Buying a used car is a great way to save money. In fact, a used car can cost up to 30% less than a new vehicle. In addition, this type of purchase comes with various guarantees. Warranties are one of the most important factors to consider. It is a good way to reassure buyers before spending their money. Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases in a person’s life. Warranties also allow sellers to sell their used cars faster and at a better price. Zoom on the guarantees offered by a car center on used cars.
The “Satisfied or refunded” guarantee, the advantage of a car center
Automotive centers offer buyers a delay of several days and more than 500 km after delivery. The latter may change their minds, whatever the reason, during this period. The auto center will then reimburse the buyer according to the value of the used car. Note that the reimbursement excludes the costs of putting into circulation, initial sale and delivery. This includes technical costs, repair costs and actual delivery costs.
Automobile centre: the conditions to be met for the used car
When a buyer is not satisfied with the quality or operation of a used vehicle, he usually has a period of 15 days to either exchange his car for an equivalent vehicle in stock, or return the vehicle at the auto center and be reimbursed for the cost of the car. It is important to note that the warranty only applies if you are looking for a recent used car with low mileage and you complete certain conditions for the car center. It is thus necessary that the mileage does not exceed the agreed limit (500 km or 1000 km according to the automobile center in 10 or 15 days) and that the vehicle preserves its original state according to the order form.
Cases of refusal of the automotive center
Even if the buyer complies with the stated conditions, the “satisfied or refunded” guarantee does not cover:
- Vehicles that benefit from an ecological bonus,
- delivery times exceeding 15 days and the agreed mileage limit,
- vehicles that come from another car center and not from the seller.
With regard to the request for reimbursement or the exchange of the vehicle, the automobile center reserves the right the right to refuse refund and exchange. He can indeed establish an amicable expertise in order to carry out the necessary repairs at the expense of the buyer. The customer must, in turn, submit to the automobile center all the documents related to the accident suffered and to the repair in the case of an accident and repaired vehicle.
According to the regulations in force, the automotive center has 48 hours to carry out an expertise after the return of the vehicle. Once this period has passed, he must communicate his report to the buyer.
Unlimited mileage warranty, essential for a used car
Automotive centers most often offer a warranty of 6 to 24 months and unlimited mileage on used vehicles. This warranty applies to all vehicle parts on newer cars. For old vehicles, it is limited to the MBP or Bridge Box Motor and 3 months. Sometimes, it only concerns the engine, the gearbox and the lubricated internal parts.
However, the 6 to 24 month warranties offer a variable scope depending on the automotive center. You should carefully read the covered items and exclusions mentioned in the contract stipulating the covered parts. Indeed, the professional is not obliged to provide it to the client. On the other hand, he must imperatively give you the contract at the first request.
Unlimited mileage warranties remain free. They are part of the price of the vehicle, unless the customer wishes to extend the duration. In this case, he will have to pay an “extended warranty”. This does not apply to servicing in a garage or car center. On the other hand, it covers the repair. However, you must follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. Immobilization for more than a week extends the warranty.
The unlimited mileage guarantee has the advantage of being automatic. The buyer will not have to provide the slightest proof concerning the origin of the breakdown and obtain compensation. It therefore remains simpler than a legal guarantee which requires proof of the defect accompanied by legal action and a long procedure.
The guarantee conveyed and revisited, the confidence contract of the automotive center
The automotive center prepares and checks the vehicle before delivery according to the specifications and the seller’s charter of trust. It performs a thorough check that covers multiple checkpoints.
In reality, the manufacturer trains technicians who scrupulously check the following points on a thermal vehicle:
- Dynamic elements (road holding, road test, starter, idle, brakes, etc.);
- The gearbox, exhaust and engine (including timing belts, sealing, air and petrol or diesel filters, hoses, silencers, levels, steering and clutch);
- The body and the traction (the chassis, the ball joints, the shock absorbers, the geometry of the front and rear axles, the triangles, the tanks and pipes, the cradle, etc.);
- The passenger compartment, i.e. heating, keys, vehicle identification, seat belt, air conditioning, windshield and fixings;
- Electrical systems which include the battery, computers, lighting, on-board electronics, headlights, instrumentation and windshield wipers;
- Modernization and security systems.
It is important to specify that the many checkpoints do not replace a compulsory technical inspection. On the other hand, these checks guarantee the quality of the vehicle. The technician in charge of the control signs a control sheet which will be sent to the customer, then inserted in the sales book.
Some automotive centers also offer a test drive of the future vehicle before any order. They offer personalized support by advising you on the purchase of the vehicle that best suits your needs and your budget. You will have the opportunity to check your selection criteria and choose the vehicle that meets your expectations.
12-month or 15,000 km “No Maintenance Fee” warranty
Buyers of vehicles meeting the centre’s criteria benefit from a “no maintenance costs” guarantee. This guarantee exempts them maintenance costs for 12 months or 15,000 km after delivery. It remains valid for normal use on wear parts and certain consumables. These are the various belts (timing, accessory), filters (oil, fuel, air, pollen) or other liquids (cooling, braking, power steering, air conditioning). The front and rear discs, the rear and brake pads (more than 50% worn) as well as the tires with a level of rubber of at least 4 mm and the spark plugs are among the other guaranteed parts.
According to this guarantee, the car center will reimburse the maintenance expenses of the vehicle defined in the contract. Reimbursement is also made on presentation of an invoice within 30 days by bank transfer or check. The customer’s invoice must first bea written agreement of care for the center to validate it. The automotive center has the right to request a second opinion by using the services of the professional of its choice.
To better deal with unforeseen events, some automotive centers offer 24/7 assistance in Europe. Vehicles thus benefit from towing and breakdown assistance at any time, even on public holidays. If the warranty covers the incident, the automotive center bears the cost of breakdown assistance as well as the cost of towing to the location of the breakdown. With a simple call, a team tows the vehicle to the nearest point of sale.