Consumer Advice > Motor Vehicles

And other useful links:
 

To report a rogue motor trader you can use the Rip-off Tip-off site to send us information anonymously. Click on the icon:

Killucar
See information on our education resource aimed at 16 - 17 year olds to highlight the pitfalls when buying their first car.

The Office of Fair Trading
has published guides to buying cars, both new and used, which can be viewed on their website. Click on the icon.

A leaflet "How to get a better deal from your garage" is available in PDF format. Click here to open. Copies can be ordered from the OFT website.

Motor Vehicle Repairers Association
Glenfield House, Glenfield Park, Philips Road, Blackburn
Tel: 01254 647997

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Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association
Belmont House, Gildersome, Leeds
Tel: 01532 538333

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HPI Ltd
HPI is the largest provider of information on used cars, with details of over 60 million vehicles. The HPI check will be able to tell you if the vehicle you are thinking of buying is subject to a finance agreement, stolen, written off or had a plate change.

The HPI check is available via the call centre from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Call 01722 422422 or visit the HPI website.

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Avoiding the Pitfalls of Car Servicing

• Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982

  Any garage has to carry out its work with reasonable care and skill and ensure that any parts used are suitable for the job.
   

• Trade Descriptions Act 1968

  Any garage that makes a false or misleading statement about services can be liable to prosecution.

The following may help prevent any problems:

1. Make it clear to the garage what work you require and preferably get something in writing that shows this.
2. Do not be afraid to ask the garage what is included or excluded in the service. 
   Tell them what you want and make sure that they are able to provide it.
3. Obtain a quotation in writing giving you an exact cost of the service including parts, labour and VAT.
4. Find out the length of time the work will take and when you will be able to collect your vehicle.
5. Check what means of payment is required to settle the bill.
6. Leave a phone number or means of contact so the garage can ask you permission before doing any extra work.
7. Obtain a detailed invoice listing price of parts and labour costs individually.

Choosing the Garage

If the vehicle is under a manufacturers warranty, go to an authorised dealer. If you do not you risk invalidating the warranty. Otherwise talk to as many car owners as possible - especially people who have the same make of car as you to see what they recommend. It makes sense to use a garage belonging to a Trade Association (you will be protected by the code of practice) or alternatively if you have nothing else to go on, are the premises clean and tidy and apparently well run ?

Layman's Spot Check when Buying a Used Car

• CHECK the general condition of the car inside and out. Look for evidence of accident damage repairs such as off shade paint, sprayed-over filler and overspray on trim parts. Ask the seller if the vehicle has been involved in any accidents.
• CHECK for general wear and tear. Is it consistent with the recorded mileage? Look for underbody damage or excessive rust.
• CHECK condition of tyres. Don't forget the spare.
• CHECK for sloppiness in the steering.
• CHECK the responsiveness of the brakes and the pedal effort required.
• CHECK the gearbox for precision of gear change. Does it stay in gear or jump out?
• CHECK the clutch pedal movement and take up. There should be no clutch judder.
• CHECK the general condition of the engine, noise levels and exhaust smoke. Are there any strange rattles? Excessive blue or white fumes from the exhaust mean problems.
• CHECK hoses and pipes for leaks and splits.
• CHECK horn, windscreen wipers and washers, lights and indicators (try all lights at the same time for earthing and condition of battery).
• CHECK for excessive noises and clunks.
• CHECK that the window winders or electric windows work and that the door and boot locks all function properly.

REMEMBER: Always test drive the car yourself

  Gloucestershire County Council, Trading Standards, Hillfield House, Denmark Road, Gloucester GL1 3LD
Telephone: (01452) 426201 - Fax: (01452) 426274  - Electronic Mail: tradstds@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm (We do not close for lunch)

Copyright © Gloucestershire 1999