the dangers of buying without a history check

the dangers of buying without a history check

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If you're thinking about buying a used car, it's important to get a history check first. This will tell you if the car has been in any accidents or if it has any outstanding finance against it. There are different levels of checks that provide information on a variety of elements, all of which can have a serious effect on your car, its safety, and its value.

Without a history check, you could end up buying a car that's not worth as much as you thought it was, or worse, one that's dangerous to drive. So, make sure you do your research before handing over any money.

What are the dangers of not getting a history check before buying a used car?

If you're thinking of buying a used car, it's absolutely essential that you get a history check before making any decisions. There are a number of dangers associated with not doing your research, and these could end up costing you a lot of money.

One of the biggest risks is that you could buy a stolen car without realising it. This could land you in hot water with the police, and you might even have to give the car back to its rightful owner. Even if the car isn't stolen, there's a chance it might be an insurance write-off or have outstanding finance attached to it. This could cause all sorts of problems down the line, so it's always best to err on the side of caution.

Another danger is that you could end up paying over the odds for a car that isn't worth as much as you think. A history check will give you an accurate valuation of the vehicle, so you'll know exactly how much it's worth. This information can be vital when negotiating a price with the seller.

All in all, there are a lot of risks associated with not getting a history check before buying a used car. It might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Can I check my service history online?

If you're buying a used car from a dealer, they should be able to provide you with a service history. This will tell you when the car was last serviced and what work was carried out. If you're buying from a private seller, it's unlikely that you'll be able to get hold of this information.

However, there are other ways to check a car's service history. For example, many manufacturers keep records of their cars' servicing online. You can also check the MoT history of any car that's over three years old. This will tell you if the car has failed any tests and what repairs were carried out.

To do this, you'll need the car's registration number and either the make and model or the V5C document reference number. You can then search for the car on the Gov.uk website.

What is a VIN check?

A VIN (vehicle identification number) is a unique code that's assigned to every car. It's usually stamped on the chassis of the car, so it can be difficult to find. However, it's important to get a VIN check done as this will give you information on the car's background, such as whether it was stolen or written off in an accident.

To get a VIN check, you'll need the car's registration number and either the make and model or the V5C document reference number.

How do you check if a car has been in an accident?

If you're worried that a car you're thinking of buying has been in an accident, there are a few things you can do to check.

The first thing to do is look over the bodywork for any signs of damage. This could be anything from scratches and dents to mismatched paintwork. If you spot anything, it's worth asking the seller about it. They might be able to give you a perfectly innocent explanation, but if they can't or won't, it could be a red flag.

Another way to check is by looking at the car's V5C document (also known as the logbook). This will have a section called 'notifications', which will list any changes made to the vehicle. This could include anything from a change of colour to the car being declared an insurance write-off.

Of course, none of this is conclusive proof that a car has been in an accident, but it's definitely worth doing your research before handing over any money. A comprehensive history check, however, will tell you what you need to know.

Which car history report is best?

mycarcheck offers three types of check, all of them offer different levels of information, so it's worth doing some research to see which one will suit your needs best. The types of check are:

Free Check - free

The most basic level will tell you the value of the car, as well as MOT status and history. This is a good option if you just need to know the bare minimum, but you might want to opt for a higher level check if you are particularly unsure of a car's history.

Basic - £3.99

This check provides you with information on MOT status and history, valuation, whether it has been scrapped or written off, and whether it has been exported or stolen. This is a good shout for short-listing multiple vehicles before heading out to view them.

Comprehensive - £9.99

Our comprehensive check is the one we recommend, providing all the aforementioned information as well as looking at any outstanding finance. This is the creme de la creme of history checks and will leave no stone unturned so you have maximum peace of mind.

What if there's no history?

If a car doesn't have a history, it could be because it's brand new, or because it's been imported from another country. It could also be that the car has been stolen and its previous owner is trying to hide this fact.

If you're thinking of buying a car without a history, we would strongly advise against it. You simply won't know what you're getting yourself into and it could end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.

Why wait to find out if something is wrong when you can discover the entire history before you even get to the seller. Get a history check with us today for clarity before you buy.

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data analysis from 4th Jul '24 to 3rd Oct '24