National Consumer Agency launches car buyers guide
Dublin, 20 June 2007
The National Consumer Agency today launched 'A Guide to Buying a Car' for consumers purchasing new and second-hand cars. The guide aims to increase consumer awareness of their rights and issues that may arise when buying cars. The NCA is also pursuing a number of other strategies intended to address the specific problem of car clocking, including:
- Liaison and co-operation with other enforcement agencies (Gardai, Revenue, vehicle registration authorities, UK Trading Standards etc) and with the motor industry
- Prioritising the investigation of complaints of alleged car clocking made to the Agency
- Risk-based campaign including examination of used imports and unannounced inspections of garage forecourts
The guide includes a wealth of information to help consumers decide which type of car they need. Once they have decided on the car, the guide gives top tips on checking the condition of the car, performing background checks, payment options and legal rights when purchasing a car.
It also includes a comprehensive checklist for consumers to use when buying a vehicle. Furthermore, it provides advice on the questions consumers should ask in order to avoid being sold a defective or clocked car.
Car clocking
Car clocking, which is the practice of changing the genuine odometer reading of the car in order to make it a more attractive proposition to the buyer, has become an increasingly common practice in Ireland with many cars from abroad being subject to this treatment.
Anecdotal evidence and discussions with other agencies would suggest that car clocking is a widespread problem causing significant consumer detriment to those unfortunate enough to have been duped.
Ann Fitzgerald, Acting Chief Executive, National Consumer Agency said, "While most car dealers are completely reputable, there are some rogue operators out there. Any consumer purchasing a car should be armed with the information in this guide and know how to avoid being sold a lemon."
"Under consumer legislation it is an offence to mislead consumers regarding a car's usage or prior history. The NCA takes a very serious view of such practices as car clocking and prioritises such investigations, as well as carrying out unannounced visits on dealers.
"Our aim is to continue to stamp out such practices through raising the awareness of consumers and empowering them to identify these practices. We will also continue to work with the industry and prosecute offences where we find them," she noted.
"Consumers should also be aware of their legal rights when purchasing a car. Few people are aware that private sales are generally not covered by consumer legislation, do not include a guarantee and consumers cannot bring another consumer to the Small Claims Court if something does go wrong. Therefore, the guide offers tips on dealing with a private seller and, as there is no obligation on a private seller to offer any information freely, the types of questions one should ask."
The Acting Chief Executive of the NCA called on consumers to contact them on 1890 432 432 or through their website www.consumerconnect.ie if they have evidence of car dealers misleading the public regarding a car's history.
Copies of the booklet are available through the NCA website www.consumerconnect.ie or by contacting their helpline 1890 432 432. The NCA is currently in discussions with relevant bodies with a view to providing the Guide through Motor Tax Offices, Driver Testing Centres and through links on popular motoring websites.
Downloads
Download our Guide to Buying a Car (PDF, 1MB)