How to Beat Rogue Traders

How do you avoid buying a car that's been clocked, cloned, stolen or has outstanding finance on it? 
 

Get a Used Car Check  - our guide to 'Buying a Used Car' recommends websites that will give a used car check from as little as £20.
 
As well as structural and mechanical problems there are a number of other factors to watch out for: 

Outstanding finance is the biggest risk facing used car buyers.  If the loan remains unpaid when you purchase the vehicle, you will not acquire title to the car.  Nor will you be protected by the Sale of Goods Act (1979).  The only way to avoid this is through a professional car check.

Written-off - Every year, nearly half a million cars involved in accidents are declared by insurers to have been too badly damaged to be repaired safely. But some still find their way back onto the market.  A thorough structural inspection is required to spot any tell tale signs of structural damage and repair to the car.

Stolen cars get sold as 'bargains' to unsuspecting buyers who are then legally obliged to return the car to its rightful owner.   

Check the mileometer has not been turned back, reducing mileage which adds value to the car. A clocked car will have suffered more internal wear than you'd expect (given the apparent mileage) and could soon need expensive repairs.  Examine the service history and any other documentation against the mileage to check they match.

Many stolen vehicles go on to be 'Cloned' i.e. they illegally take the identity of a legitimately owned vehicle. This means there will be two or more cars vwith the same identity, including the same make, model, mark, vehicle registration, and identification number. It is possible that a vehicle being sold for cash, below the market price or at places such as service stations may have been cloned.  If the deal seems too good to be true it probably is.

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