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- The on the road price will be cheaper than a brand new car
| - The choice of vehicles available will be good, but you may have to compromise on your dream colour or spec. The dealership will always do its best to source from another branch in the group or the dealer network. It depends what's available at the time you're looking.
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- You can still buy on finance, but the APR rate may not be as favourable as with new and you may not get a deposit contribution from the manufacturer. If you do buy on finance, you sometimes get offers such as free servicing plans as an incentive.
| - The older a car gets, the lower the resale value when you want to sell it on.
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- If a car is marked up 'approved used' this means it comes under the brand manufacturer's scheme for cars up to about 3 years old from date of registration. Approved used status brings benefits and protections such as: minimum 12 months' warranty, 12 months' roadside assistance, cost of your next MOT, etc. It varies.
| - If you want to finance your car, you usually have to be at least 18 years old and have saved a reasonable deposit to enable the monthly payments to be reasonable. Once you take out the agreement you are committed to keep up the payments and there is usually another lump sum to pay at the end of the agreement, or you can trade in or upgrade. Make sure you understand what you are signing up for before entering into a finance agreement. Finance is subject to status, meaning your credit rating needs to be reasonable.
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- Approved used cars are carefully checked over by the dealership Technicians, any faults rectified with genuine parts, properly valeted and checks carried out on outstanding finance, service history, mileage verification and recalls before being offered for sale.
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- Volkswagen group brands (VW, SEAT, ŠKODA) offer a 30 day, 1,000 mile exchange policy, so that if you feel you make the wrong choice, you can exchange for another of the same price, as long as the vehicle is returned in the same condition as when it was collected.
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- Some brands offer 'drive away' insurance. This allows you to pick up the car and drive it for the first 5 days of ownership whilst you arrange your own insurance cover thereafter.
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- Approved used cars are usually between a few months and 3 to 5 years old. The dealership offers them for sale having got them back to as good as new as they can. These cars are often still within the manufacturer's warranty so this offers extra assurance.
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- Remember that cars over 3 years old (from date of first registration) will need to have a valid MOT certificate by law!
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- Aftercare facilities at the dealership give you extensive care beyond the buying process. Servicing, maintenance, MOTs, parts and accessories are available. Occasional offers like 'winter health checks' are advertised to customers, so you could get a free check in between services.
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- Authorised dealerships must adhere to the Consumer Rights Act 2015, so you have some protection on your purchase.
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