What is CGOS?
The Comité de Gestion des Œuvres Sociales des établissements hospitaliers publics ( CGOS ) is a French institution founded in 1960.
Its main objective is to improve the living and working conditions of hospital staff.
The CGOS offers a wide range of social, cultural and leisure services, as well as financial assistance for various needs, including the acquisition of vehicles.
CGOS works primarily with hospital civil servants. It caters for permanent, contract and retired staff, offering them services designed to improve their day-to-day lives.
Benefits include housing assistance, low-interest loans, subsidies for cultural and sporting activities, and facilities for the purchase of used cars.
By 2023, the CGOS will have more than 900,000 beneficiaries, illustrating its significant impact on the French hospital community.
How can CGOS help you buy your next used car?
CGOS offers several significant advantages when buying a used car. Firstly, it offers highly advantageous financing terms. Hospital staff can access specially negotiated low-rate loans with partner financial institutions. These loans can cover part or all of the price of the used car, making the purchase more affordable.
Secondly, CGOS has a network of partner dealerships and garages that supply quality used vehicles at preferential rates. These partners are selected for their reliability and commitment to providing cars in good condition, often with additional warranties. By purchasing through CGOS, hospital staff can be assured of transparent and reliable transactions.
Finally, CGOS offers personalized support throughout the purchasing process. Agents benefit from advice on choosing the vehicle best suited to their needs and budget. The CGOS also helps with administrativeformalities, simplifying the vehicle acquisition process.
For example, in 2022, more than 5,000 hospital workers benefited from CGOS assistance to buy their second-hand car, underlining the effectiveness and popularity of this service.
Are there any disadvantages to buying a used car through CGOS?
While there are many advantages to buying a used car via CGOS, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider.
Firstly, vehicle options may be limited. The CGOS works with partner dealerships and garages, which may restrict the choice of models and makes available. Hospital workers with specific preferences may not find exactly the vehicle they want.
Secondly, the loan approval process may take longer. The CGOS follows rigorous procedures for assessing eligibility and approving loans. While this rigor ensures responsible management of funds, it can delay vehicle acquisition.
Thirdly, some agents may find it difficult to understand and navigate the bureaucratic process. Although the CGOS provides support, the paperwork can be complex and sometimes frustrating for beneficiaries.
Finally, it's important to note that CGOS benefits are generally reserved for public-sector hospital employees. Contract workers or employees of certain structures may not be eligible for all benefits, thus limiting access to the facilities offered for the purchase of used cars.
Criteria for choosing a used car with CGOS
When choosing a used car with CGOS, it's essential to take several criteria into account to guarantee a satisfactory purchase.
1. Assess your personal needs :
Usage: Determine the vehicle's primary use (commuting, long-distance travel, family transportation).
Budget: Establish a realistic budget including purchase price, insurance and maintenance costs.
2. Check vehicle condition:
Historique d’entretien : Demandez les dossiers d’entretien pour vérifier que le véhicule a été bien entretenu.
Inspection visuelle et technique : Faites inspecter le véhicule par un mécanicien indépendant pour détecter d’éventuels problèmes cachés.
3. Consider make and model :
Reliability: Find out about the reliability of the makes and models you are considering. Models known for their durability will reduce repair costs in the long term.
Parts availability: Make sure replacement parts are readily available and affordable.
4. Warranties and after-sales service :
Warranty: Check whether the vehicle is sold with a warranty and what the conditions are. Vehicles purchased through CGOS often come with additional warranties.
Included services: Find out about included after-sales services, such as free servicing or technical inspections offered by partner dealerships.
5. Financing :
Interest rates: Compare the interest rates offered by CGOS with other financing options to make sure you're getting the best terms.
Repayment terms: Make sure the repayment terms are clear and adapted to your financial situation.
Warranties and services included with a used car purchased with CGOS
Buying a used car through CGOS (Comité de Gestion des Œuvres Sociales) is not just about getting a vehicle at a good price. Hospital employees also benefit from a range of guarantees and services that make the purchase particularly attractive and secure. Here's a detailed overview of the guarantees and services included.
Warranties included with a used car purchased with CGOS
1. Legal warranty of conformity : All used cars purchased through CGOS benefit from the legal warranty of conformity, which ensures that the vehicle is in good working order and conforms to the description provided at the time of sale. This warranty applies for a minimum of 6 months, and any defects found during this period must be repaired at no cost to the buyer.
2. Commercial warranty: In addition to the legal warranty, many CGOS partner dealers offer an additional commercial warranty. This warranty can cover various vehicle components, such as the engine, transmission and electrical systems, for a period generally ranging from 12 to 24 months.
