P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:14:28 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS BUYING A CAR: WHO TO BUY FROM? Private sellers are consumers selling their own vehicle by various means. Dealers are companies that specialise in selling new or second-hand motors. As a buyer, you have more rights against a dealer than a private seller should things go wrong. At Teletext Cars we only have cars from selected dealers for you to browse and buy. The key to the dealers on Teletext Cars and their geographic location starts on page 779^ 1/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:24:41 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS BEFORE YOU LOOK If possible, decide on what you want to buy before you start looking. This will enable you to purchase a use-car price guide from a newsagent and get an idea of whether the cars you see are value for money. Don't forget to factor insurance and tax into your calculations. Make sure you are able to afford the likely asking price. You may need to arrange for credit or a bank loan before you start looking. 2/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:22:12 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS BEFORE YOU LOOK It is a good idea to draw up a checklist to use when browsing. it could include: Make and model Seller's name Seller's telephone number Price Any ojher relevant information However tempting the offer, do not rush into making a purchase. Shop around and be prepared to view before buying. 3/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:15:37 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS WHEN YOU BUY Check that the warranty offered with the car covers all the areas you expect^ Some dealers have independent car checks, carried out on vehicles by, for example, organisations like the AA or Network Q. Ask about whether the dealer for the car you are interested in runs such a scheme. If not, consider getting an independent car mechanic to check the car for you. 4/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:23:48 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS WHEN YOU BUY Most car dealers on Teletext Cars are members of a scheme approved by the Government (the Office of fair Trading) to give you peace of mind. The Society of Motor Manufacturer And Traders and the Vehicle Builders And Repairers Assocation operate the Government approved schemes. When you have decided to buy a car, make a full record using your checklist, or print all the details if viewed on the Teletext website. 5/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:26:10 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS WHEN YOU BUY Always seek confirmation of your plans in writing either by post, fax, or e- mail^ The confirmation should give an order number, the main specification you have ordered, the price agreed and when you will get the car. Never view the vehicle in the rain, poor light or at night. Check the service record and be wary of anything that seems like a bargain, or has exceptionally low mileage for its age. 6/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:22:45 WELCOME T^ TELETEXT CARS WHEN YOU BUY It is good practice to check that the person selling the car owns it by checking the V5 registration document. Also check the MOT expiry date if the car is more than three years old to check that it is current and when it expires. Check the engine number matches the one in the V5 document and on the MOT. Always check that the types are legal and the bodywork and shock absorbers are in good order. 7/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:14:18 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS SOME POTENTIAL PITFALLS The dealers on (eletext Cars should have systems in place to prevent 'cut- and-shut' and 'clocked cars' being advertiwed for sale. However, the following are things to look out for when buying, especially from small garages and private sellers. CUT-AND-SHUT CARS This is when the remians of two or more cars are welded together and then given one identity. This practice is illegal and dangerous. 8/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:13:31 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS SOME POTENTIAL PITFALLS CLOCKED CARS Go by the appearance and conditions of a vehicle rather than rely on the apparent indicated mileage, which is why we recommend independent checks^ 'Clocking' is where the mileage indicator (odometer) has been turned back to display a lower mileage than has actually been incurred. Typically a vehicle will travel an average of 10-12,000 miles per year^ 9/10 P787 Teletext 787 Jul18 23:11:24 WELCOME TO TELETEXT CARS WHEN THINGS GO WRONG The first thing you should do if things go wrong is talk to the dealer. They are best placed to resolve any issues and it is with the dealer that you are contracting. Should the dealer fail to resolve your problems please let Teletext know - call the Compliance Team on 0870 731 3000; email comliance@teletext.co.uk. Where problems exist with the vehicle you could contact your local Trading Standard Department^ 10/10