How to avoid buying a stolen car
Most people would like to think that they can spot a dodgy deal, but fraudsters are getting ever more sophisticated. From online ticket scams to street con artists, it feels like you need to be constantly on your guard. And at no time is this more true than when buying a used vehicle. While some buyers might think they could identify a stolen car easily themselves, the reality is that stolen cars can often seem perfectly legitimate. The AA is reminding used car buyers that they should conduct an AA Car Data Check to ensure they have all the vehicle history information they need on their next used car, as well as following the AA’s top tips on spotting a stolen vehicle.
“Used car history checks identify nearly 30 stolen vehicles a day*, which highlights the level of risk used car buyers face,” says Amanda Moore of the AA . “Historically, the tell-tale signs of a stolen car (window and paint scratches, or marks left by tampering with an ignition shaft, for example) made spotting a stolen car easier. With modern vehicles it is much more difficult as used car criminals are very clever at covering their tracks, and are devising new ways to do so all the time. However, there are some simple steps buyers can take to avoid a stolen vehicle.”
A key piece of AA advice is reminding buyers to always check that all the VIN/chassis numbers on the vehicle match each other and have not been tampered with. In addition, check the seller’s ID to ensure you are buying from the registered keeper of the vehicle. Make sure you always meet them at their home, rather than a pub car park or lay-by. Never let the seller come to you. Check that the service and any MOT documentation tell a consistent story, and that the information on the V5 registration document matches with the information confirmed on the AA Car Data Check.
Moore continues, “Buyers can also use the AA Car Data Check to confirmthe registration plate is registered to the VIN/chassis number (as recorded by the DVLA), and check the seller’s ID – are you buying from the registered keeper of the vehicle as stated on the V5/logbook? Another key warning sign can be a vehicle which is considerably cheaper than the going rate for similar vehicles of the same age, condition and mileage, so make sure you shop around to get a feel for what a realistic price might be – if it’s significantly cheaper, you should ask why.”
Buyers should also ensure they conduct an AA Car Data Check, which will reveal whether the vehicle is currently recorded by the Police as stolen. The check also tells buyers whether their potential purchase has been declared a total loss by an insurance company, could have been clocked or is on outstanding finance, offering valuable peace of mind before they buy.
“It goes without saying that buying a stolen vehicle could result in the loss of both the car and the money that was paid for it, if it is recovered by the police.” concludes Moore. The AA Car Data Check offers an easy and quick way for customers to discover the facts before they buy. And the AA’s top tips provide used car buyers with the basics to look out for, to help them avoid buying a stolen vehicle and giving their hard-earned cash to car thieves.”
The AA car data check’s buying advice to avoid stolen vehicles
Go to the seller’s address: check that they are the registered keeper of the vehicle, make sure their address matches the vehicle’s V5 document and never meet in a car park or other location
Check all documents match: The V5 details should match the MOT documents and service history. An incomplete or inconsistent service history should put you on your guard.
Look for document problems: check the V5 document issue date and serial number when you complete an AA Car Data Check, to see if they are recorded as stolen or fraudulent.
If it’s too good to be true, walk away: if it seems to be the bargain of the century, it’s probably a dodgy vehicle being dressed up with a tempting price tag. Use your head, not your heart and walk away.
Conduct an AA Car Data Check: the best way to be sure your purchase is the real deal