NOVEMBER SCAM ALERT - New Guidance Available for Car Buyers Dodgy used cars display faults within weeks of purchase. Half of faulty used cars display problems within a month of buying the vehicle, reveals Citizens Advice. The findings come as Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Scotland and the National Trading Standards Institute launch a new campaign to help steer people away from buying a dodgy used car. An analysis of 2,519 complaints about second hand cars, made to the Citizens Advice consumer service in the first two weeks of September 2013, finds 83% were about faults, of which: - more than half (53%) developed faults within a month of buying the car - 4 out 5 cars required essential repairs - 139 cars were worthy of the scrap heap. Essential repairs included smoke emerging from the engine, corroded brake pipes and a snapped clutch. Following on from National Consumer week, which took place 4th –11th November, Middlesbrough Council will be visiting car traders to remind them of their legal obligations when selling cars. Common problems experienced by used car buyers include substandard services, misleading advertising and incorrect or insufficient information about the car before they bought it. Recent complaints have highlighted the fact that car dealers still seem reluctant to disclose vital information about the car that they either know or can very easily find out – such as the correct mileage when the displayed mileage is incorrect or the vehicle’s history such as ex-hire car or that it has been involved in an accident. This is despite this being made a criminal offence in 2008. Top tips for buying a used car • Check MOT certificate – indicates if car is roadworthy • Check service history – shows if car has been maintained • Check V5 registration document – shows if car is stolen • Check if car is a write off – helps you know what you are buying • Check finance history – ensures car doesn’t have an outstanding hire purchase agreement • Test drive and walk around check – for signs the car isn’t what it seems • Get engineer’s check – shows condition of car and any hidden dangers • Check price value guide – indicates reasonable price to pay • Check car is not recalled – shows if car was recalled for safety reasons by manufacturer The V5 document also has a long document reference number. This can be entered onto the VOSA website (vosa.gov.uk) to reveal the MOT history of the vehicle, including the recorded mileage on each annual test. Your rights when buying a second hand car If you bought the car from a dealer, the car must: • Match its description. This means it must be as described by the seller. This includes any written description in an advertisement or catalogue. • Be of satisfactory quality. This means the car must be in reasonable condition, considering its age and make, its past history and the price paid. • Be fit for its purpose. If you request a vehicle which is capable of towing a large caravan, it must be capable of doing the job. • Be roadworthy. It is a criminal offence to sell an unroadworthy car. A car is not roadworthy if its brakes, tyres, steering, or construction make it unfit for the road. Even if the car has an MOT certificate, this doesnt necessarily mean that it is roadworthy. This month also saw the launch of an app is being launched to help used car buyers check it before they regret it. The app is the work of the North East Trading Standards Association (NETSA) Scambusters team and the National Trading Standards Board (NTSB). The Car Buyers Guide app provides key information and checklists needed when buying a used car including MOT evaluations; things to look out for; and legal rights. A checklist of more than 20 key points will also help the consumer complete a thorough examination before buying the car. The Car Buyers Guide app is one more tool to help consumers make a wise decision when buying a used car. The Android version of the Car Buyers Guide is available to download by clicking on the link or from the Google play store. The iPhone version will be released in a few weeks. For more information about the National Consumer Week check it, dont regret it campaign developed by the Trading Standards Institute and Citizens Advice, https://tradingstandards.gov.uk/extra/news-item.cfm/newsid/1309
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 11:05:26 +0000
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