Buying and Repairing a Used Car

Drive this way for advice

Your Rights When Buying a Car

1. Buying from a Private Seller:
Your rights are limited. The car must be as described and must be roadworthy; it must be safe to drive.

2. Buying from a Dealer:
You have the same rights as for private sales, plus the car must be fit for the purpose and of satisfactory quality, bearing in mind its age, make, mileage, price etc.

3. Buying at Auction:
If you don't know much about cars take an expert with you! Your usual rights may not apply if the seller gives a disclaimer for example "sold as seen". Check the auction's written terms and conditions.

4. Buying on Credit:
You have all the same rights against the dealer and additional rights against the credit company. However if you buy on hire purchase you only become the owner of the car once you have paid all the instalments and exercised your right to buy.

Your Rights When Having Your Car Repaired

The garage must diagnose and repair the faults on your car with reasonable care and skill, in other words, do a competent job. The parts used must be of satisfactory quality (not faulty), fit for the purpose, (suitable for your make and model of car) and as described.

To Avoid Problems

Give the garage a clear description of the fault in writing.
Get a written quote - check that labour, parts and VAT are included.
Work must be done at a reasonable price if there is no prior agreement.
Find out how long the job will take and check how the garage wants you to pay the bill.
Leave a daytime phone number, and ask the garage to tell you if there are any unforeseen complications. If the cost of the work will be over the original quotation, you can then decide whether to proceed.
Get a detailed invoice when you pay the bill and keep all the documents in a safe place.

Before You Buy

1. Decide how much you want to spend. Think about the price of the car and all the running costs.

2. If you are buying on credit, shop around for the best deal.

3. Ask family and friends if they can recommend a garage.

4. Look at the car in daylight and have a test drive. Take a mechanic to inspect the car or get an independent report eg from the AA or RAC.

5. Check the servicing records, vehicle registration documents and mileage. Contact HPI (Hire Purchase Index) to make sure the car is not listed as stolen, accident damaged or subject to outstanding finance.

6. Take extra care when buying from a private seller. Make sure the seller's own name and address is on the registration document. Only buy at the seller's house; beware if they want to meet somewhere else such as a car park.

Further advice and information can be obtained from Staffordshire Trading Standards at:

Consumer Advice - Consumer Direct
Tel: 08454 04 05 06
E mail: consumer.advice@staffordshire.gov.uk
Minicom: 01785 854156

14 Martin Street,
Stafford,
ST16 2LG

All of our information leaflets are available in a range of formats and languages, including Braille and large print. If this would be useful to you or someone you know, please contact us.

Last Modified: 17/03/2006 12:40:02
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