Nowadays, finding your next used vehicle is as easy as turning on your computer. There are many websites available advertising used vehicles from a variety of sellers all over the country, so it's much easier to find the vehicle of your dreams. But when buying a used vehicle, there are certain checks you must carry out, and things to be aware of. Most of these not only apply to vehicles, but other vehicles such as motorbikes and caravans too.
Try to arrange a viewing at the seller's house, during the daytime. A genuine seller will not mind you going to their house, and you will be able to see the conditions in which the vehicle has been kept. Viewing a vehicle is easier in the daytime as you can see everything a lot clearer.
Look over the vehicle, checking for any rust spots, dents, or paint touch-ups. They could be indicative of an accident, and may possibly mean the vehicle is an insurance write-off. Check under the wheel arches and along the bottom of the doors of a car in particular, as these areas are the most prone to rust damage. Too much rust usually means a vehicle won't pass the next MOT, especially if the corrosion is within 30cm of certain areas such as the brakes or seatbelt mounts.
One thing to watch out for is having several keys for the vehicle; perhaps one key is needed for the fuel tank and another to start the engine. This is usually indicative of replacement parts and there can be a genuine explanation, but sometimes it can be a sign the vehicle has been stolen and had locks changed. Don't be afraid to ask about this, never assume anything.
You may also want to check the current mileage of the vehicle to make sure it's genuine. Often it will be obvious: if a vehicle is old you can usually expect it to have done over 100,000 miles. But if an old vehicle apparently has surprisingly low mileage, it may have been 'clocked'. This is the practice of turning back the odometer to give a false mileage count, and is often used by unscrupulous sellers. Check how worn the steering wheel, pedals and seats are; this is a good indicator of how often a vehicle has been used.
Ask the owner as many questions as you can think of, no matter how insignificant you think they may be, and even if you know the answers already! The idea is to establish how well they know their vehicle; if they appear to be unfamiliar with it, warning bells should sound. If they say they're selling it for a friend, ask to speak to the friend.
Once you've satisfied yourself with the overall look and condition of the car, ask for the documentation. Hold the registration certificate (logbook) up to the light to check the watermark isn't simply printed on the paper. If the MOT certificate is present, check that this is genuine too. Find and compare the VIN on the plate with the one on the logbook - if the plate shows signs of tampering or the VIN plate has been removed, ask why; the vehicle may have been stolen.
It's worth taking an experienced used vehicle buyer with you on a viewing; a mechanic would be even better if you know one who would go with you. Having an expert looking over their vehicle will not ruffle a genuine buyer, and could make a dishonest one nervous - watch their body language while the vehicle is being checked!
It might be a good idea to commission a HPI check (CRiS check for caravans and motorhomes) before you buy a vehicle, especially if you have to travel a long way to view it. These checks cost around £20 and are well worth the money; they can provide you with genuine information about the vehicle you're interested in and can be used to verify anything the seller may tell you. For example, a HPI check will give you the accurate VIN, VRM (Vehicle Registration Mark) and current mileage, as well as the issue date and serial number which should appear on the logbook. As well as these basic details, it will give you the history of the car; whether it has been reported stolen, had the plates changed (there can be genuine reasons for this), or whether an insurance company has declared it a write-off. It will also inform you of any outstanding finance on the vehicle; anything which hasn't been paid for fully legally belongs to the dealership and therefore is not technically the owner's to sell to you.
Don't let all this put you off looking online for your next vehicle. Websites such as www.cars4buyers.com, who also run www.bikes4buyers.com and www.caravans4buyers.com, are an excellent source of used cars, motorhomes and motorbikes for sale at affordable prices.
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