Buying From A Dealer

This is the safest way of buying as you get maximum protection of the law. But there are dodgy dealers, so look for an established firm with a good reputation. Ask friends if they can recommend anyone.

Points to remember:

• Take care when selecting a dealer.
• Check whether the garage is a member of a Trade Association which will have a code of practice intended to help you.
• Look for a dealer whose cars have already been inspected by RAC or AA and ask to see the report.
• Take a friend or mechanic with you.
• Have the vehicle examined before you purchase it, by an independent engineer.
• Ask to look at the vehicle registration documents.
• Try to get in touch with the previous owners (address should be on the log book).

When buying from a dealer the Law says that a car must be:

• Of satisfactory quality
  
  This means it must meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as acceptable, bearing in mind the way it was described, how much it cost and any other relevant circumstances. Such as:-
  
  - The appearance and finish of the car.
  - It must be free from defects (except when they are pointed out to you).
  - Road worthiness  (e.g. No worn tyres).
  
  
• As described
  
   'One careful lady owner' should not turn out to have had three previous owners, all males under 22.
  
  
• Reasonably fit for any normal usage
  
  
• Be fit for any purpose that you specify (e.g. towing a caravan)

Remember, thousands of complaints are received about used cars every year!

If you have any queries contact:

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Trading Standards Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 8355
0161 342 2288