Trading Standards issue warning over second hand cars

Dec 29 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

ALMOST a third of second-hand cars for sale in West Lothian were found to be unsafe according to trading watchdogs.

A recent study by West Lothian Council’s Trading Standards officers found that 10 of the 33 cars for sale from second-hand dealers examined failed to pass the appropriate tests.

However, this is an improvement on the November 2010 study, where 40 per cent of second-hand cars for sale were found to be defective.

Ed Machin, principal Trading Standards officer, said: “We would urge consumers to thoroughly check out any second-hand vehicle before they buy.

“This study shows the majority of used cars for sale are in good condition and the standard is improving, but there is still a sizeable minority with problems.

“There are steps you can take to reduce the risk when buying a second-hand car.

“You should always check the condition of the car, including mechanical checks, and if you don’t feel confident about carrying out this yourself, you can pay experts such as a breakdown recovery service to do this for you.”

The officers say anyone thinking of buying a car should take the vehicle for a test drive and ask to see the car history, as well as asking the seller to answer any questions you have asked in writing, so you will have proof of any claims made.

More detailed advice is available at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/Buyingacar-yourconsumerrights/DG_195693.

All of the vehicles involved in the study were examined under The General Product Safety Regulations 1994, which requires that all products, including used cars, being offered or exposed for sale are safe.

The faults found on the cars examined included: tyres with less than the required tread depth; anti-roll bar links detached/broken; seized handbrake cable; and a broken suspension strut.

Suspension notices were issued, which prohibits the sale of the vehicles until they are made safe.

Robert De Bold, Executive Councillor for the Environment, said: “We are pleased to see an improvement in the standard of second-hand cars for sale, particularly in tough economic times where small businesses may be tempted to cut corners.

“Trading Standards perform a vital role in ensuring the goods we buy for ourselves and our families are safe.“