The launch of AA Cars is bound to raise questions from AA members, the motoring public, media, VCARS customers and businesses.
Since it was founded in 1905 the AA has been all about motoring. Today members expect the AA to provide a wide range of advice and guidance. Car buying in particular can be complex; the choices are wider than ever; buying a car is the second most costly purchase after a home and buyers do so with some trepidation. Now the AA will be able to direct potential car buyers to trusted outlets, armed with expert knowledge from the AA.
The AA itself won't be doing any selling - it uses an existing highly successful platform that helps buyers identify the car they want. They will buy the car from the dealer, empowered by expert advice from the AA and with the comfort of an AA Cars History Check
www.aacars.com website is the entry portal (compatible with mobile and tablet technology as well). A range of search filters such as car type, size, budget, location and key specifics buyers might be looking for, enables the buyer to find the car they want. The buyer will then contact the dealer; they can arrange to see the car and take it for a test drive. If they want the car they negotiate directly with the dealer. The AA does not sell cars but offers potential car buyers a platform by which they can search and match their car buying requirements to a car dealer's available stock through www.aacars.com.
There is an application process through which dealers go through in order to be accepted on the site. Dealers wishing to join can find out more by calling 0845 302 5374.
No; an AA Cars History Check on 99% of cars will offer customers reassurance along with comprehensive car buying advice which is also available. Key to the success of the AA Cars site is to provide as much choice and information as possible to customers. Not all cars are inspected by the AA but ask the dealer or you can buy one from us.
Many car dealers offer these checks but a recent OFT report showed that 88% of buyers don't ask whether a check has been done and don't ask for a check to be done. Many assume the car they buy has been checked but don't confirm that it has. By ensuring 99% of AA Cars vehicles has undergone an AA Cars History Check, buyers may be confident that the check has been carried out and gives additional peace of mind.
Many cars will have warranties still valid when they are sold and that will be made clear in the vehicle details, where we have that information from dealers. Similarly many cars will carry a warranty offered by the dealer which may or may not be an AA Warranty.
All cars will have a MOT if that is required. You should contact the dealer in order to make the correct arrangements for car tax. From 1st October 2014 car tax rules changed, you can visit the DVLA website for up to date information and to view the new procedures https://www.gov.uk/tax-disc
No, that would be impractical. The AA Cars History Check is being offered to ensure that the car's history doesn't hide anything nasty. We also expect dealers to perform a thorough mechanical and body condition check on all cars; but AA vehicle inspections are available for additional peace of mind - this provides up to 206 separate physical checks and is available from the AA's website at http://www.theAA.com/vehicle-inspections/ Users of AA Cars will get a 10% discount off the cost of a vehicle inspection
No, anyone can source their next car through the site
Members already get a 10% discount on the cost of a full vehicle inspection and for launch of AA Cars, both members and non members will get a further 10% discount if they choose to have an AA vehicle inspection carried out. There will certainly be other incentives for AA members using AA Cars from time to time.
Given the AA Cars History Check that comes with 99% of all cars it is unlikely that a dealer would supply poor cars. However, the AA would not look favorably on dealers acting improperly and could, where appropriate, exclude them from the site.
Redress will be with the dealer who sold the car to you and of course, buyer's legal rights are not affected in any way. The AA website has a wealth of information about how to deal with a problem http://www.theaa.com/cbg/home.jsp.
Regrettably not, it is an online service.
Yes, the site is optimised to work on a range of hand-held devices