Buy a Nearly New Car

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a nearly new car?

Nearly new cars are less than 18 months old, and typically have less than 15,000 miles on the clock. All RAC Car Partner vehicles are typically only 6 months old, and never older than 18 months.

Nearly new cars offer a combination of value and quality that you won't find anywhere else:
  1. Nearly new cars usually have all the quality of a new car.
    • They are typically still under manufacturer warranty, refurbished to a good-as-new level. with no significant wear and tear.
  2. Nearly new cars typically look like new ones.
    • They are often just one plate change away, and so have the same specifications and features as the latest models.
  3. Nearly new cars offer better value.
    • In the first hour of owning a new car, it depreciates in value by approximately 20%.
    • Nearly new cars come at an excellent price and will hold their value much better.

2. What makes the RAC Car Partner experience different?

While nearly new cars clearly offer unbeatable value, they are not always easy to find. You might find only one or two at your local dealer, which means compromising on choice. RAC Car Partner offers value, quality and choice. We are able to source and refurbish to a high standard a wide selection of ex-rental and lease cars, and this means that there are hundreds of cars to choose from every month.

We also offer a number of unique benefits that you won't find anywhere else:

  • All our cars are top quality vehicles sourced from Avis Europe plc and other major suppliers.
  • You have the option of a FREE weekend test-drive*.
  • Cars are fully refurbished inside and out and delivered in immaculate condition.
  • Our competitive finance packages are tailored to suit your needs.
  • There are no pushy salesmen, so you can do it all in your own time - without any pressure.
  • You can place an order where it suits you, when it suits you.
  • We'll deliver your chosen vehicle to your door for FREE.
  • Our friendly no-commission Customer Service Team are there to help you if you decide to buy.

At RAC Car Partner, we'll help find the nearly new car that's right for you, so you really can have it all: value, quality and choice!

3. Who else is involved in RAC Car Partner?

RAC Car Partner is backed by top names you can trust.

RAC has established itself as the UK's premier brand in the provision and delivery of motoring solutions. With over six million clients, and a 1250-strong patrol force, it is the most trusted provider of warranties and roadside assistance in the country. The RAC possess an enormous Pan European capability, provided via 8 centres throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Where do our cars come from?
All our cars are sourced from Avis Europe plc and a number of other top suppliers. They are all nearly new (i.e. 6 - 18 months old) with less than 15,000 miles on the clock.

Avis Europe Plc is the leading car rental company in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It services more than seven million customers a year through a network of over 2,700 locations in more than 112 countries.

Bank of Scotland - Established in 1695, Bank of Scotland is one of the leading UK clearing banks, with its headquarters in Edinburgh. The Bank employs around 21,000 staff in total within the group, and has some 325 high street branches, meeting the online and offline banking needs of Britain. With offices in New York, Frankfurt, Chicago, Paris, Moscow and Hong Kong, Bank of Scotland is also a globally respected and trusted finance house.

4. What makes and models of car are available?

RAC Car Partner currently has a wide range of standard UK makes and models for you to choose from.

However, we will be expanding our range considerably over the next few months - so if you don't find the car you're after right now, visit us again soon - it will probably be available shortly.

5. How can RAC Car Partner guarantee the quality of the vehicle you order?

All RAC Car Partner vehicles undergo a rigorous inspection process - so you can be sure that the car you order will be of the very highest standard.

Our team of fully trained automotive technicians will carry out a detailed examination of each car, and will also perform the all-important 111-point check. This includes:

  • An inspection of all mechanical and electrical components, as well as the exterior of the vehicle. Everything from the paintwork to the locks receives our fullest attention.
  • A detailed assessment of the interior is performed, checking the alarm and the stereo system.
  • An all-round safety inspection, including brakes, wheels and tyres.
  • A thorough road test.
For no extra charge, all our cars are refurbished to a premium standard. This service includes the removal of any unsightly marks, tears or stains on the upholstery, as well as any small marks on the paintwork, dents, scratches or stone chips. Then the entire car is given a complete clean and polish.

In short, we do everything necessary to ensure that every RAC Car Partner vehicle is as good as new - both inside and out.

6. What other guarantees does RAC Car Partner offer?

  • All cars are 6 - 18 months old with less than 15,000 miles on the clock.
  • All cars undergo the an 111-point check and are refurbished to a very high standard.
  • All come with a full service history.
  • All come with at least 12 month guarantee.
  • All come with 12 month roadside assistance from RAC.
  • They are guaranteed to be free from significant accident damage.
  • If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within seven days, no questions asked.
  • We will exchange your car within 28 days of purchase if there is any mechanical or electrical defect that cannot be repaired.

7. From start to finish, how long will it take me to order my car?

With RAC Car Partner, you can place an order for your perfect car in under an hour.

Compare Cars

You can spend as much or as little time as you wish checking out current UK makes and models. Most people spend around 10 minutes on this section.

Request

Specifying your preferred make, model, and accessories will take about 10 minutes.

Once you have submitted a request, our Customer Service Representatives will search our database of available vehicles, then e-mail you back in 15 - 30 minutes with up to 5 vehicles that best match your request.

Personal Car Centre

This is the most comprehensive section, and should take about 30 minutes to complete, which includes applying for finance. Optionally, you can also get a detailed trade-in valuation of your existing car, and book a test drive. This process may add an extra 10 minutes to the purchase time.

8. How do I pay for my nearly new vehicle?

yourautochoicefinance, part of the Bank of Scotland Group, can offer you a choice of competitive finance options to help you to afford your nearly new car.

PCP

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) gives you the ability to change your car more often. Based on your expected annual mileage and the loan term you select, we provide a Guaranteed Future Value (GFV). If you wish to, you may pay the GFV at the end of the agreement, - after which you will own the vehicle.

HP

Hire Purchase (HP) gives you the opportunity to finance your vehicle over the term of your choice with a fixed monthly budget. This means that at the end of your HP agreement, you will own the vehicle.
If you prefer, you can make a cash payment for your car. You can do this in one of three ways:
  1. By cash or cheque payment at a local NatWest branch.
  2. By using your Direct Debit card to make a payment over the phone. Simply call or e-mail a Customer Service Representative for details.
  3. By sending a banker's draft to RAC Car Partner, Barley Mow Centre, 10 Barley Mow Passage, London, W4 4PH.

9. Can I trade-in my current vehicle?

Yes. RAC Car Partner offers you both an initial trade-in quotation and a final quotation on your current car. For the final trade-in quotation, we will require detailed information about your vehicle.

When we deliver your nearly new car, we will collect your current vehicle at the same time for FREE. The amount you receive from your trade-in can be used as a down-payment on your nearly new car.

Obviously, the price we give you for your current car is subject to an inspection - the price may change if your car has been misrepresented.

 


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