MOTORISTS are being reminded that 2002 could be a great year to buy a new car. The message comes from the Retail Motor Industry Federation who add that most new cars in the showrooms are proving to be exceptionally good value and prices are extremely competitive.

Increased competition among franchised dealers has resulted in many throwing in all sorts of optional extras either for free or at a low price and providing free insurance and zero per cent interest or finance. The car market was also given a boost in September last year when a new numberplate format was introduced, displaying two letters to indicate where the car was registered, two numbers showing the year it was registered and three random letters.

Buyers can also make an informed choice about the green credentials of your new car because all franchised dealers are now legally required to display the CO2 emissions data of the new cars they sell.

Winter and early spring are good times to look around for used cars as they are in plentiful supply with motorists trading in their older vehicles in part exchange for the latest models.

A good motor trader should offer buyers a fair exchange deal on their traded-in car and will also subsequently provide efficient and reliable service and repair facilities.

Dealers that are members of the RMI pledge to observe the code of practice for the motor industry and to abide by the RMI obligatory membership standards.

A newly-registered car is sold with a warranty, usually for one year and with the option to extend it to two or three years. Do read the small print. On used vehicles it is the dealer who provides the warranty, probably between three and 12 months depending on the age and general condition of the car.