Saab

Few people will admit to enjoying the job of buying a used car. First, there’s the actual decision about what to choose. Then, once you’ve done that, you’ve got to find the model you want, before having to haggle over part-exchange prices and discounts.

The prospect of ending up with a dud, or being conned on the trade-in value, haunts you for weeks afterwards. And, once that subsides, you’re constantly wondering if you’ve made the right decision.

As a result, our judges were looking out for a manufacturer that goes the extra mile to ensure you get the car you want, at the price you want – and that the motor won’t let you down when you drive it away. It doesn’t matter how much you’re spending either, because a £5,000 supermini can go expensively wrong, in the same way as a £50,000 coupé can.

Picking a winner was one of the hardest tasks facing the panel, though. That’s because most car makers have a tried-and-trusted formula for used vehicle success and haven’t tinkered with their official programmes in the past 12 months.

Special credit must go to the likes of Mazda, Land Rover and Kia, however. They all have improvements to their existing offers in the pipeline, while Mitsubishi also deserves a mention – for scrapping, rather than improving, its Red Zebra plan! In the end, though, the impressive Saab Approved Used Cars scheme won the day. As well as the usual multi-point mechanical and history checks, it also gives second-hand buyers something different. Not only does its provide a one-year guarantee – instead of a warranty – but the list of benefits available includes cover for the car’s brakes, battery and clutch.

These are all items that fall outside the scope of ordinary warranties, and are all subject to wear and tear. However, Saab has committed itself to replacing the battery if it fails, and if the friction material on the brakes or clutch needs renewing within the 12-month guarantee period, they’ll be repaired, too.

There’s even an MoT test guarantee and 12 months of roadside assistance, so well done Saab. Let’s see if other brands follow suit…

Benefits at a glance
• Multi-point mechanical check
• 30-day exchange programme
• 12-month guarantee
• Brake, battery and clutch cover - MoT guarantee
• 12-month Saab Assistance cover
• National used car locator (www.saab.co.uk)

And here’s a little extra…
The Swedish brand is offering existing Saab owners added peace of mind for the very reasonable sum of £32. The special offer for motors more than three years of age runs until the end of April, and includes a visual inspection of all the vehicle’s major functions.

A written condition report is provided, along with a fixed-price quote for any necessary repairs. You even get 12 months of AA Roadside Assistance, too!