OFT Launches campaign to alert second hand car buyers of their rights

In January to June 2010 complaints against second hand car dealers rose nearly 20% to 38,000 complaints regarding used cars bought from dealers in the UK. Complaints against second hand dealers are the most common complaint made to the OFT via Consumer Direct.

The OFT found, in a study, that as many as 30% of car buyers who had contacted a dealer regarding a fault found in the first 3 months of ownership where told the dealer was not obliged to correct the fault leaving the motorist to pay for the work themselves. Often faults found within the first three months of ownership indicate the car was not of 'satisfactory quality' when it was sold and so the dealer's responsibility to correct.

The OFT advises anyone looking to buy a used car should ask for information about the vehicles mechanical history, mileage checks, previous owners, service history and any modifications made to the car in writing before considering buying. More information can be found here.

This September should see a surge in used car sales due to the number plate change to '60'. Instead of relying on a dealers part exchange quote you should also see what other dealers would offer for your car.