Confused about HPI checks

Mr_P_5

Hi guys,

Hoping you can help as I am a little confused RE: HPI checks.

I have agreed to buy a new car and just wanted to confirm how the HPI checks work.

1. the car has had a private number plate on (when traded in to the dealer), but is now on its original plate - which do I do the HPI check/does it matter?

2. Is it when doing the check that you could confirm if it had been in an accident? (Ie is it CAT D/C), or does this come one the log book?

finally..

3. are there any dangers in the trader providing the HPI check meaning I should do on myself, in which case who with?

Thanks LOADS in advance

verityboo

Any HPi check worth paying for requires you to enter the car chassis number and so will be able to accurately tell you about the exact vehicle.

The HPi check will tell you if it has been in an accident serious enough to write it off - cat c/d etc. It will not tell you if it has been in a more minor shunt and was repaired by the insurers, you need to carry out your own checks (looking for paint overspray or paint on rubber seals etc)

Dangers in accepting the dealers HPi are that it may be more basic and may be out of date. If the car was written off it takes a while for it to show as cat c or d on HPi reports so be wary if the dealers HPi was done some time ago

Mr_P_5

Arrrr OK!

I will ring and ask what type of HPI check they use but I may get one myself... which is the best to go for that doesn't cost the Earth?

I presume that as the old private plate is off I would only need to get it done on the plate that is on the car currently, (i think they got the log book back 2 days ago).

thanks again

Mr_P_5

I have just gone on to the official HPI website which allows you to put the number plate in to check (and it tells you what car it is but not the full details). When i put the number plate in it gives me the response:

Vehicle Details1 for registration number XXXXXXX

No descriptive data is held by DVLA for registration number XXXXXXX.

If the registration is correct, continue with the check.

To update an existing check which you have the reference number for, please click here

Is this likely because of the number plate change or could it be dodgy?

Mr_P_5

I am now even more confused.. been on the DVLA site to check and comes up with the correct details?

Foxy-Stoat_3

You will need registration number(s), chassis number & logbook reference number, check the chassis numbers with whats on the actual car too. The original reg number will be stored, buy may need both.

Do the HPI check yourself, should cost around £25-£30

Also, note down the last MOT reference number and go on DVLA MOT check site, this will bring up all previous computer MOTs and check the mileage and if there was any advisories. This should also bring up all previous registration numbers at the difference MOT tests, assuming this isn't a 3 year old or newer car.

Do all of this before you buy the car!

Mr_P_5

Hi Foxy,

Thank you for that. The car is 3 years old so going for its first MOT so can't check that. I will do my own HPI check to.. which is the best site? most seem to say RAC?

Mr_P_5

I have spoken to the dealer and he has the check through Autotrader which is good.. he also said the log book just came back, (this seems to confirm why DVLA has info but it is confusing the HPI checks), he is giving me the old plate number allowing me to double double check although looks fine

strawberries1

Hi all, this thread has answered most of questions however what sites are best for the checks please? I'm set to buy a 9yr old car tmrw. Thanks.

forgotmyname

RAC, AA, or HPI. Dont do the cheap text checks. Worthless.

forgotmyname

9 year old car is it worth it?