Used car buyers should take time over buying, says OFT

The Office of Trading has recommended that used car buyers take their time when purchasing a second-hand car, as many are discovering faults after they have made their purchase.

According to BBC News, a study of complaints registered with the OFT's advice service, Consumer Direct, has shown that many used car buyers have encountered problems when purchasing from a dealership. After the number of complaints grew by 18% in the first half of 2010, the OFT has warned consumers that they should check their rights as a car buyer before committing to any purchase and that they should take their time.

The OFT and Consumer Direct have compiled a checklist for used car buyers that they should ask anyone selling a car secondhand. This includes questions about the car's mechanical history, it's mileage checks, how many former owners the vehicle has had as well as documentation on its service history and any modifications.

One major problem highlighted by the study was that many buyers are paying for problems with a new purchase themselves, at an estimated average cost of £425. However the law states that dealers selling a car with an existing fault have an obligation to fix the fault, though these laws do not apply when someone sells a car for cash through private purchase.

"Dealers have a direct responsibility to sell cars that are of satisfactory quality," said Michele Shambrook, operations manager at Consumer Direct. "This will vary depending on issues including the vehicle's age and mileage but as the vast majority of all second hand car faults come to light in the first three months, they will often be the dealer's responsibility to fix."

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