Last time I essentially just went and bought a car - it was cheap enough and it wasn't going on Irish plates, so who cares.. this time thought there's a little bit more money and time involved and the car IS going on ROI plates.. so
I found this rather lovely writeup over on www.vectra-c.com
Here's the direct link: http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92322
write up is done by Vaux-Man-G - I wont even attempt to take credit for it
I have just had a close shave with a car I was looking at buying and some of the checks I do before buying came up trumps and saved me a lot of aggro!
I have spent a bit of time doing an "as brief as possible" write up of some pre-purchase checks that are vital.
It has saved me problem no end in the past and present and works a treat.
Also very easy to use for the computer illiterate person.
In my opinion, these are some crucial "Before you buy, vital checks".
I think its worth everyone storing these links, and I usually do them in this order:
------------------------------------------------
1.
Autotrader Quick Vehicle Check.
Link: http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/vehicleche ... echeck.jsp
Cost: Free
What will this tell you?
You will need the registration number, this will then tell you if the vehicle you are looking at actually match's with what it should be. E.g, its not running on false plates, etc.
------------------------------------------------
2.
DVLA Vehicle Enquiries, online.
Link: http://www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/index.jsp, Click on VEHICLE ENQUIRY ON THE LEFT and then on the next page, press NEXT, you will need the Reg Number and Vehicle Make only at this stage. Type these details in and hit NEXT.
Cost: Free
What will this tell you?
If the vehicle has Road Tax, when it is due, if is declared SORN? The registration date. Fuel Type. Engine Size. Colour. Road Tax prices.
------------------------------------------------
3.
DVLA Enquiries, telephone
T: 0870 240 0010.
Cost: Free, or the cost of the phone call.
What will this tell you?
Ask them if the vehicle has any police interest, and if you have a suspicion before viewing about accident damage, ask them if it has had a VIC check or if it needs one. THIS WILL NOT tell you if its been a Cat-D, that the HPI Report, this is only to confirm VIC data and police interest.
------------------------------------------------
If you are still interested in the vehicle you have seen then proceed to the following:
------------------------------------------------
4.
RAC Vehicle Check, basically a full HPI Check for £9.99, you will need the registration number.
Link: https://www.raccheck.com/consumer/?sour ... date=false or http://www.rac.co.uk/vehicle-checks/car-data-check/ (with this link you can select to buy one check for £9.99 or 3 checks for £19.99).
Cost: £9.99.
What will this tell you?
Its a full HPI Report. ID, theft, accident damage, category, outstanding finance, reg plate changes (inc private plates) and everything a HPI report should tell you.
------------------------------------------------
5.
Then, IF you can obtain the Document Ref Number from the V5 Log Book or the MOT test number from VT20 MOT Test Certificate, AND have the registration number:
Link: http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/internet/jsp/ ... equest.jsp
Cost: Free
What will this tell you?
This will trawl back through all the MOT's that vehicle has had and will give you details of the date of check, pass or fail, the mileage at the time of the checks and test station details.
------------------------------------------------
6.
Insurance database
Link: http://www.askmid.com/askmid.aspx
What will this tell you?
It allows you to see if a car is insured or not.
------------------------------------------------
Hope this post is helpful to everyone and saves you a lot of aggro!
Happy trading!
