South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 04/11/2013

We have teamed up with the Trading Standards Institute and the Citizens Advice service for a month-long campaign which launches on Monday 4 November, the start of National Consumer Week. The campaign urges anyone thinking of buying a used car to ‘check it, don’t regret it’ by assessing whether the vehicle is safe, legal and exactly what it appears to be.

As part of the campaign, vehicle traders in the district are being encouraged to hand out advice leaflets to customers when purchasing a second hand car. The leaflet advises the customer of their legal rights when buying a car from a used motor dealer, precautions to take before making a purchase and what to do if something goes wrong with the vehicle.

Mark Pullin, South Gloucestershire Council’s Strong, Safer Communities Manager, said: “Consumers need to be aware of their rights when buying a used vehicle. We hope that this initiative will provide people with the valuable advice they need at the point of sale whilst promoting the honest and open trading which exists in South Gloucestershire’s used car sector.”

Consumers looking for advice before or after they purchase a vehicle can visit the Citizens Advice website or telephone the consumer helpline on 08454 040506.

Car dealers interested in receiving these advice leaflets can request them from Trading Standards on 01454 868001 or by emailing trading.standards@southglos.gov.uk (please quote National Consumer Week).