What are Some Success Stories with Vehicle History Checks?
Vehicle history checks are an invaluable tool for both buyers and sellers in the used car market. They provide transparency, protect against fraud, and help ensure safe and informed transactions. Here are some real-life success stories that highlight the importance of vehicle history checks.
Case Study 1: Avoiding a Stolen Vehicle
John was in the market for a used car and found a great deal on a popular online marketplace. The car seemed perfect, and the price was very attractive. Before finalising the purchase, John decided to run a vehicle history check using CarOwl.
The Discovery
The vehicle history report revealed that the car had been reported stolen a few months earlier. The seller had not mentioned this crucial detail.
The Outcome
Thanks to the vehicle history check, John avoided buying a stolen car and potentially facing legal trouble. He reported the incident to the authorities, who were able to recover the stolen vehicle.
Case Study 2: Identifying Outstanding Finance
Susan was excited about buying a used SUV from a private seller. The car looked well-maintained, and the price was within her budget. However, before proceeding, Susan decided to run a vehicle history check using CarOwl.
The Discovery
The report showed that there was outstanding finance on the vehicle. The seller still owed a significant amount of money to the finance company.
The Outcome
Susan contacted the seller and asked them to clear the finance before completing the sale. The seller agreed, and Susan was able to buy the car without any financial risks.
Case Study 3: Revealing Mileage Discrepancies
Tom was interested in a used car that had low mileage for its age. The seller claimed that the car had been driven sparingly and was in excellent condition. To verify this, Tom decided to run a vehicle history check using CarOwl.
The Discovery
The vehicle history report revealed several mileage discrepancies. The odometer readings recorded during past MOT tests were higher than the current reading.
The Outcome
Tom confronted the seller about the mileage discrepancies. Unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, the seller eventually admitted to tampering with the odometer. Tom walked away from the deal and continued his search for a reliable car.
Case Study 4: Understanding Previous Write-Offs
Emma found a used car that seemed like a fantastic deal. The seller assured her that the car had a clean history, but Emma decided to run a vehicle history check using CarOwl just to be sure.
The Discovery
The report revealed that the car had been written off by an insurance company two years earlier. It had been involved in a major accident and was categorised as a total loss.
The Outcome
Emma used this information to negotiate a lower price. She also hired a professional mechanic to inspect the car thoroughly, ensuring it was safe to drive despite its history. Emma was able to buy the car at a fair price, fully aware of its past.
Case Study 5: Verifying Keeper History
David was looking for a family car and found one that seemed perfect. The seller claimed to be the original owner and assured David that the car was well-maintained. To verify this, David ran a vehicle history check using CarOwl.
The Discovery
The vehicle history report showed that the car had actually had three previous owners. The seller was not the original owner and had only owned the car for a few months.
The Outcome
David confronted the seller with the information from the report. The seller admitted to not being the original owner and agreed to provide additional service records. David decided to walk away from the deal, finding another car with a clearer history.
Conclusion
These success stories highlight the importance of vehicle history checks in the used car market. By providing transparency and uncovering hidden issues, these checks help buyers make informed decisions and protect themselves from potential fraud and legal troubles. Always use a reliable service like CarOwl to get a comprehensive vehicle history report before buying or selling a used car. Stay safe and make informed decisions.
For more information, read our articles on The Importance of Vehicle History Checks and How to Conduct a Vehicle History Check.
