Hints and Tips
ADVICE FOR BUYING A 2nd HAND CAR
(DEALERS)
ADVICE ON BUYING A 2ND HAND CAR
From 2nd Hand Car DealersMost 2nd hand car dealers are reputable however there are still a significant number of rogue dealers who will ‘Sell you a pup’ in terms of the car you may get. Lean towards buying from dealers with a trade association sign as this means that they follow a certain code of good practice. The Retail Motor Industry Federation's Motorline (0345 585850) or the Scottish Motor Trade Association (see useful numbers section) can tell you which local dealers near to you subscribe to a code of practice supported by the Office of Fair Trading. Second hand car dealers who sell cars that have been part-inspected by the AA or the RAC might be a little bit more expensive to buy from but will offer you more assurance as to what state the car is in that you are buying. When buying from this type of garage, ask to see the report on the car you want to buy. It will not be as detailed as an AA or RAC one you pay for yourself, but will provide useful information. Many new car dealers operate a quality checking scheme for the cars they take as ‘Trade in’s’ then sell on. Ford Direct, Rover Approved or Vauxhall's Network Q are just such example quality schemes.
Stolen Cars
It can be hard to tell whether a car is stolen. Its identity may have been changed. For example, the VIN identity number and number plate of a legitimate car may be transferred to a stolen one. V5 Vehicle registration documents can be forged or obtained by fraud.
Be aware that if you buy a stolen car, the police can take it from you to return to the original owner or the insurance company if a claim has been paid. You will not get any compensation even though you bought the car in good faith. If you bought the car on credit you may still have to pay off the loan. It depends on the type of credit card agreement you have.
Always ask to see the vehicle registration document (V5). The safest policy here is if the seller can't produce this document, be suspicious and don’t buy. A common excuse given is that it has been sent to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) for updating. It means you can't check the cars ownership and identity details. Wait for it to come back before buying.
The seller should have a green slip if the car was bought very recently and the V5 is with the DVLA for the change of ownership to be recorded.
Check the car’s V5 for any spelling mistakes, name ‘rub-outs’ or alterations. All legitimate V5s have Watermark so check for colour photocopies and other forged methods.
Check the seller’s name and address on the V5 against other proof of identity such as their driving licence, passport, recent gas or electricity bill.
It is also worth checking your second hand car V5 documentation against the three main identifying features of a car:-
The vehicle registration mark:- (the number plate). The vehicle identification number (VIN):- this can be found on a metal VIN plate, usually in the engine compartment. As a security measure some cars have the VIN etched on there windows or lamps or below carpets at the side or below the driver or passengers seat. The engine number:- is shown on the V5 itself. The numbers on the car engine should be the same.
Check that the identification numbers have not been tampered with or that the engine and VIN numbers have been interfered with. Areas of glass may have been scratched off the windows, or stickers may cover up etching which has been altered.
Another thing to seek to reassure you that the car is genuine is to ask the seller to show you the insurance certificate for the car. Cross-reference their name and address and the cars particulars from it.
Clocking Low mileage is a good 2nd hand car selling point but remember dishonest sellers may have turned the clock back to reduce the number of miles shown. If the mileage is low but wear and tear on the car looks heavy, the car could have been clocked.
Clockers sometimes change pedal rubbers, steering wheels and gear knobs to hide this. Another sign of ‘Clocking’ is that the mileometer numbers don't line up correctly.
Use MOT certificates and service documentation of the car to show you the mileage readings taken by mechanics over its history. Some dealers use trade-only database companies such as IMVA and VMC to check mileage. Ask whether this is the case.
The mileage reading forms part of the description of the car. Sellers sometimes protect themselves by covering up the mileometer or issuing a disclaimer saying that the mileage may be wrong. To be valid, such a disclaimer must be at least as noticeable as the mileage reading and as effectively brought to your attention. It may be worth contacting previous owners named on the V5 to ask what the mileage was when they sold the car. You could also ask what it was used for, for example, short trips or regular motorway driving. Short trips mean more wear and tear of many components. Long trips explain excessive stone chips and high mileage.
Compass Vision Ltd
Tel: 0141-402-7978
Fax: 0141-402-7979
