Know Your Rights

OFT warns people to know their rights before buying a used car, as complaints rise.

Complaints about second-hand cars bought from independent traders continues top the list of calls made to advice service Consumer Direct. In the first six months of 2010, Consumer Direct received just over 38,000 complaints about second hand car dealers. This is an increase of almost 18% compared to the same period last year.

Around 3.6 million second hand cars are bought each year, with spending totaling £24 billion. But OFT research has estimated that on average the cost to car-owners is £425 to fix unresolved faults that are the dealer's obligation to correct such as issues around cars going wrong for failure to disclose sufficient information about vehicles prior to sale.

Although most car dealers are reputable it is important that people buying a used car take precautions to steer clear of trouble. Find out more at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/cars.