Fast Performance Direct

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                   Our Customer Mission Statement / Company Service Policy "Highlights"

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• We only sell cars with manufactures warranty still active or brilliant extended warranties that cover the consumer for parts claimable.

• We only sell cars with full service history or up to date service history.

• We only sell cars with no adverse history.

• We data log all vehicles on receipt from suppliers and data log a second time before handing over to new owner to prove satisfactory condition of vehicle with paperwork evidence.

• We have data kept on all vehicles to protect us as a company from scams & owner damage being blamed on us.

• All cars sold unless stated otherwise will be sold standard unmodified, if a new owner modifies their car while in warranty conditions with us will loose any claim as a result..

• We specialise in Performance cars from hot hatches to high end performance cars and anything in between thats a bit special.

• All the cars we source will have a thorough road test and put through its paces of around 100-500 miles testing the performance and condition is satisfactory before selling to prospective buyers, we will also make sure if any car needs repairs we will carry out before the car is put on sale if any issues are discovered from your benefit and ours.

• We will know our product inside and out and help with any demostration required including a good test drive for you to experience, and the feedback is great on this one!

• We will offer no pressure sale tactics and always be friendly, approachable and happy to offer professional advise and assistance.

• If required some of our cars will have a third party trusted garage give the vehicle an inspection report before being listed for sale, including any fuilds that may need topping up or changing. This provides a mutually beneficial service to both FPD and the customer, this fee will be added to final puchase price.

• We have mandatory company procedures for any issues you may come accross should the worse happen to keep you looked after even months after the sale. "Aftercare" Sadly the industry on whole ignores this service so we are happy to assist and we want repeat business for many years so its in our intrest to be brilliant in this.

• We will provide you with full documentation of our terms of sale and let you know your legal rights and procedures to follow in the event of any issues with your new car, so you know exactly where you stand but of course this is non or highly rare event. 

• You will sign a terms of sale agreement including inspection report to protect against fraud claims or unreasonable disputes.

• Being a small business we only accomodate viewings strictly by appointment only and have private location seperate from our trading address to keep stock safe and secure.

• We are members of the "The Motor Ombudsman" which we follow the code of practice of the motor trade and strive to beat any compition.

• The Motor Ombudsman will also offer us assistance and the customer to be a third party for any disputes if required ADR Resolution.

• We will consider part exchange and make you and offer.

• Please read our T's & C's in detail that will give you all the in depth information on how our company is run.

• Car preparetion, subject to weather conditions the car will be well presented in clean condition available for inspection and test drive.

• We operate a first come first serve policy however it is at the Managing Directors discretion to reserve cars for customers on a case by case basis.

• We reserve the right not to sell a vehicle to anyone under the influence of a controlled substance or uncontrolled substance like alcohol or medication.

• We reserve the right not to sell a vehicle to anyone not providing a up to date driving licence.

• We reserve the right to not sell to anyone we suspect of fraud.

• We reserve the right to not sell to anyone providing false details.

• We reserve the right to not sell a vehicle to anyone abusive or extremely rude.

• We request that large groups of people do not turn up to view one potential car.

• Car reservation we will require a non refundable deposit of £500 to hold a vehicle for the maximum of 5 working days or subject to the discretion of the Managing Director.

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Warranty Terms & Your Rights as Consumer

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Cars have never been more reliable and durable, or needed less regular maintenance. Yet it’s also true cars are now much more sophisticated, with more electronic systems to help regulate the engine and more complicated features to make travelling as comfortable as possible. Just think how many creature comforts like climate control and digital radio are fitted to new cars compared with models from just a decade ago.

With so much complexity, it’s these electronic systems that are now more often likely to be at fault, and prove costly to fix. That’s why having a warranty could save you money.

Every new car on sale in the UK is supplied with a warranty, but they vary from one manufacturer to the next. The majority last for the first three years, or until the car has been driven for 60,000 miles – whichever comes first. Most parts will be covered should anything go wrong, shielding you from the cost of any unexpected failures. However, consumable items such as the tyres, wiper blades, brakes and clutch (anything that will wear out over time) aren’t covered - you’ll have to foot the bill for all of these.

