Notts: Used cars are top complaint for Trading Standards

Used cars were the single biggest problem being reported to the Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service and was the top consumer complaint from Notts residents.

The council is reminding residents buying a second-hand car to check the car’s paperwork, including MOT certificate, service history, V5 registration document and finance history, and carry out a test drive and a walk around check to detect any problems.

Buyers are also advised to check the price guide value, whether the car has been recalled and seek an engineer’s or another mechanic’s opinion on the condition of the vehicle.

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, chairman of the council’s community safety committee, said: “Motorists are more likely to buy a second hand car since the recession in 2008 so it is not surprising that many consumer complaints relate to this kind of purchase.

“However, consumers can reduce their chances of buying an unreliable car riddled with faults by thoroughly checking the vehicle and its paperwork and seeking a second opinion.”

A car buyer’s app, funded by the Trading Standards Institute is available at www.tradingstandards.gov.uk