Ask an expert
Can you explain what are the advantages or disadvantages, if any, to purchase a car from an auction such as Turners as oppose from a car dealer?
The advantage of buying from a reputable Licensed Motor Vehicle Trader (Dealer) is you are covered under the Consumer Guarantees Act which means the vehicle must be fit for purpose at the time of sale. In brief this means any mechanical problems that occur after sale maybe the responsibility of the Dealer.
As time moves on the GCA has less affect however, it does provide very good initial peace of mind and you do have the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal to fall back on if you feel you are not being treated fairly by the Dealer.
The disadvantage can be you pay more from a Dealer.
Buying from an auction is high risk for a novice buyer as you need to have a good idea of a cars value and make sure you know when to stop bidding.
There are no warranties and limited access to test drive the cars prior to auction.
You would definitely want to pay less for a car at auction than what you would pay for an identical vehicle from a Dealer.
There are some very good vehicles which pass through auctions but there are also some very high risk vehicles as well.
If you are a novice at buying motor vehicles I suggest you avoid auctions or attend a few first to gain an insight as to how it all works.
Is there a difference between a Licensed Motor Vehicle Trader and a Registered Motor Vehicle Trader?
The place is not a traditional dealer. It is some kind of garage who specialised in used car trading.
No difference that I am aware of.
I know nothing about car. I did an AA Pre Purchase Inspection, and on the "Defects Found During Inspection", it's written:
- Driveshaft: Left Hand Front Inner CV Boot: Torn
Right Hand Front Inner CV Boot: Split
- Engine Assembly: Rear area: leaking oil, further investigation required
Bonnet assembly: All support struts(s): ineffective
Are they a big concern? Can I ask the Registered Dealer to fix them (at no extra cost) before I buy the car?
Thanks very much.
Yes, you should insist all the reported defects are taken care of as a condition of sale if you are still keen to purchase this vehicle.
Be prepared to walk away if they say no to this request.