In 2012 Citizens Advice received more than 80,000 used car buying complaints, 73% of which were about faulty cars. To help address the problem, Trading Standards Institute (TSI) and Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) have teamed up to theme this year’s National Consumer Week (NCW) around buying a used car with the slogan ‘check it or regret it.’

Throughout November, TSI, CAB and participating organizations are going to hold a series of local events and media campaigns designed to enhance consumer awareness when it comes to buying used cars. The aim is to highlight ways consumers can check the condition of a car prior to purchase, hopefully avoiding future problems.

In the pre-publicity TSI say that the key campaign message is: Buying a used car? Is it safe? Is it legal? Is it what it seems? Check it or regret it. TSI is advising consumers to check the MOT certificate, that the vehicle is not recalled via VOSA website, get engineer’s report and check the vehicle’s service history.

Talking about the 2013 initiative, Leon Livermore, TSI’s chief executive said, “TSI’s National Consumer Week is an exciting prospect to inform people of the risks of not taking the proper precautions when purchasing a used car. Buying a car is a big financial decision for any family and in this country the number of used car sales is rising. And with 85% of lower income families choosing to buy a second hand car, it is important for consumers to have the right knowledge to ensure they make the best decision and prevent any nasty surprises cropping up in the future.’

Taken from motortradenews