Barking and Dagenham Trade Standards provide top tips for buying second hand cars

In recent weeks, the council’s Commercial Standards service has received several complaints from people about second-hand cars they have bought.

Although buyers would like to blame the dealer if something goes wrong, they are not always to blame, so Trading Standards has provided some helpful guidance to ensure residents don’t get caught buying a second-hand vehicle:

1. Be very careful when buying a vehicle on social media
2. Be sure to see the vehicle and test drive it before you buy
3. Check the vehicle for dents and scratches.
4. Check the mileage of the vehicle with the latest ITV documents; this can be done online
5. Make sure the vehicle is not an insurance write-off and there is no outstanding financing
6. Check that the trader has good reviews and a proven track record
7. Don’t be pressured by merchants to make purchases ‘here and now’
8. Don’t part with your money until you make sure the vehicle is what it says it is
9. Make sure you get a full receipt and read the fine print. Make sure none of the T&Cs are crossed out and eligible
10. If in doubt, stay away, there are many more.

Councilor Syed Ghani, Member of the Community Safety and Enforcement Cabinet: “Our Trading Standards Team has received a number of complaints in recent weeks regarding used vehicle dealers and it is important that people follow the advice above to make sure they don’t lose out. .

“Sometimes going for something a little cheaper isn’t always the best option. Make sure you always do your research and don’t be forced to do something you don’t want to do.”

If residents are aware of any foul play when it comes to second-hand vehicles, they should report it to tradingstandards@lbbd.gov.uk.