FAQ

Used Cars in Plymouth | Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why buy a used car from Plympton Car Centre?

Plympton Car Centre is a family business that has been serving customers since 1994. With more than 100 vehicles available, the dealership offers a wide choice of used cars alongside finance options, warranty cover and a friendly, knowledgeable team. Customers can also benefit from free MOTs for life on applicable vehicles, giving additional reassurance when buying a used car.

2. What types of used cars do you sell in Plymouth?

Plympton Car Centre offers a wide range of used vehicles to suit different customers and budgets. This includes hatchbacks, SUVs, estates, electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as automatic and manual cars. Whether you are looking for a practical family car, a first car or something more specific, the dealership's stock provides a range of options to consider.

3. Do you offer finance on used cars?

Yes, Plympton Car Centre offers finance options on its used cars. Finance can provide customers with a more manageable way to spread the cost of their next vehicle, with applications available for different customer circumstances. Customers can speak to the team to discuss their requirements and find out which finance options may be available to them.

4. Can I part exchange my current car?

Yes, Plympton Car Centre can make the part-exchange process straightforward and convenient. The dealership aims to offer competitive prices for customers' existing vehicles, allowing you to put the value of your current car towards your next vehicle and make the buying process easier.

5. How do you value my part exchange?

Plympton Car Centre can assess your existing vehicle to provide a part-exchange valuation. Customers can either bring their vehicle to the dealership for an assessment or provide photographs and details of the car. The valuation will take factors such as the vehicle's MOT and service history, mileage and bodywork condition into consideration before an offer is made.

6. Can I reserve a used car online?

Yes, selected vehicles can be reserved online through the Plympton Car Centre website. Simply click the 'Reserve It Now' button on the vehicle listing and pay the £99 reservation fee using PayPal or a credit or debit card. Once the reservation has been completed, the vehicle listing will be updated so that another customer cannot reserve the car. Both the customer and dealership will then receive a confirmation email, after which the team will contact you to arrange payment of the remaining balance and answer any further questions.

7. Are your vehicles inspected before sale?

Yes. Vehicles are checked before being offered for sale, including a 60-point vehicle check, MOT and diagnostic report. These checks are designed to give customers greater reassurance when choosing a used vehicle and provide an overview of the vehicle's condition before purchase.

8. Do your cars come with a warranty?

Yes, used cars from Plympton Car Centre come with warranty cover. Vehicles are supplied with a three-month warranty, with the option to extend the cover to up to 12 months. Customers can speak to the dealership for further information about the warranty available with a particular vehicle.

9. Can I take a test drive?

Yes, customers can arrange a test drive before purchasing a vehicle. A valid driving licence is required to take a vehicle out for a test drive. This gives you the opportunity to experience the car for yourself and make sure it is suitable for your needs before making a decision.

10. What documents do I need to buy a used car?

When purchasing a used car, you will need appropriate identification and payment details. This includes your driving licence and, depending on how you are paying for the vehicle, a bank card or finance agreement. The Plympton Car Centre team can advise you on exactly what is required for your individual purchase.

11. Do you sell automatic cars?

Yes. Plympton Car Centre sells a selection of automatic used cars and has particular expertise in this area. Customers looking for an automatic vehicle can view the dealership's current automatic stock online and choose from the vehicles currently available.

12. Do you sell hybrid and electric cars?

Plympton Car Centre offers a selection of hybrid and electric vehicles as part of its used car range. Availability will vary depending on current stock, so customers looking for a particular type of hybrid or electric vehicle should contact the dealership to discuss their requirements and view the latest available vehicles.

13. Can you source a car if you don't have it in stock?

Yes. If you are looking for a particular vehicle that is not currently available in stock, Plympton Car Centre may be able to help source one for you. The team will need details of what you are looking for, including your preferred age, mileage and any specific features or requirements, so they can understand exactly what type of vehicle you are looking for.

14. How often do you receive new stock?

Plympton Car Centre receives approximately 25 new vehicles each week. This means the available stock is regularly changing, giving customers new vehicles to consider on a frequent basis. If you cannot find the right car today, it can therefore be worth checking the latest stock again or speaking to the team about what is expected to arrive.

15. Do you deliver vehicles?

Customers are asked to view their vehicle before purchasing, as Plympton Car Centre believes viewing the vehicle is an important part of the buying process. Delivery availability and arrangements can depend on the individual circumstances, so customers should speak directly to the dealership to discuss their requirements.

