Cars and Technology

When looking at second hand cars there are a number of things you should check before you agree to purchase one. Five of the important ones are:

Car data check: It is always worthwhile having a car data check carried out, especially when buying privately. If you are buying from a dealer than the dealer should have already done one, but you should ask to make sure. The check will find out if the car has been stolen, if it has been written off by an insurance company, if it has been scrapped, if there is any outstanding finance and other factors.

Car mileage check: It is not unknown for people to reset the indicated mileage of a car to make it appear that the car has covered fewer miles that it really has. You should consider whether the mileage indicated on the odometer is realistic considering the age of the car and the uses to which it has been put. Often you can get an indication from old MOT certificate and service history. If the pedal rubbers are very worn, or if they are brand new, you should be suspicious.

Car service history check: Examine the service history of the car and note the service intervals and mileages. Check that the service record book been stamped by the garage that carried out the servicing and look at any other receipts for work that has been carried out.

VIN check: Locate the VIN (vehicle identification number) of the car. This is generally stamped onto a plate which is riveted to the car body and located under the hood. Ensure that this corresponds to the VIN shown on the car registration document.

Seller check: Sometimes dealers will masquerade as private sellers in order to bypass their legal responsibilities. If you are buying privately always view the car at the seller’s home and never at yours or at an intermediate location. Ask the seller what he or she does for a living.

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