Code helps used car buyers

Used car buyers should find it easier to locate the best garages and motoring services, following improvements to the Motor Codes scheme.

Launched last year, Motor Codes is a self-regulatory scheme designed by the car industry to protect consumers, help identify better businesses and encourage garages to raise their customer service standards.

Until now the scheme has been exclusively concerned with the sale, servicing and repair of new vehicles, but this has now been extended to include used-car-specific initiatives.

The code has been expanded to cover third-party vehicle warranties, which will help consumers choose dependable products. Leading warranty companies, including Car Care Plan, Mondial Assistance and Warranty Direct, have all committed to the scheme, which means that roughly 60% of the sector is now covered.

The code also covers information and cancellation rights on products such as breakdown insurance, extended warranties, roadside assistance and GAP policies.

Updated Motor Codes website
Motor Codes has also launched new features on its website, allowing customers to rate the garage that serviced their car, as well as letting drivers find their nearest garage that has signed up to the code, and to check its customer rating.

Over 5000 garages have signed up to the code, and while these are mainly franchised dealers, more independents are expected to follow soon. There's also a free help and advice line available for motorists.

Garages urged to sign up
The Government's Vehicle & Operator Services Agency has urged all MoT testing stations to sign up to the Motor Codes scheme, to demonstrate their competence and dedication to customer service. Ford has also announced that all its workshops have signed up to the code.

For more information on the code, visit www.motorcodes.co.uk or call 0800 692 0825.