Check vehicle history and paperwork

So, you've found the car you want. You've checked it over, given it a test drive, and everything seems to be fine - what now?

Well, now is the time to check that there are no nasty secrets in the car's past! No matter how carefully you examine your potential purchase, it can still be difficult to spot signs that your car is not all it should be. Read on to find out what you must do to avoid being landed with a dud!

Clocking

– despite measures being taken by manufacturers to prevent fraudsters winding back the mileage of used cars, for example the use of digital odometers, the practice is still prevalent and buyers need to be wary. On cars with the older ‘tumbler’-style odometer, misalignment of the digits or signs of damage/disturbance to the trim around the dials are reasons for suspicion. However, with digital readouts being altered at the touch of a button, there is no outward sign of tampering, so buyers should consider carefully whether the overall condition of the car matches the displayed mileage.

Car History

– recent studies have shown that many thousands of used cars on sale in the UK have hidden histories, so carrying out a proper check on a potential purchase is vital. Click here [insert link] to check whether the car has been stolen, suffered major crash damage, whether the displayed mileage is incorrect, or if there is outstanding finance. The continuing popularity of ‘imports’ means they are around in large numbers, and unscrupulous vendors are known to pass these off as UK-sourced cars – a history check would alert you to this. You should check the history of any car you are thinking of buying – all types of car are at risk of having a dodgy background, including family models so don’t think this just applies to expensive or high performance cars.

Has it been stolen or crashed?

– while having a history check carried out is a sensible, and in some cases vital, precaution there are still a few checks you can carry out to avoid being landed with a problem car. For example:
  • Check the paperwork. Is everything present and correct? Is there anything about the documents that make you suspicious? Do registration and chassis numbers match those on the vehicle? If buying privately, is the sellers address on the registration document correct? Do the details on the tax disc actually match the vehicle? Never buy a car if the seller can’t produce the registration document, no matter what the excuse.
  • Since 2005, MOT records have been computerised and held on a secure central database. You can check on-line if you have any doubts about the authenticity of a car’s MOT certificate.
  • Check that chassis and engine numbers have not been tampered with, and find out where they are located on the car you’re interested in. A number of cars have chassis numbers located on the dashboard at the base of the windscreen, and while these are more difficult to alter, has it been obscured in anyway? An obvious check this, but if the registration number has been etched on the windows, does it match the actual number-plate? Replacement of broken windows or the addition of a personal plate may account for any discrepancy but make sure you are happy with the explanation. You should also be suspicious if there are signs of damage to ignition or door locks, or different sets of keys for each.
  • While a shiny exterior can hide bodged and potentially dangerous crash repairs, carrying out the simple checks described in the ‘Bodywork’ section above can help to avoid getting caught out. Those horror stories about two different cars being welded together are still worth heeding, and you should get expert advice if you have any doubts.

    • Recalls

    Recalls of new (or indeed older) cars for rectification of some potential fault is common and should be nothing to worry about. Just about every manufacturer has issued a recall at some – from the humblest hatch to the most expensive supercar – and it is their way of ensuring that their product is as safe and durable as possible. The Government’s Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website produces a list of recalls and it is worth checking this before making your purchase. That way, you can speak to the vendor and check any paperwork to ensure any recall work has been carried out.

    Read Further Used Car Buying Guides

    1. Setting a budget for your car
    2. Choosing my next car
    3. Buying an imported car
    4. Contacting the seller
    5. What to look for when buying a used car
    6. Taking the car for a test drive
    7. Check vehicle history and paperwork
    8. Getting the best used car deal