Buying a used car?
If you are buying a car there are plenty of places to look for advice before buying and guidance to help if things go wrong.
The Citizens Advice consumer helpline and officers at the Public Protection Partnership talk to hundreds of customers every year and here are a few additional tips.
1. Think about how you are going to use the car. Diesel cars may look more economical than similar petrol models but are not suitable if you only do short journeys as the particulate filter is more likely to block and the engine will not run properly.
2. Leave some money aside for maintenance and servicing. All cars will need servicing and some parts such brakes and tyres will need replacing as they wear out. You also have to take reasonable care of the car, so if it needs a service, cam belt change or other scheduled work and you don’t get it done then the seller will not be responsible for faults directly linked to the required work.
3. How far are you travelling to buy the car? If the car develops a fault then the seller may be required by law to fix it but this will usually require you to return the car to his site. The further you have to travel the harder this can be particularly if the fault makes the car difficult or unsafe to drive or if it has completely broken down.
4. Fair wear and tear. Older and high mileage cars will have worn components and these will become even more worn as you drive it. All cars sold should as a minimum standard pass an MOT; the seller has a liability for defects which arise shortly after sale but this may not apply to things which wear out during use. This is called ‘fair wear and tear’; older and cheaper cars may need parts replacing sooner than newer cars and this is more likely to be down to maintenance rather than a defect the seller should put right.
5. Make sure you know who you are buying from. Go to the traders premises, have a look round and if you do buy make sure you get a proper invoice. This must say who the seller is, usually either a limited company or personal names, and give a proper address. Do NOT agree to meet the seller anywhere other than at their site.
6. Finance, Look at both the monthly amount and the total cost. How old will the car be when you have finished paying for it and will it be starting to need expensive repairs? Can you afford insurance, road fund licence, fuel and maintenance as well as the loan? If in doubt seek independent financial advice and if possible shop around to get the cheapest loan.
Finally private seller or trader? If you buy from a private individual you may well pay less but you will not get the same consumer rights as when buying from a trader.
For more advice on buying cars and much more visit our website https://publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk/trading-standards/consumer-advice/problems-with-cars/
If you have bought a defective or mis-described car contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506 or https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
