Buying A Used Car....Check It, Don't Regret It!

Citizens Advice and Trading Standards are urging you to ‘check it, not regret it’ when buying a used car during National Consumer week in November. A list of simple checks will help you make sure the car you buy is safe, legal and matches up to how it’s described.
The most complained about consumer issues for the Citizens Advice consumer service is around dodgy second-hand cars, with 6000 used car complaints reported a month. Faults are one of the most common problems. Here is some helpful advice.

Our top tips for buying a used car

• MOT certificate check – indicates if car is roadworthy
• Service history check – shows if car has been maintained
• Registration document check (V5) – shows if car is stolen
• Write off check – helps you know what you are buying
• Finance history check – ensures car doesn’t have an outstanding hire purchase agreement
• Test drive and walk around check – for signs the car isn’t what it seems
• Engineer’s check – shows condition of car and any hidden dangers
• Price value guide check – indicates reasonable price to pay
• Car recalled check– shows if car was recalled for safety reasons by manufacturer.
If you have a problem with a second hand car, you can get help from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06
For this or any other issue that you need help with you can contact your local Wyre Forest Citizens Advice for free and impartial advice in any of the following ways:
Website Advice: www.adviceguide.org.uk
Telephone Advice : 0844 4111 303 from a landline  or 0300 330 0650 from a mobile
Appointments: 01562 60194

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