Things to Look For When Buying a Car – Part 4
(i) Country of Origin
To save money on the costs of new cars over recent years, many people bought imports from the EC, (This is less common now as UK prices have fallen).
Although these cars are often to the same specification, they can be worth less than UK equivalent cars as finishing and parts may be different or more difficult to get hold of. There may also be a problem with warranty claims on nearly new cars.
“In most cases import cars are just as good as UK cars”
In most cases import cars are just as good as UK cars, however, it is crucial to know what you are buying before parting with your money.
If the car you are looking at is an import, make sure the price reflects any potential future issues this may cause.
(ii) V5 Documentation
Does the car you are buying have a valid V5 document? If not then do not buy it. Since October 2002 it has been illegal to sell a car without a valid V5.
The document outlines who is responsible for keeping the car on the road, not necessarily the legal owner. It lists the registration number (number plates) and VIN number (found under the bonnet and other places); if these do not match those on the car then it is almost certainly a stolen or dodgy car.
V5 documents are easily replaced by the true owner of a car, so if a seller claims the documents are lost, refuse to buy the car until you have seen and checked the documents.
(iii) Past History
How do you know if the car you are buying has been previously stolen, written off and rebuilt, or if money is still owed on it? You don’t, but you can check.
History checks such as those carried out by HpiCheck or the AA look at all available records and data to determine whether a car has been recorded as stolen or rebuilt, and can even check the validity of the mileage and MOT. In some cases they can even tell you the approximate value of a car, to help you know whether you are getting a good deal or not.
These checks cost from as little £30-40, and can sometimes mean the difference between buying a good car, and buying a stolen write-off.
Most companies that carry out the checks will also insure you for up to £10,000 if the information they provide is wrong and you lose out financially.
(iv) Credit Card Security
Paying a deposit by credit card could help provide you with extra protection against faulty goods, a breach of contract, or even if a seller goes out of business.
Any product bought by credit card costing between £100 and £30,000 (even if the credit card payment was only the deposit for the item) is covered. If you claim for breach of contract or misrepresentation against the seller, then you may also be able to claim against the credit card issuer.
This protection does not apply with debit cards or charge cards.
(v) Vehicle Inspection
If a used car you wish to buy is located across the other side of the country, you may not have the time to view it. In these cases how can you know whether the condition is as described or worth the asking price?
“There are several companies that offer a detailed inspection service”
There are several companies that offer a detailed inspection service, allowing you to discover the condition of the vehicle and solve any potential problems. They look at the paintwork, the engine, and other mechanical areas, while some will even check the interior fittings. Most will even test drive the car to ensure it runs smoothly and has no apparent faults or mechanical problems.
The price of these inspections can vary from £100 to £400 depending on the company used, the car type, the engine size and the thoroughness of the checks.
At the end of the check you will be given a report detailing the condition of the car, along with information regarding any faults or potential problems. This then gives you the ability to negotiate fixing the problems before purchasing.
Although the cost of the service means it is only really of use once you have already chosen the car you want to buy, it is hugely beneficial in ensuring a car you cannot see is up to a reasonable standard.
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