When buying a used car ‘Check it, Don’t regret it’ says Trading Standards

TRADING Standards Service is driving a campaign aimed at steering Northern Ireland motorists in the right direction when it comes to buying a used car.

The drive is part of a month-long campaign by the Trading Standards Institute and comes during of National Consumer Week (NCW).

The campaign is urging people buying a used car to “check it, don’t regret it” by assessing whether it is safe, legal and that it is what it seems.

In Northern Ireland, used cars continue to top the number of complaints to Consumerline with over 1,000 people complaining about problems with used cars in the last year.

Damien Doherty from Trading Standards said a second-hand car that was not up to scratch and was “littered” with faults could be a danger to the driver and other road users.

He added: “It’s important the used car industry puts a brake on bad practices by dealers being up front with their customers about the condition of cars. That way people can make an informed choice as to whether it is the car for them.”

Mr Doherty added: “We continue to receive a high number of complaints about traders refusing to deal with legitimate complaints or provide appropriate compensation, as well as complaints about cars that have had their mileage altered or that have previously been insurance write-offs.”