Help & Advice
Additional Information
Buyers Check List
Take care, not all sellers of used cars are as truthful as you would wish. Read these notes carefully to make sure you buy the car of your dreams, not a nightmare.
Check List - Print this now and take it with you to the vehicle
Essential Checks
AutoCheck it!- Check ID of seller.
- Visit seller's address.
- Check V5C matches car and AutoCheck's details.
- Check V5C is not a forgery (tip: compare it with the one from your current car).
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- Colour
- Watermark
- Font types and sizes
- Data aligned correctly
- Check the V5C is not stolen.
- Check the VIN on the VIN plate and the one stamped into the chassis of the car.
- VIN confirmed on the AutoCheck site
- Valid receipt?
Nice To Have
- MOT certificate (if over three years old)?
- Service history?
- Is the manufacturer's warranty valid?
- Get mechanical inspection to ensure that it is roadworthy.
A check with no adverse data does not necessarily mean that the vehicle will be problem free. To reduce the risk of losing your money you should follow our guidelines before purchasing. If you or the vendor cannot meet any of these guidelines you should reconsider the transaction.
How To Avoid Fraud
There are risks involved when buying a used car, but if you take care you can reduce your risk. The basic rules to follow are:
- Know who the seller is and check their identity
- Check all the documentation
- Be wary of paying in cash
- Don't buy a 'bargain' - it may not be all it seems
- Get an independent mechanical inspection
- Check the car now
Who is the seller?
Always find out exactly who you are buying the vehicle from. Do not allow a vendor to bring the vehicle to you, and do not meet them in a car park or other neutral ground. Ensure that you enter the premises. Don't do a deal on the pavement outside the given address.
A Motor Dealer
Visit them to ensure they have commercial premises and are not selling from home or a public car park. A dealer usually has several vehicles on the premises for sale. They should supply you with a printed invoice giving all the company details, VAT registration number and full details of the car. Never let them bring the car to you, however far away they are and however willing they are to do so.
Private Sales
Visit the address recorded on the V5C document and only buy from the registered keeper. Ask to see proof of identity, such as a passport or recent utility bill, to ensure the seller is the keeper. Obtain a receipt, showing the vendor's details and signature, the vehicle details, including mileage, the date and the price paid. Never let them bring the car to you, however far away they are and however willing they are to do so.
Documentation
The vehicle must have a full DVLA (Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency) or DVLNI (for Northern Ireland) Vehicle Registration Document (V5C).
The DVLA have advised that a number of V5C Vehicle registration documents have been stolen, and may be used fraudulently. The serial numbers of these documents can be found on the DVLA. If you wish to check whether a certificate is genuine, prior to the purchase of a vehicle, you should ring the DVLA helpline on 0870 241 1878.
The vehicle must have a valid MOT certificate where applicable. Check the status of a new style MOT Test Certificate on www.motinfo.gov.uk.
Compare the AutoCheck data carefully against the vehicle and the V5C.
Check that the VIN, or chassis number, on the VIN plate (found in the engine compartment) and the VIN (stamped onto the car body shell) match the number recorded on the V5C. Ensure that you confirm the VIN on the AutoCheck site before you purchase the vehicle.
Check the service history carefully, and obtain confirmation that any warranty is still effective.
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.
The vehicle
You must question the reason for a vehicle being sold below the current market value. A 'quick sale' may not be all it seems.
A cash sale is not traceable, always try to pay by cheque or Bankers Draft.
AutoCheck 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.
Useful AutoCheck Information
To find out more about AutoCheck, click on the links below:
- Important Information
- Finance Agreements
- High Risk
- Stolen Vehicle Database
- VIN
- Previous Keepers
- Mileage
- The Seller
- The Dealer
- Private Sales
- How To Avoid Fraud
- Written Off Vehicles
- Import
- Used Before First Registration
- Export
- DVLA Data
- How To Contact Our Service Support Team
You may also find it useful to read the information below:
Each party should sign and keep a copy as proof of sale.
Additional Notes/Comments
The undersigned purchaser acknowledges receipt of the above vehicle in exchange for the cash sum (e.g. banker's draft, personal cheque) of £.......... being the price agreed by the purchaser with the vendor for the above named vehicle, receipt of which the vendor hereby acknowledges.
Seller
Buyer
Each party should sign and keep a copy as proof of sale.
Additional Notes/Comments
The undersigned purchaser acknowledges receipt of the above vehicle in exchange for the cash sum (e.g. banker's draft, personal cheque) of £.......... being the price agreed by the purchaser with the vendor for the above named vehicle, receipt of which the vendor hereby acknowledges.
Seller
Buyer
