A brand new car for 2008

With spring just a few weeks away, it will soon be the time for new beginnings and for some that will include a new car.

According to Sue Robinson, director of the RMI’s National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) this is the time to get into a showroom: ‘With the first of the year’s number plate changes soon upon us in March, this could be the time to get into a new car.’

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, 08 for March 2008, 58 for September 2008 and so on, while the last three letters are random.

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 either a new or used car.’

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

A newly-registered car is sold with a full three year manufacturer warranty. But do read the small print. On used vehicles it is the dealer or a third party provider who supplies the warranty, probably between three and 12 months depending on the age and general condition of the car. NFDA members are obliged to provide a minimum level of warranty as a condition of their membership. However, the length of manufacturer warranties now offered on new vehicles mean that when you buy a used vehicle, it may still be covered by that warranty too.

When comparing deals use the on-the-road price which manufacturers now recommend. This is made up of the basic ex-works price, value added tax, number plate, delivery charges, and road fund licence, 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. The rate of vehicle excise duty varies depending on the level of exhaust emissions produced by the car, so it is worth bearing this in mind.

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 and low emissions 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 level of choice could seem overwhelming, 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.

Before purchase

what sort of car do you want?
will the car fit the garage?
confirm insurance class and area cost
will there be a price increase due to delivery delay?
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
what the warranty terms are – will there be
restrictions?

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.’

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
how is the road-handling and do the brakes feel safe?
seat belts working and comfortable?

If the car you have now tested and the advice you’ve had from the dealer fulfils your requirements you should feel 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

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

Of course, this is not the end, as Robinson explains: ‘The vehicle will need both servicing and occasional maintenance, for which you will need a reputable garage. If the supplying garage is too far away for such jobs, a local NFDA member would be happy to support you with service. All NFDA members pledge to observe the Code of Practice of the Motor Industry. A member will be able to advise you on the type of service you need, and will be able to point out potential problem areas before they arise, or become serious.’

She continues: ‘Whether you want to buy or sell a new or used car or motorcycle, service or repair your existing vehicle, find an auction house, or a cherished number plate dealer, the NFDA will be able to help you.

‘If you have a complaint against an NFDA member, our 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 NFDA, or a member of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), the NFDA’s parent organisation, visit www.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 RMI 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 2008. Don’t miss out.’