UNROADWORTHY vehicles, sold unknowingly by crooks to trading standards officers, are being used to educate motor students in Warwick.
Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Trading Standards Service is donating three cars bought as part of an unroadworthy vehicle ‘mystery shopper’ exercise, to Warwick Trident College students, to enable them to practise their skills.
Officers target the sellers of unroadworthy vehicles by purchasing suspect cars which are then checked by an expert. Garages are chosen based on complaints received from consumers.
WCC safety spokesman Andy Crump said: “I’m very pleased that these vehicles, that would otherwise have been scrapped, will now benefit Warwick Trident College students, enabling them to practice their maintenance skills and boost their mechanical knowledge.”
The college’s Head of Department for Motor Vehicles, Lee Kirk, said: “We are thrilled to build links with the local authority. These donated vehicles will enable our students to hone their automotive diagnostic skills and become the fully qualified workforce of the future, keeping vehicles roadworthy and safe for all of us.”
Trading Standards Officers made unannounced visits to 16 garages across the county, with four of those showcasing unroadworthy cars for sale on their forecourt.
Trading Standards officers have the following advice for those buying a secondhand vehicle:
– Consumer rights are much stronger when buying vehicles from a trader rather than a private seller. Traders may also offer warranties on vehicles they sell, but the buyer will probably pay more for the car than from a private seller.
– Buyers are advised to check the vehicle’s history. MOT history can be checked for free online by visiting www.check-mot.service.gov.uk. There are also a number of free and paid for apps that enable buyers to discover if the car they are buying has been stolen, written off or has outstanding finance.
– Consider paying for an independent vehicle check. A basic check will cost from around £100.
– Do a visual check of the vehicle and take it for a test drive. Check the tyre tread depth and underneath the car for repairs, severe corrosion and oil leaks. Look for chips or cracks in the windscreen and dents or rust on the bodywork. Check the engine fluid levels and make sure the electrics work properly.
– Don’t forget the car’s interior. Sagging, stained and torn upholstery can indicate the vehicle has not been looked after and may be suggestive of problems elsewhere.
– Those who buy a car from a trader and subsequently have problems, have a legal right to reject the vehicle or request a repair or replacement, dependent upon circumstances.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards for more advice.
