Don't take any chances. Know your car's history... Acklam Car Centre guarantee every car we sell.. All our cars are HPI checked as soon as they enter our premises. We do not charge for this service, it is all part of our Total Peace of Mind package.
Has the vehicle been too badly damaged to be repaired economically or safely; has the insurance company declared it a total loss?
In some cases the damage to the vehicle is so severe that it cannot be repaired. These vehicles should never return to the road but some do, presenting a real danger to anyone who drives them.
Is there an outstanding loan or finance agreement secured on the car?
Most finance agreements/loans will grant the lender ownership of the vehicle until the debt has been paid. The debt stays with the vehicle not the borrower. Even if you bought the vehicle in good faith, if the finance hasn’t been settled then the lender could repossess the vehicle, meaning you could lose the car and the money you paid.
Is the car displaying the correct mileage?
A mileage discrepancy could indicate that the vehicle has been clocked. A vehicle that has been clocked could have hidden wear and tear. Serious mechanical failures could occur if the correct service schedule hasn’t been maintained. The mileage of a vehicle also has a direct impact on its value so you could be paying well over the odds if the clock has been turned back.
* Mileage provided where available
How many number plate changes has the car had and is there anything outstanding on a previous plate.
i. This register indicates whether a vehicle has had a legitimate registration plate change since April 1990. People change plates to personalise their vehicles, but they can also change them to hide a vehicle's history.
Has the car been imported or exported?
It can be difficult to find out information on the history of the imported vehicle prior to its registration in the UK. It can be difficult to buy replacement parts for an import and the cost of insurance for an imported car is significantly higher. An exported vehicle should not be in the country which could raise questions about the identity of the vehicle. You would also not be able to insure a car that has been marked exported by the DVLA.
As well as checking the vehicle’s registration number we also check there are no issues recorded against the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
We also check that the VIN/Chassis numbers on the car match the one on the V5C/Logbook. A mismatch could indicate a significant issue such as: cut and shut, stolen or cloned.
