Dealers going ‘above and beyond’ to test and inspect vehicles for sale

Dealers are going 'above and beyond' obligated checks to ensure they receive a high-level of testing and inspection before sale, research by WMS Opteven has revealed.

The company said the findings contrast a recent report which showed that car buyers do not believe that vehicles receive the advertised checks before being handed over to customers.

The Dealer Panel by WMS Opteven divulged four fifths (80%) carry out the same level of inspection, irrespective of vehicle age and mileage.

The poll also revealed that almost all (90%) dealers inspect and prepare vehicles as much as they possibly can, to cover all foreseeable issues, in a bid to help buyers feel as reassured as possible.

Andrew Waite, retail sales and customer services director at WMS Opteven, said: “Our research clearly shows that most dealers consistently provide extremely high levels of testing when getting a vehicle ready for sale.

“This is incredibly important and encouraging, when a recent report has emerged, showing car buyers do not believe that cars receive the advertised checks before being handed over to customers.

“Ensuring customers have the right car warranty protection in place is a key part of the sales journey for dealers who want to offer an unrivalled service while protecting customer retention.

“Anyone buying older stock needs to know they will be protected from the financial shock of unexpected repair bill.

“The plethora of benefits a car warranty boast are far more than simply financial, customers are buying expert help when they need it most and reassurance that they won't be thrown into a crisis if their car lets them down.”

Dealers may need to increase their investment in vehicle reconditioning, to ensure older vehicles meet the expected retail standard, according to the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).

It says the stock shortages of new cars and vans means buyers are being forced to pay more for older vehicles.

Buyers may find themselves offered vehicles that are potentially more prone to breakdown and repair because of their age and will therefore need a high degree of reassurance from a retailer in order to commit to a purchase, says the RAC.