Buying a used car - know your consumer rights

The number of consumer complaints about used cars from dealers has increased, so make sure you know your rights before you buy.

In this economic climate, more and more of us are making the decision to buy a second hand car, but how do you avoid being taken for a ride?

New figures from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) have revealed that complaints about second hand cars bought from independent dealers continue to top the list of calls to advice service Consumer Direct, and the numbers of complaints are increasing.

The research suggests that the average cost to car owners is £425 to resolve faults that were the dealer's obligation to correct. So how can you avoid the pitfalls of buying a used car?
Firstly, make sure you ask the dealer the right questions such as:

•  what mechanical history and mileage checks have they done on the car you want to buy?
•  how many former owners has the car had and is the full service history available?
• has the car been modified from its original specification?
•  is it an ex-hire car or similar?

Ask for important information and answers to your questions to be put in writing before you buy so you have proof of claims - don't just rely on verbal claims or promises by the seller.

Find out about the dealer's customer complaint procedures and whether they are signed up to a code of practice - if a problem does arise after the sale you need to know who to contact.

Remember that if you buy a car from a private seller or an auction, you may pay less but you will have fewer legal rights than when buying from a dealer.