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| Don't get done over by a dodgy dealer. |
Most used car buyers may think that if their new purchase develops a problem, there’s nothing they can do, but that’s not the case. Vehicle information expert, HPI®, the provider of HPI Check® urges used car buyers to establish their legal rights before they part with their hard-earned cash. With 1 in 3 cars checked by HPI® found to have a hidden history, it pays to get a vehicle history check, but many consumers still take the risk and could end up out of pocket.
“Whether you buy through a dealer or a private seller, consumers need to do their homework before handing any money over,” says Shane Teskey, www.hpicheck.com Senior Consumer Services Manager. “The private market often has some of the most tempting offers, but it offers very little legal protection for buyers. We advise ‘Caveat emptor’, the legal term for buyer beware.
“It’s easy to be taken in by a charming seller with an answer for everything, but if it turns out to be a pack of lies, you can take them to the small claims court. However, the legal bill could be more than the value of the car.”
Forewarned Is Forearmed
When buying privately, head to www.hpicheck.com to conduct a vehicle check, providing one of the best forms of protection. The HPI Check®includes a mileage check against the National Mileage Register as standard, now with over 160 million mileage readings. HPI® also confirms whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police, has outstanding finance against it or has been written-off, making it the best way for consumers to protect themselves from fraudsters looking to make a fast profit. In addition, the HPI Check®offers a £30,000 Guarantee* in the event of the information it provides being inaccurate, offering added financial peace of mind to used car buyers.
Sale of Goods Act
Most car buyers think that just because they have bought privately that they are not entitled to a refund but that’s a myth. Used car buyers can go back to the vendor under the Sale of Goods Act if the car is not as described or a satisfactory quality and fit for purpose and ask for a refund or for the car to be repaired.
“Make sure you keep a copy of the description of the car noted in the advert and then talk to seller about the discrepancies – if you still want the car rather than a full refund you could negotiate and ask the seller to pay for what is needed to meet the description in the ad – that way you keep the car and get what you thought you paid for.”
Buy From a Reputable Dealer
If buying from a dealership, ask to see the history and mileage checks they should have conducted, as advised by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). Check that they are part of an organisation such as the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) or that they have signed up to the Motor Codes scheme (www.motorcodes.co.uk), which demands a strict code of practice. If you buy from a reputable dealer, your rights are comparable with buying from any other retail outlet.
Shane Teskey concludes, “With a little bit of research, consumers can arm themselves with the facts and reduce the risks of falling foul of fraudulent sellers. We encourage all used car buyers to understand their rights when buying a car from dealers and private sellers. Before you complete the deal, head to www.hpicheck.com for a full vehicle check that could reveal whether that car is a bargain or a banger with something to hide.”
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