subject: Complaints against used car dealers in the UK rise to 38,000 between Jan and June 2010 [print this page] Today the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in the UK launched a campaign to inform motorists of their rights when buying a used car from a dealer. Between January and June 2010 complaints regarding the tactics of second hand car dealers have risen 18% (38,000 complaints) and 50 businesses have been identified as openly offering 'mileage correction services'.
While most dealers are reputable the OFT advises that it is important people buying a used car ask dealers questions regarding the mechanical history and mileage checks, previous owners, service history and if the vehicle has been modified. They also advise this information should be this information should be supplied to you in writing so that you have proof of the claims.
The 24 billion pound market over 40 million pounds worth of cars sold illegally by dealers posing as private sellers to evade their legal obligations and almost 10% of dealers relying on illegal disclaimers to refuse refunds.
Most used car faults are discovered within the first three months of ownership, meaning the car may not have been of satisfactory quality when sold and so the dealer's responsibility to correct. However the OFT found one third of motorists surveyed whom have contacted a dealer regarding a fault where told it was not the dealers responsibility to fix the problem and many where left to pay the work themselves.
With the September number plate change to '60' many are expecting used car sales to sore as people scramble for cars with newer registration plates. Many used cars depreciate heavily in March and September because of this.
With many people part exchanging their car this month it is advisable anyone selling their car should get as many offers for their vehicle before selling and not rely on a used car dealers quotation. Today there are many websites on the internet that will offer you instant offers for free, some website (such as Car Arena) will provide you with offers for a car from more than one dealer.
Complaints against used car dealers in the UK rise to 38,000 between Jan and June 2010
