Have you found the ideal used car online, in your opinion? The price is fair, and the seller seems trustworthy. All these points indicate that you’ve found a great deal.
Unfortunately, a nice appearance can be deceiving. Any visually nice vehicle might have hidden accident damage or other scams. As a result of buying it, you might lose thousands of pounds and the car itself.
Keep reading and learn about some common frauds and steps to protect yourself!
Common used car scams
You might experience many forms of used car scams. Some of them are easy to spot, while others are trickier. You can easily recognise warning signs before you buy if you know what to look for.
Clocked car
A clocked car is a pretty common fraud where the seller changes the mileage. They reduce the number shown on the dashboard to make the vehicle appear newer. These actions can increase the asking price by thousands of pounds.
Technically, the real mileage may be much higher than the advert claims. So, the engine, suspension, and other parts might have far more wear than you expect.
Some of the typical warning signs include
- Mileage doesn’t match old MOT records
- Worn steering wheel
- Heavy use of pedals
- Excessive wear of the driver’s seat
- Gaps in the service history
A clocked vehicle could’ve also missed important maintenance. It usually leads to expensive repairs after you buy it.
You can spot this scam by comparing the mileage with previous MOT records. Something is wrong if the numbers do not increase steadily.
Stolen car scam
Some criminals sell stolen cars to unsuspecting buyers. The vehicle may look genuine and even have all the essential paperwork. At first glance, nothing may seem unusual to you.
However, the police can easily seize your car later if they identify it as stolen. You will lose the car and the money you paid because the legal owner still has rights to the vehicle.
Some signs of this scam include
- Only cash payments
- VIN doesn’t match the paperwork
- Seller avoids questions
- A really low price
- No photo identification
So, it’s extremely important to confirm that the vehicle details match the documents.
Cloned vehicle
A cloned car uses the identity of another genuine vehicle. Basically, the criminals copy the registration number from a similar model and place it on the one they’re selling. This can make basic checks appear normal at first.
You will view this car as normal during the basic checks. You’ll usually experience the problems later.
Some of the key warning signs include
- Registration number mismatch
- VIN and the V5C logbook mismatch.
- Unusual number plates
- Unclear answers about the car’s history
You should always compare the registration number and VIN. Every detail should match exactly.
Outstanding finance
Some used cars still have unpaid finance. It means that a finance company may have a legal interest in the vehicle until someone repays the loan fully.
They have the right to recover the car if the previous owner stops making payments. You might discover this problem only after you have already paid for the vehicle.
Some of the typical signs of this scam are
- The seller refuses a proper vehicle history check
- Overly low price
- Pressuring to pay quickly
- No explanations and details
You have to make sure you know whether any finance remains on the car to avoid any problems in the future.
Written-off vehicle
An insurance company may write off a car after some serious damage. Many people repair these written-off vehicles to a high standard and safely return them to the road. However, some may have poor repairs that affect their safety and value.
The write-off itself is not always the problem. The real issue appears when a seller tries to hide the vehicle’s history.
Key warning signs of this scam are
- Uneven paint
- Wide panel gaps
- Signs of repair around the bonnet
- Different shades of paint
- Warning lights stay on after the engine starts
So, you should always understand the history of your potential vehicle. Plus, it’s important to check the quality of the repairs.
Payment scam
Some people might ask you to pay a deposit before you have even seen the car. They often claim that they have another buyer and that you should act immediately.
These sellers typically disappear right after you transfer the money. They will remove the advert and won’t answer your phone calls.
Some of the warning signs are
- Ask for payment by bank transfer
- Not letting you inspect the vehicle
- The seller acts too pushy
A genuine seller will usually let you check the vehicle properly. So, it is usually safer to walk away and keep looking if anything feels suspicious.
Essential strategies to avoid car scams
The process of buying a used car doesn’t have to be risky. You can avoid most of the scams we described by checking the vehicle carefully. These few simple steps can help you spot any problems.
Do a VIN number check
Every vehicle has a VIN code made up of letters and numbers. This code links your car to important records, including its history and registration details.
