“Nearly every dispute over a defective vehicle that we are asked to help resolve could have been avoided had its pre-sales checks been done properly,” Ferguson said.
“The biggest problem with these checks is that the technicians performing them are working within the allotted time, rather than the required time. We’ve seen 300-point checklists that need to be done in 20 minutes. We know dealers are selling cars that have received only cursory scrutiny at best.”
Ferguson said used-car control issues aren’t limited to online retailers. Manufacturer-approved pre-owned diagrams — the gold standard for used-car retail — can be just as flawed.
Part of the appeal of these programs is the number of checks carried out, with automakers vying for the most.
However, Ferguson said the quality, rather than the number, of checks is more important: “Often the cars are just inspected on the workshop ramp. This is fine for visual checks, such as tire condition and oil leaks, but automakers and workshops need to allow extra time for cars to be properly road tested, when any issues with its mechanical and driver assistance functions will become apparent.
One manufacturer that insists on this is Suzuki. Dealerships who have signed up for its Approved Used Car program must, as part of the program’s 81-point inspection, test each car on the road.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-13 23:01:23
