Used car dealers “deserve more respect” AA president tells Rob Cubitt of The Logbook in an exclusive interview for the YouTube channel

• Dealers build buyer confidence

• Buying a car should not be a gamble

• Trusted dealers help protect consumers

• AA Cars supports dealer credibility

• Used car dealers deserve more respect

• Dealers play a key road safety role

In a new episode of The Logbook, titled “Why are the UK’s roads so shocking?”, King and Cubitt discuss the impact of potholes, ‘smart’ motorways and roadworks on motorists, dealers and fleets — while also highlighting the importance of trusted dealers in helping drivers make informed choices.

The episode, sponsored by AA Cars, also explores how the wider automotive industry can work together to support motorists at a time when drivers are facing rising costs, deteriorating roads and growing concern over vehicle safety and running costs.

Edmund King OBE, AA president, said: “The wider automotive industry has to help each other. AA Cars is delighted to work with Rob Cubitt of The Logbook because he spreads those messages to viewers. We can help with that trust when it comes to buying cars, and that is so important for consumers.”

Important role

King said the used car market should be recognised for the important role it plays in people’s lives, especially as buying a car is often one of the biggest financial decisions a household will make.

“If you think about it, the purchase of a car for most people is the second most important purchase they will make in their life, after buying a house or a flat. And yet so many people gamble on it. You wouldn’t buy a house without a survey, so having that vehicle inspection, having that peace of mind, going to a dealer that you can trust, that has an arbitration service — all of that really helps.”

Road safety

King added that dealers are also important in improving road safety and helping motorists understand the cars they are buying.

“I think the used car market isn’t given the respect it deserves. It is so important for mums and dads, for new drivers, for grandparents changing their car, that they are going into dealerships and getting the right information. Dealers have a real role to play in road safety, in explaining safety features, and in giving that credibility and trust.”

Respect

Rob Cubitt, managing director of Cubitt Cars, said AA Cars’ support had been valuable for both dealers and consumers.

“The support of AA Cars has genuinely been a massive help. The used car market deserves more respect, and anything that helps build trust and give consumers confidence is a positive thing.”

Cubitt said the partnership with AA Cars helps strengthen the relationship between reputable dealers and car buyers.

“Consumers want to know they are dealing with a business they can trust. For dealers, being able to demonstrate that trust and give buyers extra confidence is incredibly important. AA Cars helps support that message.”

The episode also looks at the pressures currently facing motorists and the wider automotive sector, including the poor state of UK roads, pothole damage, temporary roadworks and the continuing debate around ‘smart’ motorways.

King said roads are not a side issue for the economy, fleets or dealers, but a core part of national infrastructure.

Cubitt said the condition of the roads is a daily issue for dealers, fleets and their customers.

“Drivers feel more squeezed than ever. Fuel is up, vehicle tax is up, the cost of everything is up — and yet the roads we are driving on seem to be getting worse. People can’t help but ask: where is all our money going?”

Support

King said AA Cars’ support for The Logbook reflects the need for practical, trusted information for motorists, dealers and the wider trade.

“The wider automotive industry has to help each other. There are things we can help with — trust when buying cars, inspections, peace of mind and helping dealers get important messages across.”

The full interview, “We Pay Billions. So Why Are the UK Roads Falling Apart?’', featuring Edmund King OBE and Rob Cubitt, is available now on The Logbook YouTube channel.

The Logbook is a YouTube channel hosted by Rob Cubitt, managing director of Cubitt Cars, and sponsored by AA Cars. The episode features Edmund King OBE, president of the AA, discussing potholes, smart motorways, roadworks, road funding, dealer trust and the role of AA Cars in supporting confidence in the used car market.

Q&A: Used car dealers “deserve more respect"

Q: What is the main message of the press release?

A: AA president Edmund King OBE says used car dealers play a vital role in helping consumers buy safely and confidently, and that the sector deserves more respect.

Q: Who made the comments?

A: Edmund King OBE, president of the AA, made the comments in an interview with Rob Cubitt, managing director of Cubitt Cars and host of The Logbook YouTube channel.

Q: Where did the interview appear?

A: The interview appeared on The Logbook YouTube channel in an episode titled “We Pay Billions. So Why Are the UK Roads Falling Apart?”

Q: What role does AA Cars play in the episode?

A: AA Cars sponsors The Logbook and supports the channel’s aim of giving motorists and dealers practical, trusted information.

Q: Why does Edmund King say used car dealers are important?

A: He says dealers help consumers make informed decisions when buying a car, which is often the second-biggest purchase people make after buying a home.

Q: Why does King compare buying a car to buying a house?

A: King says people would not buy a house without a survey, so they should also seek checks, inspections and peace of mind when buying a used car.

Q: How can trusted dealers help consumers?

A: Trusted dealers can provide accurate information, vehicle inspections, arbitration services and reassurance that helps buyers feel more confident.

Q: What does the press release say about road safety?

A: King says used car dealers have a role to play in road safety by explaining safety features and helping motorists understand the cars they are buying.

Q: Who benefits from a stronger used car sector?

A: The release highlights that mums and dads, new drivers, grandparents, fleets and everyday motorists all benefit from trusted dealers and clearer information.

Q: What did Rob Cubitt say about AA Cars’ support?

A: Cubitt said AA Cars’ support has been “a massive help” and that anything which builds trust and gives consumers confidence is positive.

Q: What wider issues are discussed in the episode?

A: The episode also covers potholes, poor road conditions, temporary roadworks, smart motorways, vehicle safety, running costs and road funding.

Q: Why are road conditions relevant to dealers and fleets?

A: The used car sector is essential to consumer confidence, road safety and informed car buying — and, according to King and Cubitt, deserves greater recognition and respect. The release says poor roads affect motorists, dealers and fleets every day through vehicle damage, safety concerns and rising costs.

Q: What concern does Rob Cubitt raise about motorists’ costs?

A: Cubitt says drivers feel increasingly squeezed by rising fuel prices, vehicle tax and general costs, while road conditions appear to be getting worse.

Q: What does King say about the wider automotive industry?

A: King says the automotive industry needs to help each other by supporting trust, inspections, peace of mind and clear messages for motorists.

Q: What is the overall takeaway for used car dealers?

A: The used car sector is essential to consumer confidence, road safety and informed car buying — and, according to King and Cubitt, deserves greater recognition and respect.