Many trade sellers and used car retailers also offer a warranty on second-hand cars, although legally they don’t have to - it’s often an added incentive, and a way to show the customer that the car should be reliable. You can also take out your own aftermarket warranty to cover you should anything go wrong. Our guide will explain the different types of warranty, along with their benefits and pitfalls.

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How long does a new car warranty last?

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The duration and maximum mileage of a new-car warranty is chosen by the manufacturer. These terms can vary between brands and sometimes even between individual models in a range, but typically you should expect the cover to last for at least three years or 60,000 miles – whichever it reaches first.

With an average annual mileage of 8,000 miles, most UK motorists will find the period of cover runs out before the maximum mileage is reached.

Some carmakers choose to provide a longer warranty period. This can be way to attract buyers who appreciate the peace of mind of a longer policy, boosting the appeal of the car and confidence in the brand. Mitsubishi, Alfa Romeo and Hyundai offer a five-year warranty on every new car they sell in the UK, but Hyundai’s includes unlimited mileage. Three companies offer a very impressive seven-year warranty with varying mileage limits. An MG warranty runs out after 80,000 miles (if hit before the seven-year mark), while Kia covers its cars for 100,000 miles and Ssangyong for an incredible 150,000 miles. Many manufacturers allow the warranty to be transferred to the new owner when you sell the car.

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Extended car warranty

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Where a car has a less generous warranty period, there’s often the option of extending cover at the end of the original duration. The cost of this can vary between manufacturers and it’s worth getting a quote from one of the many third-party warranty providers, too. However, it’s worth checking the cover of any policy you consider – some third-party policies aren’t as comprehensive as those provided by manufacturers.

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Warranty exclusions

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As a rule of thumb, a warranty won’t cover tyres, windscreen wipers, brakes or clutches – these and several other things are considered as consumable ‘wear-and-tear’ items, although in some cases cover may be considered if they’ve worn out prematurely as consequence of a mechanical fault.

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Used car warranty

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Depending on the policy of the selling garage, used cars are sometimes sold with a warranty as part of the deal. A used-car warranty typically lasts for three, six or 12 months, with older cars often supplied with shorter policies. Cars sold by franchised dealers are typically marketed under an ‘approved used’ scheme and are generally covered by a 12-month warranty.

Many policies provided with a used car sold at an independent garage will be sourced from a third-party company. It’s very important that you check any warranty policy to confirm what will and what won’t be covered under the terms of the policy – some are far more comprehensive than others. You don’t have to buy a warranty, despite what some garages may suggest; you may decide to take the risk and do without the extra expense.

Many second-hand dealers, particularly those at the less expensive end of the market, sell cars with no warranty at all. However, the Consumer Rights Act states that you should expect any car to be of ‘satisfactory quality’, ‘as described’ and ‘fit for purpose’ at the time of sale. If any of these criteria aren’t met the dealer is under a legal obligation to rectify any faults at their cost. If repairs performed fail to rectify the fault reported, you’re entitled to a refund. It should be noted, though, that you’re likely to find that having repair work performed under the Consumer Rights Act will be a lot easier within the first six months of your purchase being made. If you find a fault, report it to the supplying dealer as soon as possible.

You’ll also need to factor in a car’s age if you’re considering invoking the Consumer Rights Act: an elderly secondhand car costing a few hundred pounds that develops a minor fault (like the glovebox catch sticking, for instance) will likely be deemed of ‘satisfactory quality’ by a dealer, given its value and age.

If you bought a car prior to October 2015, then you’re covered by the Sale of Goods Act, which doesn’t provide quite as much protection, although the three criteria above stipulated by the Consumer Rights Act still apply.

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What does a car warranty cover?

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Generally speaking, a new car warranty should cover all mechanical and electrical faults and also guarantee against the appearance of rust for a minimum of three years. Different brands’ policies vary in some aspects, though: BMW provides a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty on all its new cars, as well as 12 years’ cover against rust (although corrosion caused by stone chips isn’t covered). Fiat and Alfa Romeo, meanwhile, provide a three-year warranty, but while there’s no mileage limit for the first two years, you’re only covered in the third year as long as you haven’t exceeded 100,000 miles.

