Online car buying tips during National Consumer Week
Released: 9 November 2007
Wolverhampton City Council trading standards officers issuing advice during National Consumer Week, 12 to 16 November, to anyone considering buying a car online.
Finding you ideal car on the net may see attractive but as a major purchase you should protect yourself by following these key rules:
Price: Make comparisons before buying and try to ensure any pictures are of the car for sale and not ‘representative’ pictures.
Location, Location: Once you have decided to buy find out where the seller is based and if it is outside the UK confirm under which country’s legal system the deal will be regulated.
Trading Standards may be able to help you with non UK deals but it is more difficult. A '.co.uk' or ' uk ' internet address doesn't always mean the firm is UK-based.
EU countries have similar rights to UK ones, but you'll find it much more difficult to solve problems or disputes outside the EU. You could look at government consumer rights internet sites for the country concerned.
Security: Try to deal with traders using a 'secure' site which give a warning such as the ‘closed padlock’ symbol. The TrustUK logo means that the trader has agreed to abide by certain standards.
Small Print: Print off the details of the company you are dealing with, including terms and conditions, description of the car, quotes and completed order form and read the small print before deciding to go ahead.
If an online seller cannot provide satisfactory responses to questions on warranty terms, delivery or product quality, it would be safer to shop elsewhere.
Quality: Try to have the car inspected by an expert and have a vehicle data check carried before you sign up to ensure the car is safe, as described and the seller can legally sell, i.e. it is not stolen or subject to a finance agreement.
Payment: Paying by credit card gives you added protection as the card issuer may be equally liable for faults with the car and you have greater rights if the transaction is fraudulent or the trader goes out of business.
Try not to pay the full amount before collecting the car and never post cash to the seller, particularly outside the UK.
If you have problems with an on-line car sale contact Trading Standards as soon as possible by ringing Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Issued by the press office.