Finding Trustworthy Car Sales…
Redbourn Auto Solutions, caring for you and your car
Let’s face it, purchasing a car can be a confusing, and sometimes a challenging task. Do we go straight to our nearest Main Dealer, used car forecourt, nearest Car Auction, auction website, private sale or a friend? Petrol, diesel or electric? Leased, financed, bank loan or cash?
So, how do you find your way through the myriad of information and advice to find your new car? Where can you go to get trusted advice? Here we analyse what you can expect, how to find the right advice and get the right car…
Car Dealer Sales Team
If you know what brand you are looking for and buying new or used, then these sales people know what they are talking about. They receive manufacturer training on new products and, if they’ve been there for a while, they’ll also understand the older products and when specifications changed. They should have a number of variations to test drive, so you’ll get a good feel for your new car before an order is placed.
It’s worth understanding the process as you will usually talk to a number of different people within the dealership. The sales person will show you the car and talk about variations and help you choose your ideal vehicle. The Sales Manager will value your part exchange and apply any manufacturer discounts. The Sales person then discusses the finances with the ‘Business Manager’ who will build the deal to your needs. He will then come back to you with the deal which can go backwards and forwards several times before both parties are happy. If the sales person is not successful, the Head of Business will talk to you. Eventually a deal may be reached.
They will upsell items such as paint protection, interior protection, extended warranty, service plan, etc. It is worth identifying if these are products you would be interested in prior to visiting to enable you to make an informed decision. Service Plans and Warranties may not include everything you may wish them to!
Sales people are highly commission based, so there can be a tendency for a hard sell or to manoeuvre you into a car where there may be additional bonus attached. The same is true if your purchasing from a number of retailers, not just cars!
Used Car Sales Sites
Knowledge here is varied and sites receive mixed reviews, so you’ll need to do your homework. Anyone can sell from a forecourt. The good ones have a decent understanding of a variety of car specifications and their mechanical defects.
Look out for organisation memberships such as Which? Trusted Trader, Trading Standards, etc. Check their reviews online and go by recommendation where possible.
Ensure that cars have been checked over mechanically and that a warranty is given. Any car sold from a forecourt will come with a 3-month warranty. Check what this includes!
Some have RAC or AA approval where every car comes with a Health Check. This is a visual inspection of the condition of the car, so always best to check the servicing is up to date and ensure MOT advisories have been resolved.
Any car brought from a forecourt whether main dealer or used car, are covered by the Consumer Rights act.
Car Auction
There is no doubt that you can get a deal here if you have a good understanding of cars. Vehicle and mechanical knowledge is essential so that you know what is likely to go wrong by the age and mileage presented, or even to listen out for what may be an issue with the engine, etc.
You usually view the cars in a large warehouse or car park. Details of the car are written on a sheet so you can see the basics of how old they are and mileage they have travelled.
When the auction starts, the cars are driven one by one into the arena and bidding commences. Its fun to go and watch and is full of atmosphere, which makes it easy to get carried away by keep rising the price of a nice-looking car! You need to remain sensible and only go to the level that you think the car is worth. If you’re impulsive, this is possibly not for you!
Some of the cars are good value for money and some are riddled with issues. If a dealer cannot sell it off their forecourt or the cost of repair is too great, it is sent to the Auction.
Remember, you don’t get to drive these cars before hand and can only look at them. They are ‘Sold As Seen’, so there is no recourse if they go wrong. No warranty, and no come back.
Online Auction Sites
Auction sites give you an easy and convenient place to view many different cars from many different sellers across the world!
Sadly, these websites are riddled with fraudulent claims. The rule is, if it seems too good to be true’, it usually is. There are a lot of good people out there who are genuinely selling their car on and will be honest about any defects. However, there are also a lot of people who make a profit. There’s no room for naivety here. If you are buying online, always go and see the car and take someone with you who knows what they are looking at. If you don’t know anyone, an AA inspection could be worth investing in as defects can be costly to put right.
Watch out for any ‘Category’ write-offs. Legally, they should be listed as such so that the buyer is aware of the full extent of what they are purchasing, but many wait for you to ask the question! For clarity, the categories are as follows:
Category
A
This is the most severe. The car has been deemed totally unrepairable by the insurer, never to be driven again under any circumstances. The damage to these cars are so extensive, that it cant even be sold off for individual parts.
B
Heavily damaged cars. These can never be driven again and the bodyshell must never be re-used, but they can be sold on in individual parts.
S
These cars have suffered structural damage, such as damaged bumpers, twisted chassis or a collapsed crumple zone. These cars are allowed to be repaired and put back on the road. The insurance for them will be hefty!
N / D
These cars haven’t suffered any structural damage. They could present a cosmetic, or electrical problem, or damaged important parts, but cost more to repair than they are worth. You would need to understand the damage to the car as it could include the steering, brakes or engine electrics.
You can be certain that a vehicle bought under any category will cost more in insurance.
Private Sale
In the same way as there are good and bad sellers at auction, the same is true of a private sale, and so the same precautions are necessary.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015
Any cars brought from a business have to conform to the Consumer Rights Act. The law states that a vehicle must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If it’s not, you’re entitled to hand it back and get all your money back. It’s worth remembering that the seller might not accept your rejection.
To be of satisfactory quality, a car must not be faulty or broken when purchased, and it must be of a standard that a reasonable person would expect, taking into account its age and mileage if its second hand. An older car with more miles on its clock isn’t expected to be as good as a newer one with a lower mileage, although both should be roadworthy, reliable and of a quality consistent with their age and price paid.
The car should be fit for the purpose for which its been supplied; this includes any specific purpose you tell a dealer you want to use it for prior to buying it. So, if you’ve told a dealer you want to tow a caravan, the car should be capable of doing this. It should also match any description you were given of it, or any model shown to you when you bought it.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 makes it illegal for traders to engage in unfair business practices, such as giving false or insufficient information about a car. If you bought your car on hire purchase or using a credit card, you’re also protected by the Consumer Credit Act.
So, how do I know I’m buying the right car?
It’s about minimising risk. Take a few simple steps, and the ability to enjoy your new purchase is just around the corner!
Research what you are looking for and be clear on your essential and non-essential requirements.
Know where to go. Look for trustworthiness and knowledge. Consumer organisation marks or trade specific certifications are both good indicators.
Have a budget… and stick to it! If financing, work out your monthly affordability and if taking a warranty or service plan, check what it includes.
Be realistic – If you have a part exchange it may be worth more to you than it is to a dealer and, although a hassle, you will certainly achieve more if you sell it yourself. A dealer will need to prep it for sale including any issues they need to put right before putting it on their forecourt. If you were purchasing from them, you would expect a thorough check as well.
Don’t be impetuous or deliberate for too long! Cars do move quickly, but impetuous decisions can lead to buyer’s remorse!
Ensure the vehicle is mechanically sound. Either with a report or a service.
How can Redbourn Auto Solutions help?
We can provide you with the experience and expertise you are looking for. We’re not tied to a particular brand and can be objective about the vehicle you require. We have been selling cars for over 45 years both from Main Dealer and independent perspectives, so can source new, nearly new, used and lease cars. We have access to fleet discounts and finance brokers who will get you the best deal.
Every car is mechanically checked to ensure its safety before you take delivery and provide a minimum 3-month warranty.
So, if you’d like to deal with one person who listens to your needs to help you find a better value deal with no limits on brand, give us a call 01582 679300.
