Buying from a car dealer
Ensure that the dealership has a fixed abode (commercial premises) and is not attempting to sell a car from anywhere but their registered premises.
Just because someone is listed as a dealer on the Autotrader website does not mean they are. There is no regulation in place for ‘dealer declaration’ and anyone can buy an advert on Autotrader and call themselves a dealer.
Ensure you receive a printed invoice with full vehicle registration details, warranty information, VAT registration number.
Do NOT allow the dealer to bring the vehicle to you.
Buying from a private seller
View the car at the seller’s address. Ensure the address on the V5C logbook matches the seller’s location.
Consider asking for identification to ensure seller information is accurate.
Avoiding fraud
There are cases of fraud in the private and retail automotive sector, but you can reduce much of the risk by following a few basic rules as follows:
Use a legitimate car history check provider
Have the car inspected by a third-party professional such as the RAC, AA or Clickmechanic who offer vetted mechanic services
Check the car owner’s identity
Visit the seller at their address
Beware of ‘bargains’ that may signal something hiddenVehicle history
A premium vehicle reg check holds information that has been recorded by an insurance company. Car damage and repair that was settled between drivers will most likely NOT be recorded
Cloned vehicles present a false VRM (vehicle registration number) and VIN (vehicle identification number). If the car is a clone its data will belong to a different, identical vehicle
Vehicles first purchased in another EU country may hold incomplete information about its history. This is true of all history checking websites like HPI check and Checkreg.net
Premium vehicle checks cannot tell you if the car is roadworthy and/or reliable.
Paying for the vehicle
Use BACS electronic bank transfer. A cheque or bankers draft is the only other form of payment to consider as all three methods are traceable.
Cash is not traceable. Instant data guarantees do not offer protection for payments over £1,000 (or in some cases, 10% of the vehicles purchase price).
Car warranties
If the car is less than 3 years old (or 5 years with some manufacturers) it is advisable to contact the supplying dealer and check the validity of a manufacturer warranty. Manufacturers warranties can be invalidated in certain circumstances including if the car has not been serviced under manufacturers guidelines.
Vehicles purchased outside of the United Kingdom may have reduced warranty periods compared to those of the UK supplying dealer.