AA Cars joins forces with Chartered Trading Standards Institute to give buyers more confidence when buying a used car

• AA Cars, the AA’s used car platform, has joined forces with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to provide reassurance to consumers buying a used car
• Nearly nine in 10 drivers (88%) would have more confidence when buying from a dealership accredited by an independent organisation¹
• Participating dealers signing up to AA Cars Standards will be able to tell drivers they have been approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and meet a gold standard in customer service

AA Cars, the AA’s used car website, has partnered with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to provide more trust and reassurance to customers when they visit and buy from participating used car dealerships.

Dealers signed up to AA Cars Standards, a gold standard in customer service, will be able to tell their customers they have been approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. The Institute is one of the world’s longest-established organisations dedicated to trading standards and consumer protection.

By signing up, dealers will ensure every vehicle they sell is in good condition and work closely with the AA Cars team on any issues.

A seal of approval from two such trusted names can also go a long way in building customer confidence. AA Cars research found that 88% of drivers would feel more confident buying a used car from a dealership which has been accredited by an independent organisation, such as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, compared to one that has not¹.

Signed up dealers will be able to display branding showing their partnership with AA Cars and their approval by the Institute, helping drivers identify businesses that commit to these high standards of customer care.

Mark Oakley, Director of AA Cars, commented: “Buying a car is a big financial commitment and we want to do everything we can to remove the stress drivers often experience when shopping for a second-hand vehicle.

“Many drivers still do not feel confident that they know what to look for and check when buying a used car, and so it is important that dealers can provide genuine reassurance when people are purchasing from them.

“Dealers signing up to AA Cars Standards are going the extra mile for their customers, as it means they agree to uphold a gold standard in customer service.

“We know the association with a trusted brand like the AA helps inspire confidence in drivers when they buy a used car, but this partnership with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute will provide even more reassurance.”

Sue Steward, Head of Client and Commissioning at CTSI, comments: “The Chartered Trading Standards Institute realises the increasing need to reassure consumers when they make a purchase.

“The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) warmly welcomes the AA Cars Standards Code, in helping dealerships reassure consumers their rights are protected and that they can seek redress if needed.

“Through our assessment, the AA Cars Standards Code has demonstrated fair practices, and we are confident in the Code’s approach to supporting consumers.

“I’d  like to welcome the AA Cars Standards Code to our Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, and look forward to working with them for years to come.”

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Notes to editor

^[1]Yonder received 12,545 responses from AA members to its online poll between 13th and 20th September 2022.