Lotus is the latest car brand to launch a manufacturer-backed Approved Used scheme for secondhand cars.
Called ‘Lotus Approved’, the scheme can be applied by dealers to any Lotus up to 20 years old, provided it meets a pre-agreed set of criteria. These include passing technical and cosmetic checks, which the Norfolk-based carmaker says will ‘deliver a high-quality and consistent standard of pre-owned car throughout the Lotus network’.
In addition, Lotus dealers will be able to offer flexible finance on these cars.
A spokesman for Lotus told Motoring Research that while dealers have been able to market approved used vehicles before, they all worked to different standards. The Lotus Approved scheme introduces a set of criteria that has been laid down by the head office for the first time.
In order to be granted Lotus Approved status, vehicles must pass the following tests:
- The car must be given a minimum 12-month warranty by the dealer supplying it
- The car must have a full service history and the dealer must conduct a HPI or Experian vehicle history check.
- The dealer must run a vehicle identity check with mileage verification
- The car will undergo a multi-point vehicle inspection by a Lotus factory-trained technician
- A Lotus factory-trained technician will take the car on a 10-mile road test
- The dealer will conduct an appropriate service and/or MoT if either/both are due within three months
- The dealer will offer a full vehicle valet
- The dealer will include 12 months’ breakdown cover
In addition, every Lotus Approved car comes with a free Certificate of Provenance, which provides detailed vehicle information. Buyers will also get a few ‘Lotus collectables’, including an engraved aluminium plaque, a leather keyring, a presentation tin of four badges and a Lotus ink pen in a branded gift box.
Many manufacturers offer ‘approved used’ schemes for second-hand cars, but by including vehicles up to 20 years old, Lotus is going above and beyond most others. Ferrari’s used offering, for example, extends to cars up to 14 years old.
‘A win-win scenario’
Geoff Dowding, director of sales and aftersales at Lotus, said: “The launch of the Lotus Approved programme is another significant milestone in the transformation of our business.
“This is a win-win scenario for everyone; for customers new to the Lotus brand it delivers added value and peace of mind, and for our retailers it’s an opportunity to expand their customer base.”
ALSO READ:
‘My dad borrowed a Bond car’ – Lotus veteran on life at the firm
