Gals Guide – Womens Guide to Buying Cars
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What's the Story?
H is for History and HPI checks
If you are buying from a private individual there are some things you must do to stay safe and protect your interests.
Do everything you can to make sure that the car has not:
- Been stolen – 1 in 300 cars sold privately, are registered as stolen vehicles.
- Been involved in any major accidents.
- Any outstanding finance – 24% of cars sold privately have outstanding finance – you don't want to be left paying twice for that bargain buy.
The best way to do this is with a full HPI check, which usually costs £19.99. Some online sites, like carsite, provide this upfront, free with each listing. This means you can see the full history of the car before you decide to buy.
HPI checks provide information about:
- Any outstanding finance
- Any previous damage, including accidents.
- Any inspection reports
- If the vehicle has been stolen
- Any plate changes
- Whether the VRM and VIN numbers correspond with DVLA records
(These identification numbers are stamped on the bodywork and must match the documentation to be sure that the vehicle is all it appears to be)
Whatever you do, don't purchase a car online that has an unknown/unrecorded past. Reports claim that 1 in every 3 used cars has a story to tell – one the owner doesn't want you to know.
