AA Cars has today launched its ‘approved dealer’ standard for dealers on its used car search website, www.theAAcars.com, in a continued bid to boost consumer trust.

Independent dealers must offer AA car inspections (or franchise approved inspections) of all their used cars stock as well as signing up to the AA’s 10-point ‘dealer promise’. 

Franchised dealers already offering inspections and customer guarantees can join the approved dealer programme.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “The launch of ‘approved dealer’ is the most important advance by AA Cars since the launch of dealer promise last year and it really taps in to the trust associated with the AA brand.(2)

“’Approved dealer’ confirms to buyers that they can purchase a car with absolute confidence, knowing that not only has it been inspected, but is backed with a 10-point dealer promise that means in the unlikely event of something going wrong, there is a robust means of sorting problems out quickly.”

King points out that vehicles which have had an AA inspection are 22% more likely to be viewed online than those that have not. 

“Our research shows that almost all buyers (92%) say they would prefer to buy an inspected car, while nine out of 10 (86%) feel they would be reassured if their dealer is associated with the AA.” 

Paul Yates, managing director of AA Cars, said: “The ‘approved dealer’ standard is creating the safest places to buy a used car. 

“It’s the ultimate progression from our existing 10-point ‘dealer promise’, launched last year, which is essentially a customer service commitment.  Fundamental to the process is adding car inspections to these approved standards of conduct.

“This all adds up to an industry-leading concept.

“We want to work with our dealers to ensure that, first and foremost, this is what they offer their customers.”

Dealers looking to become an AA 'approved dealer' should go to www.vcars.co.uk/approved-dealers-trade.php or telephone 01920 877750.