EAGER young motorists are in danger of being taken for a ride, according to the Trading Standards Institute (TSI).

The TSI has warned that many people are running up huge debts after being persuaded to take on high-interest credit when buying a car.

First-time buyers and those with a poor credit history are regularly offered one high-interest loan to cover the deposit on the car and another for the balance.

Others are persuaded to take out separate credit agreements for extras such as warranties or breakdown and gap insurance, often at uncompetitive prices.

But there is no legal cooling off period once a deal is struck.

The TSI and Consumer Direct - the Government-funded national advice service - are highlighting the problem during National Consumer Week this week.

Consumer Direct Yorkshire and the Humber has received a total of 12,123 complaints about cars in the last 12 months.

Peter Stratton, TSI's lead officer on the motor industry, said: "We want to ensure people don't get taken for a ride when they go out to buy a car and instead slow down and think.

"All dealers want to secure the best profit they can on each car. Selling extras on credit, including insurances, warranties, breakdown and roadside assistance, is a lucrative sideline. Motorists should never sign anything without knowing exactly what their total payout will be, how much they will owe each month and whether they can get a better deal elsewhere."