You should confirm your potential vehicle’s identity by carrying out a VIN number check. Then, you have to compare the VIN shown on the car with the number on all of the vehicle’s documents. Every number and letter should match exactly.
Where do you find the VIN?
- Dashboard
- Driver’s door frame
- Engine bay
- V5C log book
If you find different numbers, do not ignore the problem. Even a single incorrect character could point to stolen or incorrectly documented vehicles.
Check the MOT history
Every used car will have an MOT history that you can review through the official GOV.UK service. You will get some useful information about the car’s past, which can help you spot warning signs.
We suggest you read every available MOT record instead of only checking the latest test. Make sure to compare the mileage shown at each test. You have to pay more attention to faults that appear repeatedly to reveal any problems.
An MOT history might show you
- Sudden changes in recorded mileage
- Repeated brake problems
- Tyre issues
- Long gaps between MOT tests
- Advisory notices
Yet, MOT only confirms that the vehicle meets the legal standard on the day of the test. It can’t guarantee that your prospective car has no defects.
Inspect the V5C log book
Next, you should see the original V5C log book. Make sure to compare every detail on the document with the vehicle you’re inspecting.
Some of the key points to check include
- Registration number
- VIN
- Make
- Model
- Colour
You also need to understand what the V5C does and does not prove. The document records who is responsible for registering the vehicle. Yet, it doesn’t prove that the seller legally owns it.
Inspect the car in person
You should always inspect the vehicle in person before you agree to buy it.
You have to walk around the entire car to see any damage and neglect. Make sure to take your time and do not let the seller rush you.
Some of the small details to check outside include
- Different paint colours
- Uneven panel gaps
- Rusty areas
- Tyres for even wear
- Poor-quality repairs
Next, you can inspect the inside of the vehicle. A clean interior does not always mean that the previous owner maintained the car appropriately.
The inside elements you should check are
- Seats and steering wheel
- Pedals
- Warning lights
You have to compare their overall wear with the claimed mileage.
Take a proper test drive
Your next critical step is a test drive. It can uncover problems that are impossible to see while the car is parked. You have to ensure proper insurance and the seller’s permission before driving.
You can drive on different types of roads if it’s possible. You should listen carefully and pay attention to how the vehicle responds.
Some of the key points to examine during the test drive are
- Brakes
- Steering
- Gear changes
- Engine noise
- Vibrations
Don’t hesitate to ask the seller questions if something feels off.
Get an independent inspection
You might also need an independent inspection in certain situations. It’s especially critical for older cars or vehicles with previous accident damage.
An experienced mechanic can spot the defect you would miss. They can examine important parts of the vehicle, including
- Engine
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Mechanical components
Remember that no assessment can predict every future problem. However, it can lower your chances of buying a car with hidden defects.
Check the seller before you pay
You should also spend some time checking the seller. This little research might reveal some warning signs before you hand over any money.
You can do an online search of their
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
Then, look for other adverts they have posted and see if there are any complaints from previous buyers.
Also, try to arrange the buying process at the car registration address. It’s particularly important if you are buying from a private seller.
Use secure payment methods
Our last tip for you is to pay after you have inspected the vehicle and completed all your checks. Plus, confirm the seller’s identity and make sure all the paperwork is correct.
You should pick a payment method that provides a clear record of the transaction. Avoid sending money if you cannot confirm who you are paying.
We also recommend you keep copies of
- Original advert
- Text messages
- Emails
- Payment records
- Vehicle history reports
- Inspection reports
These records can be very helpful if you later need to challenge the sale or report a suspected scam.
Conclusion
The process of buying a used car does not have to be stressful for you. Yes, there’s always a possibility of scams, but you can easily avoid them with the right preparation.
Some of the steps you can take to buy a car safely include
- VIN check
- MOT history check
- V5C Log Book inspection
- Live inspection and test drive
- Seller check
- Safe payments
We suggest you use official information from GOV.UK and other trustworthy tools whenever possible. If anything seems unusual, ask questions and pursue professional advice!
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