Motorists can benefit from a free vehicle examination when taking out a car loan with RAC.
Motorists can benefit from a free vehicle examination when taking out a car loan with RAC.
The RAC Essentials Vehicle Examination can help avoid the pitfalls of buying a used car after an RAC survey* revealed that a quarter of car buyers had experienced mechanical problems within just one month of the purchase.
The survey also found that, despite the expense involved in buying a car, almost half of British car buyers spend less than 30 minutes carrying out checks on a used-car.
The RAC Essentials Vehicle Examination, worth up to £156, includes:
- A mechanical and structural examination by an qualified RAC inspector
- A check for any major accident damage
- An underbody check
- A road test
- A report mailed first class to the customer on the next working day.
Frank Wilson, director of RAC individual sales, said, "Buying a car is often the second most expensive purchase after buying a house but the decision is often made hastily. We want to help prevent the nasty surprises that can happen soon after buying a car and through the free vehicle examination, customers can make a more informed car purchase."
RAC loans** are now available for terms up to 84 months with a competitive typical APR of 6.9% (for loan amounts between £7,000 - £25,000).
Existing RAC members can also in addition benefit from a free RAC vehicle status check, worth £24.99, when arranging an RAC car loan. The check assesses whether a car has been stolen, written-off, clocked, has outstanding finance or previous plates, is at risk of being sold illegally, and that its number plate and chassis number correspond. It will also check whether the car's documents are genuine and give a current market valuation.
Customers can visit www.rac.co.uk or call 0800 707 6179 for more information.
-ends-
RAC Press office contacts:
Lucy Haughey on 01603 354337/ lucy.haughey@norwich-union.co.uk or Jenny Chapman on 01603 684224/jenny-chapman@norwich-union.co.uk
Notes to editors:
* RAC Vehicle Examinations commissioned ICM research to interview a random sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+, by telephone in August 2006. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk.
** RAC Loans are provided by The Co-operative Bank plc on behalf of RAC Financial Services Limited (Registered No 5171817). Registered Office: 8 Surrey Street, Norwich NR1 3NG which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Applicants must be UK residents, aged between 23 and 69, have a minimum annual income of £10,000 and be either a homeowner or hold a debit, cheque guarantee, store or credit card. Terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are provided by.
The Co-operative Bank plc (Registered No 990937), of PO Box 101, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester, M60 4EP and are subject to status. The Co-operative Bank reserves the right to decline any application or offer a loan at a rate that differs from those advertised. Interest rates are correct at time of going to press. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded for security and/or training purposes.
The Co-operative Bank is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (No 121885), subscribes to the Banking Code, is a member of the Financial Ombudsman Service and is licensed by the Office of Fair Trading (No 006110).
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 15%.
RAC's news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.