Britons are being warned of key considerations to take into account ahead of the new number plate changes being introduced in just over a week.
From March 1, drivers will be able to get their hands on a vehicle with a “24” number plate, as car dealerships and forecourts across the country prepare for “new reg day”.
When buying a new or used car, it can be common practice for a retailer to ask the buyer for an initial payment to secure the purchase, which is normally a percentage of the overall price.
Motorists have been urged to remain aware of common issues that can occur when buying a vehicle from a dealership.
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Sales of new cars often see a boost at the start of March and September
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This is especially important ahead of one of the busiest times of the year for people buying a new vehicle and claiming a new registration plate.
Despite the landscape of car sales slowly shifting to online formats, “new reg day” remains an important factor for many drivers on March 1 and September 1 every year.
Experts at The Motor Ombudsman have urged road users to ensure they go through an “affordability health check” so they don’t get caught out by other costs.
This includes the sum of the deposit and the “typical” costs associated with buying a car like vehicle ownership, monthly finance repayments, insurance, car tax and average vehicle maintenance.
Similarly, when signing a contract and going ahead with the sale, if drivers are confused or don’t understand sections of the agreement, they should ask the sales representative, so they have a record of any responses.
This is crucial as there are limited opportunities for someone to get their deposit back. In the majority of cases, the deposit will be non-refundable.
If a consumer has paid a deposit and failed any credit assessments, like a Hire Purchase or Personal Contract Purchase, the contract could be invalidated and the deposit lost.
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, warned drivers not to get carried away when looking to buy a new or used car.
He said: “It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of putting in an order for a new car, and to forget the essentials.
“It is important for both buyers and sellers to be clear about the terms of the deposit, as this will help prevent any disputes later down the line if all parties are clear on the terms from the very beginning.
“Last year, we created a dedicated category on our Knowledge Base on the very subject of deposits, to help answer common questions in relation to this type of transaction, and this section has already proved very popular with visitors to our website.”
The Motor Ombudsman also calls on motorists to ensure the retailer they are purchasing is legitimate and will not scam them. This can be checked with the TMO online Garage Finder tool.
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New number plates will be unveiled on March 1
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When purchasing a vehicle at a TMO-trusted garage, drivers have the reassurance that their deposit is protected.
If someone is unable to resolve an issue directly with the retailer, they can make use of a fully independent and impartial third-party service to deal with any disputes.