16. Why choose Plympton Car Centre over other used car dealers in Plymouth?

Plympton Car Centre has been established since 1994 and has built its business around providing customers with a wide choice of quality used vehicles and knowledgeable, friendly service. With more than 100 vehicles available, regular new stock arriving, finance options, warranty cover and additional benefits such as free MOTs for life on applicable vehicles, the dealership offers customers a range of reasons to consider Plympton Car Centre when buying a used car in Plymouth.

Car Servicing & MOT FAQs | Plymouth

1. How often should my car be serviced?

As a general guide, your car should be serviced every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Regular servicing helps keep your vehicle running properly and allows potential issues to be identified before they develop into more serious or expensive problems. Always check your vehicle manufacturer's recommended servicing schedule, as requirements can vary between makes and models.

2. What is included in a full service?

A full service is designed to provide a comprehensive check of your vehicle and help ensure it remains in good working condition. The exact checks and replacement items can vary depending on the vehicle, its age, mileage and manufacturer requirements. Plympton Car Centre provides car servicing in Plymouth, and customers can contact the team to discuss what is included for their particular vehicle.

3. What is included in an interim service?

An interim service provides important routine maintenance between full services. The exact work carried out will depend on the vehicle and its individual servicing requirements. Plympton Car Centre can advise customers on the most appropriate service for their car based on its age, mileage and service history.

4. What is the difference between an MOT and a service?

An MOT and a service are two different things. An MOT is a mandatory annual safety and roadworthiness test that checks whether a vehicle meets the required legal standards to be driven on UK roads. A service is not a legal requirement, but it is important for maintaining the health and condition of the vehicle. Regular servicing can help maintain the engine, identify developing problems and keep the vehicle performing as it should.

5. Can I wait while my MOT is completed?

Yes. Plympton Car Centre has a waiting area where customers can stay while their MOT is being carried out. There is also coffee available, making it more convenient for customers who prefer to wait at the dealership rather than make alternative arrangements while their vehicle is being checked.

6. What happens if my car fails its MOT?

If your vehicle fails its MOT, the issues identified during the test will need to be rectified before the vehicle can be considered road legal, depending on the nature of the failure. Plympton Car Centre will explain the reasons for the failure and discuss any recommended repairs with you before carrying out work. You will therefore have the opportunity to understand what needs to be done before agreeing to any repairs.

7. Do you service all makes and models?

Yes. Plympton Car Centre provides servicing for all makes and models of vehicles. Whether you drive a popular family car, an automatic, an older vehicle or another make or model, you can contact the team to discuss your servicing requirements.

8. How much does a car service cost?

The cost of a car service can vary depending on the type of service required and the make, model and individual requirements of the vehicle. Plympton Car Centre provides servicing in Plymouth, and customers can visit the servicing page or contact the team for current pricing and further information about the service their vehicle requires.

9. Is regular servicing worth it?

Yes. Regular servicing is an important part of looking after your vehicle. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance can help prolong the life of the vehicle, maintain its performance and potentially identify problems before they become more serious. It can also help maintain the vehicle's value and ensure it continues to operate as efficiently as possible, including helping with fuel economy.

10. What warning lights should never be ignored?

All warning lights on your dashboard should be taken seriously. A warning light is there to alert you that your vehicle may have identified an issue, and ignoring it could allow a relatively minor problem to develop into something more serious. If a warning light appears, it is sensible to have the vehicle checked and seek professional advice rather than simply continuing to drive without investigating the cause.

11. What is car remapping?

Car remapping involves making changes to the software that controls a vehicle's engine management system. This can alter how the engine performs and may be used to change aspects such as power, torque or fuel efficiency. The suitability and potential benefits of remapping depend on the individual vehicle, so customers should discuss their requirements with a qualified specialist before making any changes.

12. How often should I regas my air conditioning?

There is no fixed interval at which every vehicle needs its air conditioning regassed. Generally, an air conditioning system needs regassing when the refrigerant level becomes low and the system is no longer performing as it should. If your air conditioning is not cooling the vehicle effectively, it may be worth having the system checked to determine whether it requires a regas or whether there is another issue.

13. Why is my air conditioning blowing warm air?

If your car's air conditioning is blowing warm air, one possible reason is that the refrigerant level has become too low. However, there can be other causes, so the system should be checked rather than assuming it simply needs a regas. If your air conditioning is not working as expected, Plympton Car Centre can advise on the appropriate next steps.

14. Why choose Plympton Car Centre for servicing in Plymouth?

Plympton Car Centre provides MOT and servicing facilities for customers in Plymouth and the surrounding area. The team can service all makes and models and offers a convenient waiting area with coffee for customers who choose to stay while their vehicle is being worked on. With servicing, MOT and repair facilities available, customers can speak to the team about keeping their vehicle maintained and running reliably.