Whenever you purchase a used vehicle, regardless of whether it is from a dealership or private seller, then there are a couple of things that you need to consider so that you don’t end up buying a car that you might not get to own. Go to Blacklisted for more information.

Firstly any used car runs the risk of being stolen and should you purchase it then you still won’t be the proper owner. This means that if it is later discovered that the vehicle is stolen then you will lose it and the money you’ve spent on it.

Secondly, when buying a used vehicle you need to ensure that the vehicle does not have any outstanding finance relating to it. This simply means that the previous, or original owner, paid it off properly and fully when it was first bought. Failure to do so might mean that the finance company may have a legal claim to the car again leaving you without a automobile and without the money you spent on it.

When buying a used automobile there are a few easy precautions that you can take to ensure that you get a legitimate automobile that’s safe for you and your family. When you buy a vehicle from a dealership, choose one that has a good reputation. Ask around to see what other people think of them. If buying off a private seller then use your judgement about the seller to decide whether they are trustworthy or not. If something does not seem right or the deal seems too good to be true then it probably isn’t - don’t purchase the car and consider contacting the police.

When buying a used automobile always ask for proof of identity and the address of the seller, such as a driving licence. This means that if you have any problems with the automobile or you’re asked about the seller you’ll be able to have their full and proper details.

Also, only purchase a used car that comes with its vehicle registration document (V5), and make sure that it is an authentic document with the DVLA watermark and that it has not been tampered with. On the V5 will be the car identification number (VIN) which is a unique 17-character number issued to every car by the automobile maker, and was previously known as the chassis number. You should check the VIN on the V5 matches matches the VIN which can be found in various places on or in the automobile. Refer to Vehicle Finance for more information.

The VIN can be found on a manufacturer’s VIN plate under the bonnet or fixed to the post between the front and rear doors; stamped on the body chassis or frame; or on an additional plate fixed securely to the top corner of the dashboard where it can easily be seen through the windscreen, known as a visible VIN. If you can’t find the VIN or suspect it has been tampered with then don’t purchase the vehicle and inform the police.

Finally to avoid buying a stolen or written off automobile, or one with outstanding finance, you can take advantage of a service offered by the RAC and AA that checks the legal status of the car. This will cost around thirty pounds but this may turn out to be a small amount compared to what you might lose if you buy a vehicle that may later taken away from you. Visit Car finance for blacklisted for further information.

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