Useful Contact Numbers
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
WHAT TO DO IF THINGS GO WRONG:-Go back to the seller immediately and explain the problem. Tell them what you want them to do about it.
If you cannot get satisfaction, get sound, preferably legal advice.
Consider contacting the following:-
Your local Trading Standards Office (sometimes called the Consumer Protection Department). Their address is in the phone book under your local council or, in Northern Ireland, the Department if Economic Development. http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk http://www.oft.gov.uk/html/cars/home.htm
The Citizens Advice Bureau or consumer advice centre. See your phone book for details.
For other advice checkout the website at www.detr.gov.uk under the heading ‘Roads and Road Safety Vehicle Standards’. Alternatively you can contact the DETR vehicle import advice line on 020 8676 2094.
If a dealer is a member of a trade association contact them and explain the problem, the association may be able to help.
VBRA (Vehicle Builders & Repairers Association) Trade association for repairers and garages. Tel: 0113 253 8333
SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) The readily-available sources of information and advice are among the most widely used of SMMT's services. Experts in many fields, including market data, legislation, technical standards, quality, logistics and international trade are on hand to provide help and support on a wide range of industry topics. Tel: 020 7235 7000. http://www.smmt.co.uk
RMIF (Retail Motor Industry Federation) The RMI is committed to raising levels of service in the motor trade. Any business wishing to become an RMI member is visited, inspected and vetted, and those selected for membership must commit themselves to a strict code of practice and are encouraged to observe a Quality Control Scheme. An independent arbitration and conciliation service gives the public the re-assurance they need that any dispute between the retailer and the customer will be resolved in a fair and efficient manner. Tel: 020 7580 9122. http://www.rmif.co.uk
For complaints about used cars and repairs/servicing in England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
The National Conciliation Service Retail Motor Industry Federation
(RMIF) 2nd Floor, Chestnut House, 9 North Street, Rugby, CV21 2AB, Tel: RMIF Motorline 0345 585350
SMA (Society of Motor Auctions)
The SMA was formed 25 years ago and now has over 40 member companies and 4 associate members operating from around 60 sites throughout the United Kingdom. The SMA can advise the public and trade of the benefits of buying or selling through Society members. Tel: 01788 538301. http://www.rmif.co.uk
SMTA (Scottish Motor Trade Association)
Customer Complaints Service Scottish Motor Trade Association Ltd, 3 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AF. Tel: 0131 225 3643
For Complaints about cars still under a manufacturer's Warranty:
The Consumer Relations Advisor Society of Motor Manufacturers &; Traders Forbes House, Halkin Street, London, SW1X TDS
If you are a member of the AA or RAC, they will help if you have problems with buying a used car. AA 0990 500 600 RAC 0990 533 533
Equifax/HPI Autodata 01722 422422 £28.50: AA Car Data Check 0800 234999. For information about a cars history, whether it is an insurance write-off or belongs to a finance company contact.
DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Authority)
The DVLA will tell you the legal last owner of a car. It was established in April 1990 as an executive agency of the former Department of Transport [DOT].
Its primary aims are to aid general law enforcement by maintaining registers of drivers and vehicles, collect taxation and to assist the road safety objectives of the Department.
Customer Enquiries (Vehicles) Unit, DVLC, Swansea, SA99 1BL Telephone: 01792 772 134, Fax: 01792 782 793 E-mail to: enquiry.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk http://www.open.gov.uk/dvla/dvla.htm
Compass Vision Ltd
Tel: 0141-402-7978
Fax: 0141-402-7979
