Take a moment to consider what would happen if you purchased the deal of a lifetime – a pre-owned vehicle that comes with all the bells and whistles but at a fraction of the cost. Shortly after driving your new-to-you wheels off the lot, let’s imagine that you experienced mechanical failure. Your first step (after calming down and calling your insurer for a tow), would be to contact the dealership. After all, it could very well be that you were sold a defective or misrepresented car.
The dealership could be required to provide refunds, repairs, or even face legal penalties if the vehicle was not properly inspected before sale. But this might not happen. The dealership may choose to delay communication with you, prolonging matters in the hopes that you’ll give up, or they may opt to fight it out in court – knowing that you might not have the resources to go the legal route.
Buying a pre-owned vehicle can be a smart financial move, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. Thankfully, with a growing number of dealerships partnering with the AA to offer certified pre-owned vehicles, you’re able to avoid exposing yourself to potential legal and financial headaches. While these certified vehicles can be more expensive than non-certified vehicles, it’s worth it to avoid the legal and financial risks.
Let’s take a closer look at these risks, so that you’re fully informed when you make your next purchasing decision.
Unforeseen Mechanical Failures and Legal Risks
It’s not unusual for less reputable dealerships to refuse to take responsibility for a vehicle that has run into issues a few days or weeks after the purchase. You might be thinking that South African consumer protection laws, such as the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), are designed to safeguard buyers. While this is true, it’s important to understand that without proper evidence proving that the vehicle was misrepresented to you, it can become a complex and costly legal battle.
Very few people have the time or resources to fight these battles. Often, it’s cheaper to simply pay for the repairs out of your own pocket and go on with your life. You’ll then have to consider the financial implications of your next steps, like whether you should sell and start over or continue driving the car you financed and repaired in order to avoid losing any more money.
Why The Certification Matters, Legally
Generally, a vehicle certification should provide you with a transparent review of the vehicle’s condition – including all the scars, bumps, and coughs. Not all certifications are equal, though. There are some that provide you with a cursory overview, but the AA Certification, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive inspection process that goes beyond basic checks.
With a rigorous 125-point examination, AA Certified vehicles are assessed for roadworthiness, mechanical integrity, and safety. This thorough process ensures that buyers receive accurate information about the vehicle’s condition and history, protecting them from potential legal pitfalls.
As a result, when purchasing an AA Certified vehicle, buyers have access to documented proof of the car’s condition at the time of sale. This certification can serve as valuable evidence in legal disputes, ensuring that buyers receive accurate information about the vehicle’s condition, protecting them from potential legal pitfalls.
Peace Of Mind In A Competitive Market
With the South African debt-to-income ratio remaining high, making sound financial decisions is more important than ever. However, when you choose to buy a secondhand vehicle that has undergone the rigorous AA Certification process, you can be that much more certain that you are investing in a reliable vehicle that will be safe to drive.
You’ll also be able to avoid all those hidden costs associated with buying non-certified vehicles. Hidden costs like hidden defects that would potentially go unnoticed until it’s too late.
If you’re ready to buy a pre-owned vehicle with confidence, then find an AA Certified Pre-Owned Dealer close to you.