Recent findings by Which? Says that wheeler dealers drive motorists to distraction. This means that details of car finance deals weren't properly explained and on some occasions interest rates weren't even mentioned during the rigorous undercover investigation.

Not one of the sales staff at the 15 dealerships verbally told researchers the total cost of the interest on a finance agreement. Two thirds failed to mention the APR and a third didn't include it on their written quote either.

Without this information, it's impossible for a buyer to work out how much interest they'd pay on a finance deal. Not including the APR in a written quote also contravenes the Consumer Credit Act. One salesman even refused to give a written quote at all, wrongly claiming that to do so would break the law.

Not only are customers losing out on thousands of pounds, some car dealers are failing to properly explain the risks of complex, expensive products.

Peter Vicary-Smith, Chief Executive, Which?, says: "When you take out a mortgage, the bank or building society has to clearly state APR rates up front, and explain terms and conditions fully. We think car finance deals should be conducted in the same way. We urge car buyers to avoid showroom finance deals if they think dealers haven't given them all the necessary information."

AvailableCar ensure that finance is fully explained to all customers on every used car as part of their award winning customer service, which believes in an open and honest approach to selling cars.

Source: Which?