MOTORING
Don’t delay a garage visit
The new Motor Ombudsman has issued a warning that nearly half of the nation’s drivers (43%) put their safety at risk along with the safety of other road users by avoiding taking their car to a garage despite suspecting a fault. New research of 1,000 UK drivers has found that the major barriers
to seeking professional garage advice are not being able to explain what’s wrong with their car (35%) and feeling intimidated by the garage (32%). Also, 38% of motorists have skipped having their car serviced, with the biggest concern a fear of overcharging (36%). The Motor Ombudsman is responsible for
providing an impartial service between consumers and its 7,500 accredited businesses to resolve motoring-related disagreements outside of the courtroom. Furthermore, 57% of drivers who have
experienced an unresolved dispute with their garage did not know where to turn for help in resolving the issue. Bill Fennell (pictured), Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Our ultimate aim is to give consumers peace of mind, ease relations between garages and motorists and find the fairest solution for both parties should a dispute arise. All our accredited garages comply with our comprehensive Trading Standards- approved codes of practice and our service is completely free for the public.”
PCP temptation could lure buyers into cash shortfall
Personal Contract Purchase offers (PCP) are luring car buyers to upgrade their cars more frequently, potentially creating an embarrassing cash shortfall, What Car? - the UK’s biggest car-buying brand - has argued. In a recent survey of
motorists, 37% of respondents said they now changed their car more frequently than they did a decade ago, while more than one in five (22%) said that a generous finance offer would be the primary motivator in the decision to change. However, with earnings on
savings at an all-time low, motorists could be overstretching themselves when the initial, low PCP payment term ends. What Car? magazine Editor,
‘38% of motorists have skipped having their car serviced, with the biggest concern a fear of overcharging’
Steve Huntingford, said: “Finance options shouldn’t be seen as ‘free money’ and buyers need to ensure they have a financial cushion to cover the costs at the end of their initial payment term in order to stay on the road.”
business network December 2016/January 2017 53
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