back to menuAccording to John Bridgeman, DG of Fair Trading, the OFT received 90,000 complaints about second hand car dealers last year.
The most common was that the car had been "clocked", i.e. the distance shown on the odometer was reduced. It was also evident that there were dealers who had little intention of honouring guarantees or resolving complaints once they have the customer's money.
What to do about it? The purchase of most second hand cars as well as new ones involves ome amount of credit and, to arrange this legally, car dealers must have a Consumer Credit Licence (CCL). What John Bridgeman suggests is that the OFT could use the licence as a means of disciplining rogue dealers. They have already done this in a small way; over 100 CCLs have been withdrawn.
Even though he has already received that huge number of complaints, the Director General asks any unfortunate car purchaser who has a bona fide complaint against a car dealer to get in touch with the OFT, or their local Trading Standards Department.
The chief executive of the Retail Motor Trades Federation says that his Federation represents the reputable end of the trade, and he fully backs the OFT measures. Rogue traders give the whole motor trade a bad name, and the Federation has thrown out some members.
Margaret Williams, NfCG's Membership and Development Officer, has a list of contacts for all Trading Standards Departments throughout the country. If in doubt whom to contact give her a ring on 01507 601055 and ask her.
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