3. Extended warranty : Some dealers offer warranty extension options at preferential rates for CGOS buyers. These extensions extend coverage beyond the initial period, offering additional peace of mind. Extensions can often be tailored to the buyer's specific needs.
Services included with a used car purchased with CGOS
1. Roadside assistance: The purchase of a used car via CGOS often includes a roadside assistance service. This service is generally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and covers situations such as mechanical breakdowns, accidents or battery problems. Assistance can include towing the vehicle to the nearest garage, as well as temporary solutions for continuing the journey.
2. Maintenance and servicing: Many CGOS partners offer free or discounted maintenance and servicing packages for used cars purchased. These packages can include routine checks, oil changes, filter replacement, and other essential services to keep the vehicle in good condition. For example, some dealers offer free maintenance for the first 6 months or 10,000 kilometers.
3. Technical inspection: Used cars purchased via CGOS often undergo a rigorous technical inspection before sale. In France, this inspection is compulsory for vehicles over 4 years old, and must be less than 6 months old at the time of sale.
4. Financing services : The CGOS offers advantageous financing solutions for the purchase of used cars. Hospital employees can benefit from specially negotiated low-interest loans with partner banks. These loans often come with flexible repayment terms tailored to the staff member's income.
5. Personalized support : CGOS offers a personalized support service throughout the purchasing process. Advisors are available to help agents choose the vehicle best suited to their needs and budget. They also help with administrative procedures, from the loan application to finalizing the purchase.
Following a second-hand purchase: wiper blades to be changed?
When you buy a used car, you may not realize it, but the windscreen wipers can be in poor condition, even though they are essential to guarantee optimum visibility and therefore your safety.
It's rare to think of testing a car's windscreen wipers before buying it...
The consequences? Worn or damaged wipers can leave water marks on the windscreen, impairing your vision, especially in bad weather. Their effectiveness diminishes over time, making their replacement crucial for trouble-free driving, especially in rain or snow.
We therefore recommendpurchase wiper blades as soon as you buy a used car, to avoid any risk on the road.
Oscaro.com has established itself as a benchmark site for this type of part. They offer a wide range of windshield wipers to suit many vehicle models, guaranteeing a precise and economical choice. The site offers brands renowned for their reliability, such as Bosch and Valeo, at competitive prices.
What's more, the site's intuitive navigation and detailed product sheets make it much easier to select compatible parts for your vehicle. All you have to do is enter your license plate number, and the compatible products will be displayed!
FAQ about buying a used car with CGOS
What are the eligibility criteria for CGOS used car purchases?
You must be an employee of the hospital civil service, whether you have tenure, a contract or are retired. You must provide proof of a certain number of years' service, generally at least one year, and be active or retired at the time of application.
How do I apply for used car financing with CGOS?
You'll need to fill in an application form, available on the CGOS website or from your local branch. You'll need to provide supporting documents such as your payslip, proof of identity, and details of the vehicle you wish to purchase. Once your application is complete, it will be assessed by the CGOS for approval.
Are used cars purchased via CGOS inspected before sale?
Yes, used cars purchased through CGOS go through a rigorous pre-sale inspection. CGOS dealer partners carry out technical checks and inspections to ensure that vehicles are in good condition and comply with safety and emissions standards.
Can I choose any make or model of used car with CGOS?
CGOS works with a network of partner dealers and garages that offer a variety of makes and models of used cars. However, the choice may be limited to the vehicles available from these partners. It is advisable to check the available offers to see if the model you want is available.
Does CGOS offer leasing options for used cars?
To date, CGOS does not offer leasing options for used cars. Financing is generally offered in the form of low-interest loans specifically negotiated for the purchase of used vehicles.
What happens if my funding application is rejected by the CGOS?
If your application for funding is refused, the CGOS will inform you, explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can then take steps to improve your file, such as providing additional documentation or stabilizing your financial situation, and submit a new application at a later date.
Can I resell a car bought via CGOS before the end of the financing period?
Yes, it is possible to resell a car purchased via CGOS before the end of the financing period. However, it is important to check the terms of the loan and ensure that all financial obligations are met, such as repaying the loan in full before reselling the vehicle.
Are retired hospital employees entitled to the same benefits when buying used cars as active employees?
Yes, retired hospital staff can benefit from the same advantages as working staff when purchasing used cars with CGOS. The financing conditions and services offered are the same, ensuring that retirees also benefit from facilities for the acquisition of their vehicle.
How does CGOS ensure the quality of used cars offered to its beneficiaries?
The CGOS works with reputable dealers and garages who are committed to supplying quality vehicles. These partners carry out detailed inspections and technical checks to ensure that each car meets quality and safety standards before being offered for sale to CGOS beneficiaries.