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You want to buy yourself a used car in Essex. You don't want to be conned by some rogue used car trader so what do you do? You pick up the local paper and see the used car you want advertised under a 'private advert' - lovely. So off you trot to this nice 'private' address to look at your new car, and there it is - exactly like the picture and you start getting excited. You think 'that would do' so you knock on the door. Some very nice chappie comes to the door and shows you round the car. So far so good. During the proceedings you ask 'why are you selling the car?'
His answer is something like 'it's not actually my car - I'm Selling it for my friend/mother/next door neighbour/uncles dog/Santa's helper/etc,etc - that is why the Registration Document is not in his name. Alarm bells should be ringing by now - have you been here before?!?! Does the friend/mother etc, etc not have a telephone or the mental ability to advertise the car for themselves?
There is usually only one reason why the Log Book is not in his name - it is because he has bought the car to 'sell on' to make some money. He doesn't care what might be wrong with the car. You will buy it 'as seen' and will have no come back when the first wheel falls off.
They probably have no idea of the history of the used car - it probably came from an auction or the back door of some dodgy salvage yard. YES a salvage yard nearly 15% of all cars on the road are on vcar . He will buy it without driving it first - he doesn't care how it drives. All he is interested in is a quick profit at your expense. the word 'private' in an advert means that you have no recourse. If the car has been an insurance write off or had serious damage - tough - that's now YOUR problem.
And don't ask about a warranty - you will be lucky if they can spell warranty let alone supply one. Bona Fide warranty companies will only allow legitimate businesses with Consumer credit Licences to offer their warranties.
Most of these people are selling used cars 'on the side' trying to earn a few extra pounds. Normally you can spot these cars a mile away. They will often be on the side of the road and will not be in the name or address of the person selling the car.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
1. WHEN YOU FIRST RING SIMPLY STATE YOU ARE RINGING ABOUT THE CAR FOR SALE (DO NOT MENTION THE MODEL) - HE MAY HAVE MORE THAN ONE!
2. HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED THE CAR?
3. WHY ARE YOU SELLING THE CAR?
4. DO YOU MIND IF I HPI AND MILEAGE CHECK THIS CAR?
5. WHERE AND WHEN DID YOU LAST HAVE IT SERVICED?
6. ASK TO SEE THE LOG BOOK AND CHECK THE NAME AND ADDRESS. ASK HIM IF HE IS THE PERSON ON THE LOG BOOK.
If all the questions are answered and you are at the address on the log book then you may be dealing someone who is genuine. AFC strongly recommend that you carry out an HPI check (including mileage check) on all used cars you may consider buying, as well as arranging a RAC used car inspection. You can do this by clicking on the HPI link below. We are affiliated to HPI and all of the vehicles we offer are HPI checked and are delivered with the certificate for your records.
why buy a used car from a GOOD used car dealer ?
they will always hpi the used cars .
they will always get the used car valeted
if there is rips or marks in the trim they will get them done
they will get the paint work done if needed
a new mot and if needed a service and best of all a car warranty all this in the screen price, that is why some dealers don't move from the price
and one more thing ,you have someone to go back to !!! happy car hunting
