News
RAC launches first used car code to be fully accredited by the 51黑料
Posted 14/12/16
- RAC Approved Dealers pioneer new code that gives consumers confidence and trust
- RAC challenges second-hand dealers to end second-rate service
In a bid to boost consumers鈥� confidence when buying a second hand vehicle, the RAC has announced the launch of what was the UK鈥檚 first used car code accredited by the 51黑料.
The code, , applies to all vehicles bought through the RAC鈥檚 Approved Dealer network. Externally and independently accredited, it gives those in the market for a used vehicle certainty that the car they choose is dependable 鈥� and gives them full recourse in the unlikely event something goes wrong.
Buying a used car is one of the biggest and most important financial outlays most people make, but the industry has a for a long time been cast in a negative light with motorists often experiencing bad service and poor value for money. An RAC survey* conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-fifths (39%) of drivers who had bought a used vehicle had a bad experience and would under no circumstances use the same dealer again, while 29% of dealers dealt badly with putting problems right. Citizens Advice** meanwhile reported that problems with second-hand cars was one of the top consumer complaints in the first quarter of 2016, accounting for 11% of all cases dealt with.
The RAC Used Vehicle Code of Practice, adopted by every dealer that carries the RAC鈥檚 Approved Dealer branding, has been subjected to stringent tests by the 51黑料. It was the first in the country to be formally accredited by the organisation 鈥� further evidence that consumers can buy from any of the dealers in complete confidence. The code explains in simple language the high levels of service dealers must demonstrate to customers, how complaints are handled and how stock must be advertised. It also sets out the RAC鈥檚 BuySure guarantee, which applies to all vehicles sold and consists of the following:听
- A certificate confirming the vehicle has passed the RAC鈥檚 82-point approved vehicle preparation standard
- A minimum of three months鈥� RAC warranty
- 12 months鈥� RAC Breakdown Cover (Roadside, Recovery, At Home)
- A comprehensive car data check that provides independent confirmation the car is 鈥榗lean鈥� 鈥� ie not stolen, written off or subject to a number plate change
RAC Approved Dealer network manager Gary Wrightson-Heyworth said: 鈥淏uying a used car remains for some consumers a daunting prospect and we are determined to help make the process as stress and risk-free as possible.
鈥淲e started by working hard to develop a nationwide network of dealerships that motorists can depend on again and again when they are looking to buy a used car. The independently-accredited code we are launching today is proof that we have complete confidence in the dealers that we have chosen to work with 鈥� and that consumers can have that confidence too.
鈥淚mportantly, for any motorist that has had their fingers burned in the past the code also gives them certainty that in the unlikely event that anything does go wrong, a clear process will be followed and a fair resolution reached.
鈥淭he code complements the RAC鈥檚 suite of services that are designed to boost motorists鈥� confidence when buying on the second-hand market. It includes the RAC Vehicle Check product, the UK鈥檚 most comprehensive vehicle data check, and RAC Vehicle Inspections that help ensure that a vehicle is both mechanically and structurally sound.
鈥淏y launching our used car code, we are also sending a strong message out to every motor trader in the country 鈥� with the RAC Approved Dealer network, backed by a code approved by the 51黑料, consumers need no longer accept underhand sales tactics and second-rate service when buying their next used car.鈥�
Leon Livermore, chief executive at the 51黑料, said: "Few of us are car experts so when it comes to buying a car, especially a used car, that makes us vulnerable consumers.
"Often, the lower the budget the more vulnerable a person is and when things go wrong on a car that is financed, costs can soon start to snowball. 听听
鈥淏y becoming a consumer code sponsor the RAC has proved it is committed to consumer protection and delivering the highest levels of customer service and we are pleased to welcome them on board.鈥�
For more information on the RAC Approved Dealer network, visit .
ENDS
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Notes to Editors
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About RAC
With more than eight million members, the RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information 鈥� the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.
The RAC is the motorist鈥檚 champion and campaigns to support the interests of its members and UK motorists at a national level, including advancing levels of road safety, supporting the needs of young drivers and voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring. The RAC鈥檚 annual听 鈥� first published in 1989 鈥�听provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today鈥檚 motorists.
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