Motor Trade Partnership

The Motor Trade Partnership gives consumers the confidence that they are dealing with a reputable trader who has made a commitment to fair and honest practices by becoming a member of the Partnership.

A motor car is a major expense and when something goes wrong it can be a great concern.

At West Yorkshire Trading Standards we realise that some consumers are somewhat apprehensive when it comes to buying a car or simply choosing where to have their vehicle serviced or repaired.

BENEFITS TO CONSUMERS

The Motor Trade Partnership is of considerable benefit to West Yorkshire consumers, for example:

• Members will undergo an annual audit
• Members agree to abide by the terms and conditions of membership
• Members must comply with the stated complaints procedure
• Members check the mileages of all used vehicles
• Should a member inadvertently supply a clocked vehicle, the consumer will receive a full refund within 12 months of purchase
• All servicing and repair work will only be carried out with the consumers permission
• Members will retain old parts for consumers inspection

Membership of the Partnership is on a voluntary basis, however they as a service ensure that businesses follow strict criteria before joining and high standards are maintained throughout membership. By being a member of the Motor Trade Partnership the Motor Dealer is making a positive statement that they are committed to consumer service.

WHY BUY FROM A MEMBER?

The motor industry is full of potential pitfalls for consumers. We often see consumers who have been duped into buying a clocked car or those who have been sold a car that is unfit for use on the road.

Have a look below at some of the potential problems you could come across:

Clocked Vehicles - There are thousands out there. It is a very lucrative business to be in, and many consumers each year end up owning a vehicle that shows 20,000 on the odometer but has actually done 120,000.

Members of the Motor Trade Partnership verify the mileage of all the used vehicles they sell, meaning that if you buy from a member you can be sure that the vehicle you are buying will have the correct mileage.

Unroadworthy vehicles - Some cars can appear fine to look at, but when you dig deeper you could actually find the car you've just bought is not fit to be on the public highway. Unless you know what to look for or are prepared to pay for a mechanic to check the vehicle out before you buy, then you could end up getting caught out.

Members of the Motor Trade Partnership go to great lengths to ensure that the vehicle they supply is in a roadworthy condition.

Vehicle history - Knowing what questions to ask or what documents to see can help you determine the history of a vehicle. How do you ensure that you are not being sold a vehicle that has been an insurance write off?

Members are required to be open and honest in their dealings and the history of the vehicle should be disclosed to the consumer prior to sale.

The Motor Trade Partnership is not just another Trade Association scheme. Unlike most schemes we monitor members on a regular basis to ensure that the correct procedures and practices are being followed. This means if you buy from a member you are 'buying with confidence'.

Find out more at www.mtp.wyjs.org.uk