THESE are three things every motorist should tick off before buying a used car.
The trio of checks comes with charity Citizens Advice warning it dealt with a mammoth 43,000 used-car complaints in 2023.
Now the organisation’s consumer expert Jane Parsons has laid out the three top tips every driver must follow.
Find a well-established firm with a strong reputation, says Ms Parsons.
If the garage is a member of the consumer codes approval scheme, you are protected by the code sponsor if things go pear-shaped.
These days, of course, many opt to buy from an individual seller using a platform such as Facebook Marketplace.
In this case, Ms Parsons says you’re entitled to expect the vehicle to be roadworthy, unless there is an alternative agreement.
With the seller’s permission, you can have the vehicle inspected.
There are different ways to achieve this.
Buyers can check details through the driver and vehicle licensing agency, which offers a free online tool.
Ministry of Transport history showing whether cars passed or failed, as well as mileage at the time of testing, can also be found on gov.uk – but only for 2005 onwards.
Another option is to pay for a private history check.
This hack could cost up to £20, but offer valuable details about issues with the car.
Wheelers Dealers’ star Mike Brewer recently praised the private history check practice.
He told Express: “Pay one of the major services like the RAC, the AA, Green Flag… and they will come down and inspect it for you and get all the data checks.”
Motorists are urged to keep screenshots or downloads of the information.
Of course, inspecting the car yourself and taking it for a test drive is reccomended.
It’s also suggested to view the car when it’s light and not raining, so that damage can be easily spotted.
Paying by cash might seem the way to go to avoid any extra fees.
But Ms Parsons warns: “If something goes wrong with the car you won’t have the protection that you have if you buy using a card or on finance.”
Using a debit card could help you reclaim the money through your provider’s charge-back scheme if something goes wrong.
Ms Parsons says using a credit card gains “section 75” protection, as long as the payment was between £100 and £30,000.
The expert adds: “If you pay using finance arranged by a trader, you might have extra protection if there’s a problem later, because you can take action against the finance company as well as the trader (or instead of the trader).”
Car problems can cost more than just money
Dame Clare Moriarty
Citizens Advice boss Dame Clare Moriarty said:
“Year after year problems with used cars top the charts of consumer issues our expert advisers help with.
“Unexpected car problems can cost more than just money, they can leave people missing work or unable to drop their kids off at school.
“Many of us are feeling the pinch right now so it’s vital to make sure you’re getting exactly what you paid for.
“Before making a big purchase like a used car, don’t forget to brake and make all the right checks before you buy.”
