Things to Look for when Buying a Car

If you are about to buy, or are thinking of buying a new car, there are some practical things that you need to look out for when buying a second hand car, to make sure that you don’t buy one that is stolen or a likely target for thieves.

Always do your research first

·         Decide what make and model you are interested in.

·         Find out where the vehicle’s Identification Numbers should be. You can do this by contacting the manufacturer or a local dealer who sells the vehicle. The numbers are in different places dependent upon the make and model of the vehicle. Most are under the bonnet in the engine compartment, or on the driver’s door pillar.

·         Consider taking an independent qualified examiner with you.

·         Always check the vehicle history in relation to outstanding finance, accidents etc. Some vehicles have been purchased under fraudulent finance agreements and are immediately sold on. Even though all the necessary documentation is present, no payments have been made and the loan is still outstanding, so the vehicle remains the property of the finance company. You can do these checks by contacting the HPI Group

Tips when buying from a private advertisement

·         Ensure that you know who the seller is.

·         Beware of mobile telephone numbers (they may not be traceable).

·         Beware of adverts that ask you to call between specific times because it could be a telephone box. Always try calling outside these specific times to ensure the seller is genuine, as stolen vehicles are often sold by using this method.

·         Check that the seller holds the vehicle registration document and MOT certificate. If not, why not?

·         Always arrange to view the car in the daylight at the seller’s home - before you buy always satisfy yourself that it is their home by checking the vehicle’s documentation with the seller’s address.

·         Never allow them to bring the vehicle to your home or meet you somewhere else.

Check the person selling the vehicle is genuine

The following checks may help you to make sure:

·         Check that the seller is familiar with the vehicle and its controls.

·         Ask the seller how much they are paying to insure the vehicle. Ask to see their current certificate of insurance.

·         Check that the seller is the registered keeper. If not, why not?

·         Hold the registration document up to the light - all genuine certificates have a watermark. Forgeries normally do not.

Check the registration plates

·         Do they appear newer than the car?

·         Are there too many screw holes?

·         Do the registration plates appear to have been taken off at any time? If yes, ask why.

·         Most registration plates now display either a dealer’s name, the name of the company who made the plates and/or a postcode. If not, ask why not?

Check the windows

·         Look for dealer stickers displayed on the windows. If there aren’t any, ask why, because dealers like free advertisements.

·         Check carefully underneath any stickers - were they fitted to conceal etching?

·         Are the windows etched with the correct registration or part of the Vehicle Identification Number?

·         Have any areas of glass which may have been etched, been scratched off? Check all glass including headlights, tail lights, and sunroofs.

·         Have any of the windows been broken and replaced? If so, find out why.

Check the Vehicle Identification Numbers

LOOK for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate:

·         Does it match the registration document?

·         Does it appear to have been interfered with?

·         Have the rivets been disturbed?

·         Has the VIN plate been removed? If so, ask why.

FIND the stamped-in Vehicle Identification Number. These are normally found in the footwell at the side of the driver’s seat, or under the bonnet.

·         Check the surrounding areas for signs of any alteration.

·         The 17 digits should be evenly spaced and levelly stamped and should match the registration document.

CHECK the engine number.

·         Does it match the registration document? Has it been interfered with or altered? Has the engine been changed?

Check the locks and security systems

·         Does the car have a working security alarm system?

·         Are all the locks the same? Thieves often change locks they have damaged.

·         Check for damage on door locks or surrounding areas. This can be a sign of a forced entry.

·         Check the locking petrol cap - has it been forced and replaced?

Checks to make when buying an import

·         If you buy a vehicle, which is an import, ensure that the tax duty has been paid by contacting the DVLA on 0870 240 0010.

·         If it hasn’t you may be liable to pay this at a later date.

What happens if I buy a stolen vehicle?

If you buy a vehicle, which is later found to be stolen, it may cause you problems and you will have no right in law to ownership of that vehicle. You will lose both the car and the money you paid for it.

What happens if I buy a vehicle with outstanding finance on it?

If you buy a vehicle that has an outstanding finance agreement, you may have no right in law to ownership of that vehicle. You may lose both the car and the money you paid for it.

Always check the status of a second hand car with HPI Group Ltd on 01722 422422