The AA has launched a new service offering pre-sale vehicle inspections for dealers to help them stand out from their competition and protect them against new Consumer Rights legislation.

By having their vehicle stock independently inspected by the AA, partnering dealers will benefit from the association with the AA brand, and all vehicles sold with an AA inspection, will be advertised on the AA Cars website and sold with 12 months free AA breakdown cover as well as a free vehicle history check.

David Bruce, director of AA Vehicle Inspections, said: “We believe that Vehicle Inspections will provide a valuable add-on service to dealers who are looking to take their business to the next level and offer customers a premium product.

“Our dedicated team will be working closely with dealers providing digital and direct marketing support, and also assisting with forecourt branding, including flags and car banners, to make it clear to consumers that their stock has been mechanically inspected by the AA.

AA Vehicle Inspections are available for vehicles up to 10 years old, although high performance or exotic cars are excluded.

The detailed 128-point mechanical inspection covers front suspension, steering and underframe, fuel system, engine compartment, body exterior and interior fittings, electrical controls, exhaust system, rear suspension and underframe, brakes, tyres and transmission. It also includes a road test of up to five miles to support any pre-existing claims disputes.

The inspection will have a strict pass or fail criteria for each point, and will be in-line with the new Consumer Rights Act 2015, which came into force on October 1. The new rules allow a customer to return a faulty vehicle within the first 30 days after purchase, and receive a full refund.

Bruce added: “Customers want to be reassured when they buy a used car that it is, mechanically, in a good condition. With an AA vehicle inspection, the customer will have that reassurance of knowing that the inspection was carried out independently and by a trusted brand. And we also know that cars with inspections receive twice as many views on AA Cars, making this a valuable proposition for dealers to drive more used car enquiries.

“The added value of selling a vehicle that has been independently inspected, should enable dealers to secure the best possible price, thus increasing their profit per car ratio. Also, by having all their vehicles independently inspected, dealers have that extra layer of protection against claims made by customers as part of the new Consumer Rights legislation.”

By having vehicles independently inspected by one of the AA’s qualified inspectors, dealers will have that extra level of protection in the event of a customer returning a car and making a claim for a full refund.