Women still intimidated by the used car buying process

Whilst almost half the driving population in the UK are female, less than 20% of the used car history checks completed by HPI, the UK’s leading independent vehicle information specialists, were conducted by women. 4 in 5 women surveyed by HPI believed understanding the vehicle’s history was the most important thing when buying a used car, yet when buying from the trade, many had to ask to see this information rather than it being volunteered automatically as part of the buying process.

“Whilst female buyers are just as aware as their male counterparts of the pitfalls of buying in the used car market, they feel much more vulnerable about putting themselves through the buying experience,” explains Nicola Johnson, Business Manager for HPI. “But it is really worrying that so many of the female car buyers we surveyed said they would rather place the onus on the car dealer, their husband or male friends to actively check out a vehicle and seek confirmation of its history.

“It really isn’t as daunting as it first appears. By completing an HPI Check female motorists can arm themselves with information and advice to help avoid any nasty surprises later down the line, which is a wise investment during these days of belt-tightening. Our team of experienced advisors fully appreciate how intimidating buying a car can be, and will ensure all buyers are as knowledgeable and confident as possible about their purchase decision. If female callers are apprehensive about buying a used car, they can get independent and unbiased advice from HPI, with supporting information and help available on our website.”

The HPI Check looks at all the key registers, including whether a vehicle is on outstanding finance (a high risk for buyers as car owners begin to feel the financial pinch), as well as if the vehicle has been stolen, written-off or clocked. If any areas of concern are flagged, HPI will walk customers through how to address them, supported by its dedicated Investigations Team. Another useful bargaining tool is the valuation, included as standard, which will give buyers an idea of the market value of the vehicle, and provide a benchmark with which to start negotiations.

Nicola Johnson concludes: “It should never be underestimated how powerful arming yourself with research, including the HPI Certificate, can be in boosting your confidence. It will give you a greater ability to take the lead in the sales discussions with a dealership or a private vendor. And with the results of an HPI Check covered by a £30,000 guarantee, women have everything they need to buy a great used car.”

HPI Checks are available at hpicheck.com from just £19.99.

HPI’S USED CAR BUYING TIPS

Do your research - Prices of used cars will vary depending on age, mileage and the condition of the car. Verify that you can afford the ongoing running costs such as maintenance and insurance. Make sure you do your research before you buy your dream machine.

Verify the seller – Check that you are buying from the registered keeper of the vehicle. Ensure that you are buying the car from the address recorded on the V5 (not a layby or car park).

Check all documentation – V5 and service records, MoT certificate and receipts where available, to ensure everything tallies. If the seller cannot provide the V5 then you should walk away; there are plenty more similar cars on the market.

View the car in good conditions where possible – Inspect the bodywork in broad daylight to make sure there are no dents, rust or uneven paint that might give away that it's been in a crash. Poor light, rain, or water on the bodywork, may mask faults, as may a cleaned engine bay, which could hide signs of oil leaks.

Investigate its history – Is it stolen? Does it have any outstanding debts on it? Has it been clocked? An HPI Check will confirm the vehicle description and history and whether it is currently recorded as stolen, clocked, been written-off by an insurance company, or is subject to outstanding finance.

Test drive the car – Make sure that you test drive the car on a range of roads for a drive of at least 10-15 miles. Ensure that you are properly insured, and take a friend with you.

Try not to get emotionally attached to the car – an objective review of the car, warts and all, may save you from buying a problem car. There are plenty of other cars out there that may be a better investment.