CHEAP NEW CAR PRICE! | ||
| Buying online safely
Most 'rogue traders' have been ironed out now from the internet and consequently the vast majority are now reliable and honest. Unfortunately a very few still employ some questionable selling tactics so it's important to follow a few simple rules when purchasing a new car. Check the full price - ask about any hidden extras. The internet is so competitive on price that some companies will advertise prices which are not fully inclusive as a means of appearing to have the best deal. Make sure that road tax, registration fee, delivery and any other fees are all included so that you can compare deals favourably. UK supplied If you have any doubts please ensure that it is a UK supplied car, UK sourced via a UK franchised car dealer. One tell-tale sign for imports is just having a 2 year warranty. (buying an import is fine as long as you are well aware!) Pay the deposit by credit card Although it's still a slightly grey area it does appear that paying the initial deposit by credit card will protect you for the FULL amount of the deal should anything go wrong. Our experience is that credit card companies often deny this when asked by customers but Trading Standards and OFT still say it does apply. Ring your local Trading Standards for advice on this if you want to clarify it before ordering a car. (NOTE: this cover does only apply if you pay both the deposit and balance directly to the supplier of the car, not when the deposit goes to a broker and the balance to a dealer for example). Be aware of your rights As well as the normal Sale Of Goods Act and the Credit Consumer Act as mentioned above, there is also a law called the Distant Selling Directive which also gives great protection when buying online (and doesn't apply when buying face to face, so gives the internet an advantage!) Basically it gives you the right to cancel or return the car within 7 days. The supplier can only charge a reasonable fee for supplying the car or for any wear and tear caused. |
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