What does ‘part exchange to clear’ mean?

Pros of buying part exchange to clear cars

• Potential bargain

  Many PX to clear cars are attractively priced to help them sell quickly. Therefore, if you like a particular model, it’s worth a closer look, as you could get a bargain.

• May suit smaller budgets

  If you want to get more car for your money, it may be worth exploring PX to clear options. A good PX to clear car could also serve as a runaround if you’re a budget-conscious driver who tends to stick to shorter, local journeys.

• May be a quality car

  Many PX to clear cars don’t have mechanical faults or significant cosmetic damage. In many cases, the dealer will simply have acquired a car that’s a little older or less prestigious than the others on their forecourt.

• Less depreciation

  Many new cars will lose 15-35% of their initial value due to depreciation in the first year. By the end of year three, most cars will have lost 40-60% of their initial value. However, by opting for an older, PX to clear car, you’ll lose less of your investment over time, as the car has already been through the steepest part of its depreciation curve.

Cons of buying part exchange to clear cars

• Higher mileage

  Many PX to clear cars have high mileages. Whilst some high mileage motors have been well cared for, they’re likely to need more maintenance. Over time, key components such as the cambelt, spark plugs, filters, and air conditioning will wear out.

• Wear and tear

  Even if a car has been looked after, it will succumb to some degree of wear and tear over time. For instance, you may notice that it doesn’t handle quite as smoothly as a newer car, or the interior is starting to show its age.

• Missing service history:

  Older cars are less likely to have a comprehensive service history. Whilst a missing service record here and there is understandable for a car with a long history, a completely absent history could mask potential issues. Service history affects value and could be a factor in why a used car is marked down.

• Outdated tech and safety features

  Modern features such as parking cameras, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and keyless entry are absent from many older models.

• No warranty

  Many PX to clear cars do not come with a warranty, so your protection as a consumer is limited.

• Poorer fuel efficiency

  If a car’s engine or exhaust system are worn or damaged, its fuel efficiency will be compromised, which means you’ll be paying more at the pump.

• Less efficient battery

  Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars will gradually lose battery capacity over time, meaning their electric ranges will be reduced. For full EVs, this means more frequent charging will be required. Many older EVs also have smaller ranges to begin with, meaning any loss of battery capacity will be more noticeable.

Used cars: The law and buyer protections explained

• Although PX to clear cars don’t always come with warranties, you’ll still be protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
• In simple terms, this means that the car must be fit for the intended purpose, ‘as described’ (meaning it matches the sellers’ description), and of satisfactory quality (i.e. not faulty or damaged). If any defects are present, the seller must disclose these.
• The Act also offers you a statutory warranty that allows you to return the vehicle for a refund if it develops a fault within the first 30 days.
• The Consumer Rights Act does not allow you to reject a used car if you’ve simply changed your mind after buying it. There will only be grounds for a refund if a genuine fault is present.
• If you identify an issue after the 30-day mark, but within six months, you can request repairs, or a replacement vehicle, unless the seller can prove the fault wasn’t present at the point of sale (or you were likely to have known about it).
• However, after six months, you will have to prove the fault existed at the point of the sale. This can be difficult - and you may have to pay an expert to examine the affected components and write a report as evidence.
• The Act does not cover ‘fair wear and tear’. For example, if the tyres or brake discs on an older car become worn through everyday use, you won’t be covered.
• You will also be protected by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations Act 2008. This protects you from traders engaging in ‘unfair’ practices, such as giving false information about a car, or omitting pertinent information.

Tips for buying part exchange to clear cars

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Asking the dealer the right questions can help you make an informed decision.

• Get an expert opinion: Asking a mechanic to accompany you to the showroom can instil you with the confidence that everything is working correctly.

• Take a test drive: Before you commit to buying a used car, we strongly advise taking a test drive. Use this opportunity to ensure the car meets your requirements for handling and comfort.

• Check out the service and MOT history: Ask to see the service records, as this will show you whether the car has been serviced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can check out the car’s MOT history by entering its reg number into our free MOT check tool. Look out for mileage discrepancies and past failures. Any advisories can also help you predict what may become an issue in the future.

• Try negotiating: If a car you’re looking at has a few minor issues, but you’re otherwise keen on it, don’t be afraid to negotiate with the dealer.

Alternatives to a part exchange to clear car

Approved used cars - Whilst priced higher than PX to clear cars, approved used cars must pass more stringent checks. They’re usually in excellent condition, have lower mileages, and the garage’s mechanics will have carefully addressed any issues before displaying them for sale. Most approved used cars also come with warranties, providing additional peace of mind.

Ex-demonstrators - These cars were used at dealerships to showcase the features of popular car models. Ex-demonstrators often make great cars, as they have low mileages, and are well maintained by the in-house mechanics.

What’s more, as they were made to impress, these cars are typically kitted out with the latest technology, and the most luxurious trims. Once they’re retired from demo duty, many dealers will sell them at competitive prices to make way for new stock.

Buy from a private seller - There’s a good chance you can find a used motor for less if you’re willing to buy a car privately. Private sellers are often less fixated on making a profit than professional dealers - and have fewer overheads to contend with.

Just bear in mind that buying privately carries an element of risk, and you won’t enjoy the same level of legal protection as you would with a dealership. So, inspect the car thoroughly and make sure you’re completely happy before committing to the sale.

Part exchange your car - You may ask yourself, “Should I part exchange my car?” This can be a great option if you want to get behind the wheel of a newer model quickly. However, although this method can help you raise more cash, you may be able to get more by selling your car through other methods.

Selling to webuyanycar - Alternatively, you can sell your car to webuyanycar to raise cash for a new or used car. We’re confident we can beat your existing part exchange quote. Here’s how it works:

• Enter your reg and mileage into our free car valuation tool to get a quote in under 30 seconds.
• Book your appointment at any of our 500+ UK branches.
• Drive to your appointment. Happy to sell? We’ll assist with the paperwork and send the money to your bank.