Many hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars may have a specific warranty for their battery pack, reassuring buyers that it'll last the life of the warranty cover without severe degradation. Some even stipulate that if the battery capacity drops below a certain point (70% of its new state, for example) within five years or so, it'll be either repaired or replaced.

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Are there different kinds of warranty?

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There are three types of car warranty: manufacturer policies, dealer policies and third-party cover. All new cars come with a manufacturer warranty, although you’ll have to go through one of the brand’s dealers if you need to make a claim on this.

If you’re buying from a franchised dealer, any warranty is likely to be dealer-backed. Smaller dealers often use third-party companies for their warranties and some charge extra if you want to take out a policy. If this is the case, it’s well worth reading through the paperwork carefully and getting a second quote elsewhere, as it may be possible to buy a more comprehensive warranty for less money.

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Buying a third-party warranty

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There are a number of companies that’ll sell you a third-part (or ‘aftermarket’) warranty for cars up to about 12 years old – although do note that older cars, cars that cost more to buy when new and cars with high mileage tend to have higher premiums.

If you find a good aftermarket policy and are happy with the cost, you’ll be reimbursed for any repairs needed for the duration of the warranty – although do note that third-party warranties tend to have more exclusions than manufacturer warranties; some only cover issues with the engine and gearbox, for example.

It’s also likely you’ll have to get a quote for any repairs, both to officially confirm the fault and to check that the cost of the work falls within the policy’s limits. Make sure to contact the warranty company before getting any quotes, as if the problem isn’t covered by the policy, you’ll have to pay for the diagnostic work yourself.

While some aftermarket warranties are great, many leave a bit to be desired. Read the policy documents through carefully so you’re absolutely clear about what is and isn’t covered. It’s not unheard of for some companies to contest a claim and you’ll want to be doubly sure of what you’re entitled to.

Also note that many third-party policies place a limit on hourly labour rates, which can be as low as £50. If this is the case, you’ll have to make up any shortfall yourself or find a cheaper garage. Other providers will only pay a portion of labour and parts costs depending on the age of the car: 80% for a four-year-old car, 60% for a five-year-old car, etc. In essence, read the terms and conditions of any aftermarket policy carefully. We’ve heard of drivers getting great cover and hassle-free repairs; others haven’t been so lucky.

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Vehicle warranty code of practice

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When choosing an aftermarket warranty, it’s worth checking if the provider is accredited by the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Vehicle Warranty Products by the Motor Ombudsman. Around 70% of the major providers are fully approved and follow guidelines on advertising their products honestly and giving appropriate advice, clear information on what’s covered by the warranty before you sign, a 14-day cancellation ‘cooling off’ period and a simple, fair and prompt claims procedure.

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How to make a warranty claim

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Even though it shouldn’t hurt you financially, making a warranty claim can be a hassle. Claiming against a manufacturer warranty on a new car should be fairly straightforward and won’t cost you a penny, and many dealerships will also provide a courtesy car while yours is in for repairs.

If you need to make a warranty claim on a used car, this should be a similarly straightforward process if you bought from a franchised dealer. You might not receive the same level of service as you’d expect with a new car, but it should be a seamless affair and you may be given a courtesy car here as well.

Claiming against a third-party warranty can either be refreshingly simple or frustratingly involved, depending on the quality of the policy. Either way, you’ll most likely have to get the work assessed and quoted for before any repairs are approved; this may add to the time and inconvenience associated with the process, as you’ll potentially have to make two separate bookings with the garage if the claim takes a while to be agreed.

Assuming there are no issues with the work being carried out, some third-party warranty providers will require that you use an approved garage, which they will pay directly. Other policies allow you to use a garage of your choosing, but may require you to pay for the work yourself before reimbursing you. Do bear in mind that – as mentioned above – some policies put a cap on the amount they’ll pay per hour for labour. This is an important area to check before you take out any policy.

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