What are the benefits of an RAC Approved Dealer?

Even though there are a number of respectable used car dealers all across the UK, knowing which ones to trust can be challenging. Of the one million+ unique visitors who use the RAC website every month, approximately one in four are considering buying a used car. With that in mind we have set out to help our customers by recommending RAC Approved Dealers that offer high levels of customer service and offer quality used cars to their customers.

There are a number of benefits for customers choosing to buy from an Approved Dealer. An RAC survey of more than 2,300 motorists revealed that 67% of drivers think they were sold a faulty car and that 21% believe they paid too much for their car. All this despite nearly 50% of all motorists spending upwards of ten hours researching their purchases. RAC Approved Dealers will help motorists avoid such pitfalls, and are chosen based on their quality, integrity and desire to deliver customer service that goes above and beyond.

As well as approving dealers who have these excellent qualities, we have gone that one step further by developing RAC BuySure. This RAC programme provides used car customers with a nationwide approved used car scheme that sets very high standards and is open to all types of dealers, including independents, car supermarkets and franchises.

With this guarantee, dealers commit to an 82-point RAC Approved Preparation Standard on every vehicle, a minimum of three months’ RAC Warranty cover, twelve months complimentary RAC Roadside breakdown cover and enrolment to RAC Accident Management Service, supporting the motorist in the event of an accident.

The RAC Approved Preparation Standard is set by us to ensure a consistent minimum level of vehicle preparation at all participating RAC Approved Dealers under the RAC BuySure programme.

The preparation standard includes:

• VIN Inspection
• Vehicle History Report Obtained
• Scheduled Maintenance Performed(inc timing belt)
• Current MOT Certificate (if applicable)

• Cruise Control (if applicable)
• Satisfactory starting, general performance and behaviour of the vehicle
• Particular attention to the operation of clutch, transmission, steering, suspension and brakes including A.B.S.
• Listen for abnormal noises
• After road test a visual check for fluid leak
• Gauges operate properly
• Check battery and starter motor start engine with ease from both hot and cold
• Check for excessive visual emissions from exhaust
• Check hot-starting and any evidence of over-heating
• Check no stored faults on the OBD
• Ensure correct operation and efficiency of the parking brake

• No dents or scratches visible to the eye from a distance of 2m
• Windscreen free from any damage that would exclude the vehicle from an MOT test
• Check for any corrosion around paint cracks or chips
• Operation and condition of exterior mirrors
• Check all previous structural body repairs/accident damage has been repaired to a satisfactory standard
• Check body panel/alignment
• Operation of fuel filler system including petrol caps and lever release system
• Operation of bonnet catch, safety catch, hinges, tailgate supports
• Operation of door locks and central locking including child safety locks.
• Inspect exterior trim for security and correct fitment

• Operation of door windows (manual / electric)
• Operation of all exterior lighting equipment and respective control lights and cluster illumination
• Operation of wipers and washers
• Operation of convertible roof mechanism (if applicable)
• Visual check of SRS functionality
• All warning lights operate correctly
• Operation of audio and alarm systems
• Operation of Navigation System (if applicable)
• Operation of Air-conditioning, heating and demist systems
• Operation of instruments, gauges and controls
• Operation of all internal equipment (e.g. cigarette lighters, sun visors, arms rests, etc)
• Operation of visual and audible driver warning systems
• Operation of parking assistance systems (if applicable)
• All drive pedals operate correctly
• Ensure no evidence of water ingress
• Operation and condition of seatbelts / mountings
• Security of seat mountings, head rests and seat adjustment mechanism
• Operation of interior lights
• Operation of rear view mirror /sun visors
• Check operation and condition of sunroof mechanism (if applicable)
• Ensure correct operation of parcel shelf
• Inspect interior trim/dashboard for tears, holes, burns or excessive soiling

• Check engine oil for correct level and dipstick oil sample is free from contamination
• Check coolant for correct level and that coolant is free from visual contamination
• Check vehicles charging system for minimum output
• Ensure correct gearbox fluid levels manual / automatic (where applicable)
• Check all Fluid Levels: e.g. brake, clutch, power steering, washer reservoir and battery (including security)
• Inspect auxiliary drive belts, condition and tension
• Check engine mountings for security and condition
• Inspect wiring, pipes, hoses, oil and fuel feed lines for routing, check for damage, chafing and leaks (where visible)
• Check for oil and water leaks
• Check condition of cooling system radiator and engine oil cooler/intercooler are free from damage or excessive corrosion
• Ensure no evident undue engine noise
• For hybrid vehicles only:
• Check operation of Hybrid cooling system
• Inspect switchable powertrain mount Hybrid entertainment and information display
• Check entertainment and information display

• Check exhaust condition and mountings
• Check clamps and security
• Ensure no evidence of fluid or exhaust leaks
• Check Catalytic Converter
• Check operation and condition of steering for leaks and security
• Check tie rod ends, CV boots and rack boots condition
• Check condition of front and rear suspension
• No visual evidence of faults to braking components
• Ensure brake pads have a minimum of 50% material remaining
• Check underbody for excess corrosion and ensure that the chassis is free from extensive structural repairs
• Ensure transmission/driveshaft is secure and free from excessive play