Consumers need to not be afraid to ask questions and dig deeper into the vehicle history.
(PRWEB UK) 30 August 2013
The Co-operative Motor Group, part of Midlands Co-operative Society Limited are warning drivers to be more careful when buying second hands cars after a survey by Birmingham City Council.
The recent survey revealed that many second hand car buyers failed to carry out simple checks before purchasing a used car. Their Trading Standards team found that more than half of buyers failed to check or enquire about vehicle history.
David Orriell, Multi-Franchise Site Manager at Co-operative Motor Group Lincoln, says: “Drivers need to be more aware when buying used cars. Almost half of the survey respondents revealed they had paid up to £10,000 for their used car, with one in ten admitting to not even taking the vehicle for a test drive before settling a deal.”
Birmingham Trading Standards were surprised by the results of the survey with 92 per cent of drivers revealing they had not asked professional car experts to carry out mechanical inspections.
“It's crucial to seek advice from independent car experts such as the RAC or AA to ensure that any used car is safe. The Co-operative Motor Group encourage customers to be familiar with the five categories when looking at used cars. For instance, a V-Car means it has been written off by an insurance firm. We were shocked to read that 86 per cent did not know what this meant,” David continues.
The survey highlights how unaware consumers really are, simple questions and tests will save a lot of time and money. The DVLA will provide the exact mileage of a used car and a HPI check will give precise details of the vehicle history.
“In an ideal world, all car dealers by law should sell a good quality and fit for purpose vehicle. Consumers need to not be afraid to ask questions and dig deeper into the vehicle history, and to steer clear from making a decision based solely on an advert and picture.”
About The Co-operative Motor Group
The Co-operative Motor Group is a large, multi-franchised motor dealership based in Kettering, Lincoln and Loughborough. Specialising in new and used cars, business fleets, servicing and car parts, The Co-operative Motor Group is part of the British consumer Midlands Co-operative Society Limited.