OUR trading standards column today looks at warranties issued with used cars, and whether it is worth paying extra for one.

Most people buying a second hand car are more comfortable purchasing it from a garage. The main benefit of this type of transaction is that the buyer has some protection under the Road Traffic, Consumer Credit and Sale and Supply of Goods Acts.

Taken together, these mean that goods should be as described, roadworthy, of satisfactory quality and fit for the purpose intended, taking into consideration the age and price paid for the car.

It may be that there is also an "extended" warranty available, offering greater protection against future mechanical breakdown.

However, you may pay up to £1,000 extra for this (more, if it is included in any credit agreement).

Even if you have been given the warranty, the cost will probably be "hidden" in the price.

Check the wording carefully, it may give worthwhile protection, but the level of benefit can vary significantly.

But who wants to go through the small print of a warranty? In fact this is exactly what you should do. Consumers who buy warranties expect these to pay for repairs in the event the car breaks down. The problem is in many cases they don't.

Used car warranties are insurance policies. Main dealers tend to include in the price a warranty provided by the manufacturer's official used car warranty scheme.

Non-franchised dealers and car supermarkets are stand-alone products.

Some policies have so many exclusions it is virtually impossible to make a claim, and generally, the older the car the greater number of exclusions.

Certainly accident damage or anything that isn't premature wear, "wear and tear", will not be covered.

In addition, many policies limit the amount that can be claimed, refuse to pay for consequential damage, charge an 'excess' or limit the cost of labour charges.

To ensure your warranty remains valid you must have your car serviced at regular intervals and sometimes use manufacturer supplied parts only and/or use a particular garage or chain of garages.

Certain types of usage will invalidate the warranty entirely, such as amateur motorsport, driving tuition, and mini-cabbing.

Given the drawbacks, it has to be worth considering spending the money on preventative maintenance.

On an older car the cost of cover may mean that it is cheaper to go without a warranty and take your chances on repair costs, especially if you have an engineer's report done before you buy.

Updated: 08:41 Thursday, May 19, 2005