IF you're searching for a used car, reliability, safety and durability are what you want to be sure you'll receive. The latest version of Volvo's Selected Used Car Programme, winner of the 1999 'What Car?' magazine award, gives you peace of mind and makes buying an approved model from your local Volvo dealer the next best thing to a new car.

With their current scheme, the Swedish company has produced a package of benefits that offer impressive value and peace of mind to the used car customer.

Warranty Cover

The level of cover you get depends upon the age and mileage of the cars you're looking at. All the dealership's late, low mileage stock (cars up to two years old with less than 40,000 miles) will be covered by the top two-year all-component warranty package.

Claims are limited only to the price you paid for the car and cover you for consequential damage (a warranted part failing and breaking another warranted part). The warranty even covers you for other items like mirrors and catalytic converters.

Should the car in question be over two years in age and/or have covered more than 40,000 miles, it will have the same level of coverage - but only for twelve months. Much older cars may keep the year's warranty scheme but lose cover on certain items: you need to ask if you're not sure. Whatever warranty you choose, you'll get a 'like-for-like' car replacement when your vehicle is in for repair. That means that you can expect a vehicle that's either identical to your own car, or one that has a similar specification. Terms and conditions apply.

As you might expect from Volvo, cars covered by the Scheme are subject to extremely stringent checks before they go anywhere near your dealer's forecourt. There is, for example, a VMC or NMR check to verify the vehicle's mileage, while an HPI or Experian search will ensure that any irregularities regarding theft, write-offs or outstanding finance are identified.

The car will also undergo a complete valet from engine to glovebox. Afterwards, number plates and odometer apart, you'll theoretically need to be an expert to distinguish it from a new model.

Vehicles Covered Under The Scheme

To qualify under the scheme, there's no restriction on vehicle age or mileage.

Breakdown Cover

All cars bought through the Volvo Selected Used Programme still come with the benefit of one-year's Volvo RAC-backed Assistance cover, as well as a 30-day/1,500-mile exchange pledge if the dealer cannot fix a reported fault.

Every car receives twelve months' Europe-wide roadside assistance and again, there are some thoughtful details that differentiate this scheme from those of other makers'. Should you fall seriously ill, a chauffeur service is available to get you home with the minimum of fuss.

If your car is off the road for longer than four hours, you can claim up to £500 towards the cost of a replacement hire vehicle, overnight hotel accommodation, or onward public transport.

To Find Out More

Call Volvo on 01628-477977 or 0345-564636 or log on to www.volvocars.co.uk.

Summary It all adds up to complete peace of mind, with the Volvo Selected Used Car Programme as robust and reliable as the cars themselves.