CITY OF YORK COUNCIL Trading Standards regularly deals with complaints from residents who have bought second-hand cars from private sellers, only to find the mileage has been reduced (clocked), or it has suffered serious accident damage, is incorrectly described and, on a few occasions, is not even the seller's property.

The following checks are recommended to minimise the risk:

  • Inspect the Registration Document - this holds details such as the current keeper, the immediate prior keeper, and the Vehicle Identification Number
  • Check the length of ownership - the date of "last keeper change" lets you know how long the present keeper has had the car
  • Look at the MOT - this gives an indication of the overall condition of a vehicle but only about its condition on a particular day and little about its mechanical performance
  • See the service history - check it hasn't been falsified - choose a garage that is shown to have completed a major service, then telephone it to check
  • Carry out an HPI or similar check - this will show if the vehicle is still subject to finance, has been declared a total loss by an insurer or whether it is currently recorded as stolen
  • Arrange a mechanical check - a full independent check will protect the investment you are making in the car
  • Arrange a test drive - check you are insured and drive at a variety of speeds and in different traffic conditions
  • Scrutinise the paperwork - get the seller's name and address (in case you need to make a complaint/claim). If the seller has agreed to remedy any defects get this in writing. Think twice about paying cash.

The Car Buyers' Guide and Scorecard, published by the Trading Standards Institute and HPI, contains useful information about buying a car either privately, or from a garage or at an auction, together with a "Scorecard" to help you assess your potential purchase. City of York Council's Motor Traders Fair Trading Scheme can help you get a fair deal when buying a new or used car. For further details of the leaflet or for a list of members of the scheme phone Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.