The Scottish Motor Trade Association

Consumer Advise

This section is dedicated to offering help and advice on motoring related topics.

Whether you simply want to know where you can find an SMTA affiliated garage or you want advice with buying a used car, we're sure you'll find our 'Consumer Advice' of great help.

At SMTA our main focus is to ensure that the public get the best service possible. SMTA affiliated garages offer the best quality service in Scotland.

How to find a good garage

Look for a garage which is a member of a Trade Association and which subscribes to the Motor Industry Code of Practice. 

Give the garage a clear description of the problem or the work you want done. It is best to do it in writing. If the car is in for a regular service, make sure you know what this includes. Tell the garage if you want the manufacturer's recommended service carried out, and agree between you whether any items can be left out. Bear in mind that if you do have items left out it may invalidate any warranty.

Get a quotation (a firm price), or at least an estimate (an informed guess), preferably in writing, for the work you want done. Check whether costs for labour, parts and VAT are all included. Ask if workmanship and parts are guaranteed.

Find out how long the job will take or agree on a set time for collection

Look for a reputable dealer
Look for the Scottish Motor Trade Association sign. This means that the dealer follows the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Motor Industry, which could be helpful if you have a complaint.

How much can you afford?
Decide on what you want and on how much you can afford. Add on estimates of running costs, insurance, tax, petrol, repairs and servicing. If you are taking out a loan, add on the repayments. Look at car magazines to see what is available for the price you want to pay, and to check the value of any car you want to trade in. Shop around and see what various dealers have on offer in your price range.

The price
Some dealers offer a fixed price no haggle deal, but in general, most car prices are negotiable. It is up to you to negotiate the best deal. You may get a bigger discount if you pay by cash, but you may also be able to negotiate a discount if you arrange credit through the dealer.

If you are not clear about any part of the deal, ask for an explanation.
Get it in writing if you are still not happy.

There may be offers included with the car such as insurance or extended warranties. Some manufacturers are also willing to replace or offer refunds on new cars provided they are returned within a certain time or mileage limit. You will need to consider how much these offers are worth to you when you are deciding whether you are getting a good deal.

0f satisfactory quality

- it must meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as acceptable, bearing in mind the way it was described, how much it cost and any other relevant circumstances. This covers, for example, the appearance and finish of the car, its safety and its durability. The car must be free from defects, except when they were pointed out to you by the seller; as described - a car said to have 'one careful lady owner' shouldn't turn out to have three previous owners, all males under 22; reasonably fit for any normal purpose - it should get you from A to B - and for any other purpose that you specify to the seller - for example, towing a caravan. These rights are not affected by any mechanical breakdown insurance (often sold by dealers if the manufacturer's warranty has run out), guarantee or warranty giving additional protection. If you inspect the car, or someone does so on your behalf, the dealer is not liable for any faults which should have been uncovered by the inspection. It's a good idea to get a description of the vehicle's condition from the dealer. Ask whether there is a pre-sale inspection checklist.