What is an RAC Approved Dealer (and why should you care)?

RAC Approved Dealer status is non-negotiable when buying a car on finance. Find out why in our guide.



Can you trust car dealers? An RAC survey from 2015 reported that 39% of used car buyers had had a bad experience. Moreover, 29% of dealers dealt badly with issues following a sale.

If you're looking to buy a used car, whether upfront or on finance, you need to be sure that your dealer is reputable. That's where the RAC Approved Dealer scheme comes in.

It's an independent assessment of car dealerships carried out by the RAC – the British motoring association that provides roadside assistance, insurance and other services.

But what does this mean in practice – and why should you care? In this guide, we make the case for RAC Approved Dealer status as non-negotiable when buying a used car on finance.

What is an RAC Approved Dealer?

An RAC Approved Dealer is a car dealership that's assessed and approved by the RAC.

Dealerships are approved if they meet RAC standards. These ensure the car is inspected and prepared before sale and that it meets safety standards. Approval also rests on how the dealership operates and deals with customers.

In short, RAC Approved Dealer status is a seal of quality. The used car market is often unreliable, and many people have horror stories to share. The RAC's checks give buyers the peace of mind they need before driving away from the forecourt.

In addition, approved dealers offer RAC-backed warranties. These cover parts and labour costs in the event of a mechanical or electrical failure.

It's important to note that an RAC-approved car isn't guaranteed to be free from problems. After all, the RAC can't physically check every car in every dealership. However, it does offer reassurance before a purchase.

What inspection standards apply?

RAC Approved Dealers carry out thorough inspections before putting a car up for sale.

These include a vehicle history check, vehicle checks and a road test. The tests comprise their 82-point Approved Vehicle Preparation Standard.

The vehicle history check involves verifying the VIN: the unique, 17-character code that identifies a car. History reports are checked along with scheduled maintenance history and engine numbers. MOT certificates are validated.

The dealer then checks the whole vehicle for problems. They inspect the exterior for corrosion, misaligned panels, dents, paint cracks and any problems with the fuel filler and windscreen.

Windows, lights, wipers, electronics – all are checked for quality. The tyres (including the spare) are also checked to ensure a minimum tread depth of three millimetres.

The underbody is checked. The exhaust and mountings must be in good condition, and there needs to be no oil or coolant contamination.

Last but not least, the car is road-tested. The assessor checks:

• The starting system
• The clutch
• The gearbox
• The suspension
• The brakes
• The speedometer and other gauges
• Cruise control
• The anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  
  

They also listen out for unusual noises and check for leaks and heavy emissions.

What does RAC Approved Dealer status guarantee about a car?

RAC Approved Dealer status guarantees that every used car the dealer sells has undergone RAC checks and comes with a warranty.

The car will have passed the 82-point check, undergone a vehicle history check and come with a three-month warranty and 12 months of breakdown cover.

This isn't to say that a used car sold by an RAC Approved Dealer won't have problems in the future. The preparation checks assess the vehicle's current condition and can't predict problems down the line.

It's also important to note that general wear and tear is excluded from the standard warranty. This includes wear and tear on brake pads, discs, clutch friction plates, wiper blades, filters and tyres. There is also a "total claims limit", meaning you can't claim unlimited free repairs.

At Zoomo, we offer Platinum Plus protection on selected vehicles. This does cover wear and tear on certain components.

Why is RAC Approved Dealer status non-negotiable when buying a used car?

The second-hand market is fraught with difficulties. Cars often have hidden mechanical issues, and buyers find themselves battling with poor aftercare from the dealer. People get burned. RAC Approved Dealer status is a mark of quality to prevent this from happening.

It's an independent assessment, meaning that you don't have to rely entirely on the dealer's word. The car you buy is far more likely to be roadworthy – and the dealer more likely to be trustworthy – if it's received the RAC's approval.

How we can help

Zoomo is an RAC Approved Dealer in Newcastle, serving customers across the North East and beyond.

We sell used cars on finance, putting buyers in touch with a wide panel of lenders. This helps ensure that a poor credit score doesn't mean a rejected application.

As an RAC Approved Dealer, all our cars – from hatchbacks to SUVs – are inspected in line with the RAC's 82-point check. Most also come with a free three-month warranty.

Too busy or too far away to visit in person? We deliver to customers in Newcastle, the North East and Scotland.

So, if you want a car on finance and extra peace of mind, we're the dealership you need.

Your questions answered

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