Used Car Checks

[Zee007]

>Buying and selling used cars is now safer - and cheaper

>

>Buying or selling a used car is about to become safer thanks to a new

>service being launched by some of Britian¹s leading independent motoring

>organisations.

>

>With more than 3m pre-owned vehicles exchanging hands privately every year,

>Used Car Checks (www.usedcarchecks.com) not only provides the buyer or

>seller with the most comprehensive inspection package on the market, but

>the

>cheapest too.

>

>Initially available through over 1,400 accredited Unipart Car Care Centres

>and approved independent garages nation-wide, every car comes complete with

>the added bonus of a 45-day warranty provided by the UK¹s leading

>independent automotive warranty firm, Warranty Direct.

>

>Compared to current schemes, the 140-point internal and external

>examination

>takes place at an approved garage facility with the vehicle inspected on a

>hydraulic ramp.

>

>After rigorous testing, technicians found 18 percent more faults on dummy

>vehicles when examined under a ramp compared to a traditional roadside

>examination.

>

>"The use of a ramp cannot be underestimated," explains James Ruppert,

>director of Used Car Checks. "It can literally be the difference between

>finding or not finding a potential fault that could end up costing hundreds

>to repair."

>

>He adds: "The beauty of Used Car Checks is its simplicity - a car inspected

>and warranted at a fixed price. It¹s a radical departure from the present

>market which can get confusing with lots of engine size qualifications,

>options and exclusions."

>

>Used Car Checks is also sensibly priced to make it a worthwhile investment

>for either the buyer or seller.

>

>The flat £99 fee is 213 percent cheaper than the dearest alternative

>inspection* and 88 percent cheaper than the market average of £186.

>

>"The competitive pricing does not mean a poorer deal for the consumer. In

>fact it¹s the opposite," says Ruppert. "Mechanically superior inspections,

>approved technicians, more detailed warranty cover, nationwide availability

>and peace of mind for either the potential purchaser or the seller of the

>vehicle."

>

>Used Car Checks is operated centrally (08700 46 86 02) with customers being

>directed to a local approved garage.

>

>"The aim is to help people buy and sell better cars at a sensible cost. I

>think we¹ve achieved that collectively," concludes Ruppert.

>

>Further details available at www.usedcarchecks.com

>

>ENDS

>

>* Essential Plus from RAC on vehicles with 2.5-litre + engine at £309.25

>

>For further information please contact Andy Francis at Performance PR on

>Tel: 0208 946 3456 Mob: 0787 981 3639 Email: andy@performancepr.com

>

>Editors Notes:

>

>Used Car Checks is the trading name for Action Automotive. Action

>Automotive

>have over 20 years experience in retailing, aftersales, promotions and

>marketing working with the motor industry to develop new products, systems

>and services.

>

>Launched in 1997, Warranty Direct is the first and only direct personal

>Warranty Company operating in the UK. As a privately owned insurance

>intermediary, the firm operates within the automotive and household

>electrical markets. All policies are underwritten by Cassidy Davis

>Insurance

>Group - the specialist personal lines division of The St Paul at Lloyd¹s

>(part of The St Paul Companies Inc which has assets in excess of US$38

>billion).

>

>Unipart Care Care Centres are a national network of independently owned

>garages supported by Unipart - one of Europe's leading independent

>logistics, automotive parts and accessories companies and one of the ten

>biggest privately owned companies in Britain.

>

>

>Example: Used Car Checks vs The Rest - inspecting a Ford Mondeo 2.0

>

>Used Car Checks

>Cost: £99

>Fixed price whatever the engine size: Yes

>Warranty: Yes

>Interior Checked: Yes

>Talk to Inspector: Yes

>Restriction on cars inspected: No

>Including Car Data Check: £135.95

>

>RAC Essentials

>Cost: £151.95

>Fixed price whatever the engine size: No

>Warranty: No

>Interior Checked: No

>Talk to Inspector: £10

>Restriction on cars inspected: Yes, no 4 x4s or imports

>Including Car Data Check: £191.90

>

>Green Flag

>Cost: £155

>Fixed price whatever the engine size: No

>Warranty: No

>Interior Checked: Yes

>Talk to Inspector: Yes

>Restriction on cars inspected: Yes not over 12 years

>Including Car Data Check: £185

>

>

>AA Standard Check

>Cost £125

>Fixed price whatever the engine size no

>Warranty No

>Interior Checked No

>Talk to Inspector No

>Restriction on cars inspected Yes

>Including Car Data Check £161.99