The NFDA guide to buying a new car for September 2007

September used to be best known as the time when children went back to school after the long hot summer, but it is also prime time for buying a new car.

According to Sue Robinson, director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), a part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), now is the time to visit a showroom: ‘This is an excellent time to buy a new car. There are very good deals available, and with the second of the year’s number plate changes coming in September, this could be the time to get in contact with your nearest car retailer.’

NUMBER PLATE SYSTEM

The number plate system works as follows; The first two letters correspond to where the car is registered in the country, LA to LY for London, and MA to MY for Manchester, for example. The next two numbers signify in which six monthly period the car was registered, 57 for September 2007, 08 for March 2008 and so on, while the last three letters are random.

Robinson said: ‘When you buy a new car from a NFDA member this September with a 57 registration, you should be able to get a fair part exchange deal on your traded-in car and a dealer should also provide efficient and reliable service and repair facilities.’

LOOKING FOR A CAR

Robinson believes that prospective buyers will get a good deal when they go car-hunting: ‘The quality of modern cars, the purchasing deals like free insurance, zero per cent finance available from some manufacturers and very attractive prices all add up to a package to satisfy buyers across the spectrum of customer needs. It is extremely important to use a reputable dealer for buying a car.’

When looking for a car, there are a number of things to look out for:

most newly-registered cars are sold with a full three year warranty. But do read the small print. Also, NFDA dealers are obliged to provide a minimum level of warranty as a condition of their membership
When comparing deals use the on-the-road price which manufacturers now advertise. This is made up of the basic ex-works price, value added tax, number plate, delivery charges, road tax, and first registration fee

Motorists should also consider the following check-list before and after purchase to make sure you have not overlooked the obvious. Since March 2001 the rate of vehicle excise duty has varied depending on the level of exhaust emissions produced by the car, so it is worth bearing this in mind.

BEFORE BUYING

You need to decide what sort of car do you want:

will you carry goods or people or both?
diesel, petrol, or alternative fuel?
do you make long or short journeys?
do you have children?
automatic or manual?
small engine for economy or larger engine for power?
two, three, four or five door?
saloon, coupé, sports, estate, roadster, SUV (sports utility vehicle) or MPV (multi-purpose vehicle)?
are you worried about depreciation values?

The choices can be baffling, but car magazines and reputable web sites should be able to answer any questions you have before you take the first step to a dealer to look at and test drive a car. But remember, It is not just about the car, it is about a car you can live with:

is your garage big enough?

confirm insurance class and area cost

understand fully the deposit terms, conditions of sale, any finance agreement including interest charge, and the trade-in price on your existing car and how long that price can be maintained

warranty terms– will there be restrictions?

TEST DRIVE

According to Robinson, potential buyers should take every available opportunity to test out the car they are interested in: ‘When exploring the market for your new car, remember the financial outlay is high, so make sure you ask for a test drive - many people don't. If you’re not a car expert, take a knowledgeable friend along with you. Some manufacturers now let you test drive a car over 48 hours, or sometimes even longer.’

When you test drive, check:

is the seating position comfortable? Is there enough head room?
can you adjust the seat or steering wheel?
check vision, especially the A-pillar, and mirrors
road-handling, brakes, and steering
seat belts working and comfortable?

If the car you have now tested and the advice you have had from the dealer fulfils your requirements you should feel more confident about buying the vehicle.

Buying the car

Before buying you should decide how to pay:

if you are able to pay up front, you can pay by either cash, cheque, bankers draft, or on your credit card

finance deals let you pay by instalments, spreading the cost over a number of years after which you can trade or keep the car

If you do not want to buy the vehicle outright you can lease it via Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). Once the term is completed you either hand the car back to the finance company or you can pay the final settlement payment and keep the car, or use it as part exchange to buy a new car

At delivery

ensure you are given full familiarisation of the vehicle controls
get a copy of the pre-delivery inspection form
check driver's instruction book
check spare wheel and tools
check for any scratches or small dents
check lights, windscreen wipers, door locks, electric windows, security alarm, in-car sound system etc, are all in good working order

Check tax and insurance documents

check invoice is completed correctly
insurance cover note if required

AFTER BUYING – HOW THE RMIF CAN HELP YOU

Of course, just buying the car is just the beginning of the journey. Robinson explains: ‘Do remember that your new car will eventually need a service and it is vital, when having a service or any form of work carried out on your car, to use a reputable business. If the supplying garage is too far away for such jobs, a local NFDA member would be happy to support you with service.

‘A member should be able to advise you on the type of service you need, and point out potential problem areas before they arise, or become serious. In fact, whether you want to buy or sell a car or motorcycle, service or repair your existing vehicle, find an auction house, or a cherished number plate dealer, the RMIF will be able to help you.

‘If you have a complaint against an RMIF member garage, the RMIF’s National Conciliation Service should be able to help you get redress, if the problem cannot be solved in direct consultation with that member.’

To find a garage that is a member of the RMIF, visit rmif.co.uk and use the ‘Find a Service’ function. You will also find details of RMIF members that sell new and used cars or motorcycles, provide vehicle servicing and repair, and sell petrol.

Motorists can also use the RMIF Consumer Motorline - 08457 58 53 50

This will enable you to find all RMIF members mentioned above, and in addition vehicle auctioneers and cherished number plate dealers.

According to Robinson, now is the time: ‘Shop around and you will be sure to find an outstanding deal on a new car for 2007. Don’t miss out.’