get the Autotrader vehicle buyer's checklist 315kb PDF to be sure your purchase is safe

Checking the information prior to purchase

1. Always carry out a vehicle history check before buying any used car.

The vehicle history check will help you determine whether the vehicle has been recorded as

• stolen
• is an insurance write-off
  
• been clocked or
• is subject to outstanding finance.

For £24.99, http://www.vehiclecheck.co.uk/ will undertake a check on your behalf. Along with a full report on the vehicle  outlining the status of the car, a comprehensive vehicle valuation where possible and Data Insurance Protection providing up to £15,000 of cover.

Never, ever buy a car without conducting a vehicle check as the seller may not own the vehicle or have permission to sell it and you may lose the money to the person who sold you the car and the car itself.

TIP! Don't get bitten: Always order the check yourself: never trust a previous check shown you by the buyer. It could cost you £££s later on

Security against car cloning

But a vehicle check is not enough.

The Car Data Check cannot tell you:

• if the vehicle has been damaged, unless written off by an insurance company.
• if it is a 'clone' bearing false Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If it is a clone the data supplied will be for a different, but identical, vehicle.
• if it was originally purchased in another EU country, not the UK.
• if it is roadworthy.
  

2. If the car is cloned and the check is made on the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) alone, then you are still at potential risk as the check might be made on the original vehicle and may thus come up 'clean'. For that reason:

You need to supply Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM), the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the V5C issue date and the vehicle mileage to be eligible for maximum protection. Your protection insurance will not be valid if the VRM does not match the VIN,  and other records held by the DVLA so make sure the information you supply is accurate (pay particular attention to '5's and 'S's, '2's and 'Z's). 

3. Make certain that all vehicle details provided in your vehiclecheck report perfectly match both the vehicle and its accompanying paperwork. Never buy a vehicle without a registration document/certificate, even if the seller says it has been sent to DVLA. As a minimum, you must obtain and check the V5 registration document with vehiclecheck.

Some V5 forms have been stolen from the DVLA. If the serial number begins with a prefix between BG916 and BG919 be alert and contact the police as there are stolen documents with this prefix in circulation.

You can check whether a V5C is genuine prior to purchasing a vehicle by ringing DVLA’s V5 helpline on 0870 241 1878

4. You must check that all the VIN markings on the vehicle match each other and the corresponding V5 registration document. If there is any evidence of tampering with the VIN markings immediately withdraw from the sale and inform the police.

If you have a mechanical examination undertaken (recommended) make sure that the VIN is checked as part of the service.

5. You should obtain, keep and be able to produce a written receipt for your purchase, signed by the seller, containing the key information needed to identify the seller and the vehicle. This should include the seller's name and address, the identity and mileage of the vehicle purchased, the date of purchase and the amount you paid.

Make sure you see identity details for the seller and obtain photocopies. Acceptable documents for identity you should demand a passport or driving licence to prove their identity and a utility bill (not more than 3 months old) for the vendor.

Know who you are buying from: Always verify the identity and the address of the vendor and view the vehicle at the address on the V5 (private sale) or business premises (trade).

 
6. Never agree to buy a car away from the premises of the vendor. In the case of a trade sale this should be the vendor's place of business. If you are buying the vehicle privately, you must buy it from the keeper at the address shown on the V5. If the address on the V5 is different to that where you are shown the car you should either refuse to purchase the vehicle or demand proof of previous address.

7. You must buy the vehicle in a reasonably prudent manner (for example - claims will not be considered if you have paid 30% below the retail market value). Always be certain the vehicle is as good as it looks. See the Autotrader Vehicle Buyer's Checklist (315kb PDF) to check for common faults. And visit Honest John for a list of generic faults and problems with your make and model.

If you believe the vehicle is covered by a manufacturer's warranty we suggest you contact a franchised dealer, quoting the registration number and VIN, to verify this.

If it is an older vehicle it should have a valid MOT certificate where applicable. Check the status of a new style MOT Test Certificate on www.motinfo.gov.uk.

Check the money!

8. Do not release any money until you are fully satisfied all the checks have been made and as to the mechanical condition of the vehicle. It is better to pay by credit transfer but some vendors are nervous about giving out bank details.

If you do pay over cash, make certain you are in safe surroundings. Our sister legal sites have dealt with a number of cases where the prospective purchaser is mugged and the vendors have disappeared with the cash and the vehicle.

Our own preference is to have the vendor accompany you to the bank and see the money counted out on the premises. Most banks will provide a private secure area and a member of staff to witness the transaction if you ask.

9. Legal and Data Insurance Protection is based on the car's value. In the case where vehiclecheck provides incorrect data affecting vehicle title (such as theft or outstanding finance), the policy will cover up to £15,000, either in compensation or the costs needed to obtain good title to the vehicle (at vehiclecheck's discretion).

10. The LDIP Guarantee does not cover the vehicle's descriptive information (including import status), mileage, value, V5 registration document checks, or if the loss has arisen as a result of a fraudulent transaction. The vehicle must be bought and registered in mainland Britain (i.e. it excludes Northern Ireland). If it has been imported, neither vehiclecheck nor carscams will guarantee its history prior to arrival in this country.