Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most people make, yet many buyers spend more time researching the car than researching who they’re buying it from. Here is a practical checklist for how to choose a trustworthy car dealer in the UK.
Check Their Official Registration
Start by checking if the dealer is a registered business in the UK. Search Companies House and confirm the company is active, not dissolved or in liquidation. If the dealer offers finance, also check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register at register.fca.org.uk, since legitimate finance-offering dealers must hold FCA authorisation.
Look for Trade Accreditations
- FCA authorisation: required for any dealer offering car finance directly.
- Motor Ombudsman accreditation: signals the dealer follows recognised codes of practice for sales and servicing.
- AA or RAC approved dealer status: these schemes involve regular audits and inspections of vehicle quality and customer service.
Research Their Reputation
Search for reviews on Google, Trustpilot, AutoTrader and Facebook. Be cautious of listings with only glowing, vague reviews, as these can sometimes be fake, and pay attention to any consistent red flags such as complaints about aftersales service.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance to show the car in person or via video call.
- Only accepting bank transfers, especially for deposits, rather than card payments or finance.
- Vague or inconsistent details about the business address, registration numbers, or company history.
- No warranty offered on used vehicles, or reluctance to put details in writing.
What a Trustworthy Dealer Should Offer
- A warranty: most reputable dealers offer at least three to six months as standard, either their own or via a third-party provider.
- Multiple payment methods: including card payments, which offer additional consumer protection over bank transfer.
- Everything in writing: vehicle condition, warranty terms and ownership documents should all be provided in writing.
- A fair test drive policy that lets you properly assess the car before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a car dealer is FCA registered?
Visit register.fca.org.uk and search the dealer’s name or firm reference number to confirm they hold valid authorisation for offering credit or finance.
Should I be worried if a dealer only accepts bank transfer?
Yes, this is a common red flag. Reputable dealers typically offer card payments or finance options, which give you additional legal protection that a bank transfer does not.
Does paying by credit card protect me when buying a car?
Yes, paying part or all of the cost by credit card gives you protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, making the card company jointly liable if something goes wrong.
Related reading: worried about what happens after you buy? See our guide on what happens if a dealership closes after you buy.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK car buying guides.
