TEENAGERS are being given advice on how to avoid getting stung when buying their first car.

With help from Trading Standards Officers at Bucks County Council, Bucks sixth former Emma Jones has helped set up the “Check it, don’t regret it” advice service.

It came after 17-year-old Emma, who is learning to drive, bought a used car with help from her dad found a problem with the boot lock even though they had checked it over.

The experience of the sixth-form student helped BCC’s Trading Standards team launch their Used Car Aware campaign on Monday, at the start of National Consumer Week.

Emma teamed up with her school, Aylesbury High, Aylesbury's Sportif Citroen dealership and the Trading Standards team.

Together, they set up a display with a used car – with bonnet, boot and doors open - to give the 400 sixth-formers some advice when buying a used car.

The team aim to reach young people learning to drive and preparing to buy their first car, with some important messages about the used car market.

Emma, one of Trading Standards’ volunteer Community Champions, has also been working with fellow student Deborah Church on a checklist leaflet showing teenagers the things they need to know when looking for a used car.

“Once we've learned to drive, most teenagers want to look for a car,” said Emma.

“Very few actually know the things to look for, and most don't have an expert they can take with them, so our checklist is designed to plug that gap.”

Trading Standards Officer Chris Holden said used car sales and servicing remain at the top of the concern agenda for consumers.

He said: “Young people are especially vulnerable. They tend to look for cheaper, older cars, and being less experienced in buying cars they're easy prey for the few second hand car sharks around, hence our message - ‘check it, don't regret it’”

Martin Phillips, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: “Buying a car is probably a teenager's most expensive purchase, and one they need to get right.

“Of course, there are many reputable car dealers in Buckinghamshire, which allow people to buy with confidence, and we're helping our young people to go into a big purchase with their eyes open. And hopefully help them steer clear of the sharks."

Trading Standards Community Champions are volunteers of all ages who help officers as the 'eyes and ears' in the community.

They offer practical help through doing intelligence research, and by accompanying officers on investigations and operations.

Complaints in Buckinghamshire about used cars amounted to 636 between January and mid-August this year.

Most complaints about used cars relate to lower priced vehicles.

Working on an average price of £5,000, that represents a potential consumer loss of around £3 million in Buckinghamshire.

Sportif of Aylesbury is one of Buckinghamshire Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ participants.