Buying a new or used car from an approved dealer.
What it means to you as a customer
The scheme has been devised in conjunction with the motor trade to ensure that you can expect your dealer to adopt the best fair trading practices when you buy a car. The scheme does not at present cover servicing or repairs.
Yes - The scheme will:
- Ensure that the dealer has undertaken a thorough check on the condition, mileage, and history of your vehicle.
- Ensure that any complaints you have are handled promptly, effectively and courteously.
- Commit the dealer to trade fairly.
- Provide proof that Trading Standards staff have undertaken thorough checks on the dealer.
- Allow Trading Standards Officers to expel dealers from the scheme who are not trading fairly.
- Ensure that the dealer is open with you about previous ownership and history.
No - The scheme will not:
- Approve the dealer for all his/her activities. The approval only covers the sale of cars.
- Guarantee the purchase of a problem-free car. Cars are complex items and can go wrong.
- Guarantee that your complaint will be resolved, as you may not have legal entitlement.
- Signify that Trading Standards staff will arbitrate or resolve your complaint, but they will give you all the necessary advice you require.
What if things go wrong?
- Notify the dealer straight away and give reasonable opportunity to correct the problem.
- If you are not happy with the outcome contact a Trading Standards Consumer Adviser at: Bournemouth Borough Council, Town Hall, St. Stephen's Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6LL. Tel: (01202) 451551
If the matter cannot be resolved you can go to court or use arbitration.
A Trading Standards Consumer Adviser can explain the procedure.
If you are a member of the AA or RAC or other breakdown service, they can help if you have problems with buying used cars.
Limitations
Membership of the Scheme commits the dealer to best fair trading practices, which are checked by Trading Standards staff. Officers do not make checks on every car that is sold and are not liable for problems found on purchase. This is the sole responsibility of the participating dealer.
However, problems involving criminal law will be thoroughly investigated, and if proved will make the participating dealer liable to prosecution or removal from the scheme or both.
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