Car check history

UXB · 6 Jan 2015 at 08:40

When buying a used car from a dealer is it a good idea to use one of the many "car check" sites online, they vary in price from a lowly £2 up to £20 what is the difference then ?

If it is a good idea to check the cars history can anyone recommend a good site to use :confused:

Armageus · 6 Jan 2015 at 08:59

https://www.hpicheck.com all the way - they were the original people to do it, and to my knowledge the only people who provide any cover (£30k) if the car does later turn out to be stolen/written off/have finanace/or be cloned.

Yes they cost a bit more £19.99 single car (£9.99ea if you do 3 cars), but depends how much you are spending on a car.

They also provide much more information, as I believe they require the VIN number (or did last time I did one), which can provide more detailed information, in the event that the car has had a plate change (e.g. private plates), and links in with MOT documentation for mileages etc.

If it's bangernomics <£1000 I probably wouldn't bother, but anything more than that surely it's common sense to try and find out any hidden history.

If it's from a franchised dealer I would expect them to do a hpicheck no questions asked. Although do note, you only get the protection of a hpicheck if you do it yourself (i.e. you are not protected if the existing owner / dealer does a check).

lemonade · 6 Jan 2015 at 11:10

I just use a text check to see it the car has been written off or stolen, saved me once from traveling a long distance to view and possibly buy a car that was written off! Would only use Hpi for a newer or expensive car.

hawker1986 · 6 Jan 2015 at 11:13

+1 hpi check.

always get my cars HPI checked if buying privately. No point skimping

Hawker

DR_Pingu · 6 Jan 2015 at 11:53

HPI give's you a full report.

My text check is good for cheaper cars/a quick check. Costs about 3 quid, comes through pretty much instantly in 4 texts or something.

Guessing you're buying private, as most dealers HPI their vehicles before they get them in stock (my mate does anyway, even his cheap ones) and include the report with the sale.

scaza · 6 Jan 2015 at 12:42

Topcashback also give 20% back on hpi checks, making them £16 rather than £20!

Lashout_UK · 6 Jan 2015 at 12:46

I always use My Car Check

A tenner for the gold service, sorted.

Jonny ///M · 6 Jan 2015 at 12:48

I personally used the proper hpicheck site as it was the most in depth and the cover.

This was on a car less than £6k though. The dealer had already done one but I don't trust anybody.

ADT · 6 Jan 2015 at 12:59

I usually use my car check if buying from private/non-franchised dealer