Urgent Advise - Buying CAR

avi_3

the 192.com doesn't show him at all

windym_2

shelly wrote:

I would take details on 192.com with a pinch of salt.

Surely any hope of a bit of information is better than no information.

I can see from OP comments that he isn't on 192. Then the other course of action re electoral roll is to phone your local council and speak with the electoral roll officer. Ours at North Cornwall give you details over the phone of persons registered. If yours doesn't offer it over the phone then you can visit the offices in person.

Have you contacted the previous owner? It may be genuine.

The only thing that my husband thinks could be wrong, if all the checks prove OK, is that the vehicle is cloned. In case you don't know, it means that there are two vehicles in the country on the same plates with the same spec. but obviously one of them is stolen and has taken the originals identity. The HPI check will only be on the registration number, if it is cloned, it won't come back anything other than OK.

The only surefire way of establishing this is to contact the local police and ask for the 'vehicle investigation unit' and explain the circumstances to them. They can tell you if the VIN has been restamped but will need to see the car - obviously not helpful - but they may be able to give you other pointers to look for. The VIN being restamped is not always obvious to the leyman.

Would an AA or RAC check offer any guarantees about money back, if it does come back as stolen?

windym_2

Just checked the AA website and they say:

Stolen vehicles
The data check may not identify 'cloned' or 'ringed' vehicles bearing a false Vehicle Registration Mark and Vehicle Identification Number.

avi_3

Checked on 192.com, person present at that address.

Tojo_Ralph

So where is the usual..... "Why didn't you check all this out before you bid" ..... and ..... "Buyers who bid, win and then back out really fish me off" ..... Advice.

(Note... A tad tongue in cheek, but if ever there was a case for answering the questions before you start bidding, it's when you are parting with £26,000 for a used car in a private sale)

motorguy

Have you tried contacting the previous owner? they might shed some light on the circumstances. What about paying for an independent RAC / AA check? They will come out and examine the car for previous accident damage - it could have had significant damage and not have been subject to an insurance claim.

Even with all your homework done, somewhere along the line you're going to have to take a leap of faith and part cash on the car, all you can do is minimise that risk but its always going to be there...

avi_3

thanks everone for the replies. I have gone ahead and bought the vehicle. I will be sending the V5 tomorrow to DVLA.

windym_2

Hope it turns out OK, it certainly looks a nice car!