How to check for car c cat d for used car

aetbaar

Hi I am looking to buy a new car from a dealer which all seems ok in terms of service history MOT provided etc

I wanted to ensure it was not previously involved in an accident or has incorrect mileage. Do the RAC and AA car data checks give accurate information on cars that have been in accidents or damaged or can these reports miss this

I will also get an aa and RAC full inspection done

I am not a mechanic and know little about cars so want to ensure I get a thorough check before buying the car

Are the HPI check and independent inspection sufficient to check for any specific issues ?

atrixblue.-MFR-.

aetbaar wrote: »

Hi I am looking to buy a new car from a dealer which all seems ok in terms of service history MOT provided etc

I wanted to ensure it was not previously involved in an accident or has incorrect mileage. Do the RAC and AA car data checks give accurate information on cars that have been in accidents or damaged or can these reports miss this

I will also get an aa and RAC full inspection done

I am not a mechanic and know little about cars so want to ensure I get a thorough check before buying the car

Are the HPI check and independent inspection sufficient to check for any specific issues ?

dealerships usually carry out a detail HPI report on cars they have taken in, you can ask the question to the saleman, Has this car been involved in an accident loss been stolen recovered or still has finance on it if he says no then ask him if he has the HPI report for you to view if he cant provide this then do your own and take his word as a pinch of salt.


inspection.


AA or RAC should compile a detailed report on condition, chassis body and mechanical, they should explain the finding at the end of the inspection, you should be present to observe.
The inspection should include a HPI report.


any problems that arise with engine or chassis parts you should discuss repairs with the saleman.

spacey2012

It will say on the VC5 DECL CAT C or DECL CAT D if it has been written off.

If you do buy a HPI, pay extra for the real HPI, they offer insurance if it goes wrong or has a log book loan on it.
The cheap HPI are false economy.

vaio

spacey2012 wrote: »

It will say on the VC5 DECL CAT C or DECL CAT D if it has been written off........

I'm pretty sure cat d doesn't appear on the V5

AdrianC

vaio wrote: »

I'm pretty sure cat d doesn't appear on the V5

No, it doesn't. It's one of the differences between Cat C (damaged beyond the pre-accident value of the car) and Cat D (damaged, but not beyond the pre-accident value). The other main one is that an identity check on the vehicle isn't required for a CatD.

OP - you do know that a Cat C or Cat D listing isn't the same as "never been in an accident", yep? It's only whether the car's been written off. It's entirely possible that the same car with the same damage at the same time could be Cat C (if the repairs are thought to be more than it was worth), Cat D (if the repairs aren't, but the insurer decides to write it off - maybe it's the cost of a hire car that tips it) or just be repaired. It's entirely possible that the difference between the three was just the mood the assessor was in, or that the insured doesn't want a hire car because he's going to be on holiday when it's in, or he's got another car.

If you want a car that's never been damaged, you need to LOOK at it closely, and you need to learn the tell-tales of repair.

Or, perhaps more sensibly, you need to ignore the history and just look at the overall condition. I'd pass straight by a scruffy and ill-maintained never-hit car in favour of one that's been hit but repaired and looked after properly, any day of the week.

forgotmyname

An HPI will only show if its been through the insurance. Cat C or D etc.

It wont show up if a car has been damaged and repaired privately. Or if its safe.

A thorough inspection should show up any repairs or issues. But it depends on the quality of the repair and the person inspecting it.