true. For instance, a car cannot be advertised as having had one careful owner if it has actually had three, so ask to see the vehicle’s paperwork such as V5 and service history for yourself,” continues Nicola Johnson. “Furthermore, make sure the vehicle is fit for purpose. There’s no point buying a car that isn’t suitable for towing caravans if caravan holidays are your thing.”
Sue Robinson, of trade body the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), said they were working closely with the Office of Fair Trading on a study into the second hand car market and reported that in many cases a complaint has arisen as a result of a breakdown in communication or a misunderstanding between the customer and the trader.
“It’s easy to be fooled by cosmetics, however, gleaming paintwork and a sparkling interior may be covering a multitude of sins,” concludes Nicola Johnson. “Look under the bonnet and examine the interior for signs of wear and tear or potential faults. Get an independent inspection done or take a family or friend who knows something about cars. And don’t get stung by a hidden history when buying a used car. Before you buy, we always recommend doing your own HPI Check so that you get the maximum benefit from our Guarantee, however you can also ask to see the dealer's HPI Check certificate.”
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