What Are Common Issues Found in Vehicle History Checks?
When buying a used car, it’s important to know about common issues that might appear in a vehicle history check. These issues can affect the car’s safety, performance, and value. Here’s what to look for and why these issues matter.
Common Issues in Vehicle History Checks
Here are some common issues you might find in a vehicle history check:
Outstanding Finance
This means the previous owner still owes money on the car. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the lender could repossess it, leaving you without a car and out of pocket.
Insurance Write-Offs
These are cars that have been damaged and declared a total loss by an insurance company. Even if repaired, these cars might have hidden issues that affect their safety and performance.
Stolen Vehicles
If the car has been reported stolen, you could face legal trouble and lose the car if it’s recovered by the police.
Scrapped Vehicles
Scrapped vehicles are officially removed from the road and should not be driven. Buying such a vehicle can lead to legal and financial problems.
Mileage Anomalies
Discrepancies in the reported mileage can indicate odometer tampering. Accurate mileage is important for determining the car’s value and maintenance needs.
High-Risk Records
These include major accidents, flood damage, and structural damage. High-risk records can seriously affect the car’s safety and reliability.
Colour Changes
Changes in the car’s colour can indicate past accidents or cosmetic repairs. Knowing about these changes helps you understand the car’s history.
Plate Changes
Plate changes can be used to hide the car’s history. Checking for plate changes helps ensure you know the car’s full history.
Imported and Exported Vehicles
Imported cars might have different standards and histories. Knowing if a car has been imported or exported helps you understand its potential issues.
Keeper History
Frequent ownership changes can indicate recurring problems. Checking the keeper history helps you understand how well the car has been maintained.
Why These Issues Matter
Understanding these common issues is important for several reasons:
Safety Concerns
Issues like insurance write-offs, high-risk records, and scrapped vehicles can affect the car’s safety. Driving such a car can put you and others at risk.
Financial Risks
Problems like outstanding finance and stolen vehicles can lead to financial loss. It’s important to check for these issues to avoid losing money.
Maintenance and Repairs
Mileage anomalies, insurance write-offs, and high-risk records can indicate the need for costly repairs. Knowing about these issues helps you plan for future maintenance.
Resale Value
Cars with issues like plate changes, imported status, and frequent keeper changes often have lower resale values. Understanding these factors helps you assess the car’s market value.
How to Check for Common Issues
Here are steps to help you check for common issues in a vehicle history check:
- Get the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN): You need the VRN to check the vehicle’s history. It is found on the car’s number plate or registration documents.
- Use a Reliable Service: Use a trusted service like CarOwl to check the vehicle’s history. Reliable services provide detailed reports on the car’s status.
- Enter the Registration Number: Type the VRN into the service provider’s website or app.
- Review the Report: The report will tell you if the car has any common issues. Make sure to read it carefully.
Using CarOwl for Vehicle History Checks
CarOwl is a trusted service that provides comprehensive vehicle history checks. Here’s how to use CarOwl to check for common issues:
- Go to the CarOwl website.
- Enter the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN).
- Get a detailed report on the car’s history, including any common issues.
Using a reliable service like CarOwl ensures you get accurate and up-to-date information. This helps you make a safe and informed purchase.
What to Do If You Find Common Issues
If you discover common issues, here’s what you should do:
Discuss with the Seller
Talk to the seller about the issues. Ask for explanations and additional documentation if necessary. Honest sellers will be willing to provide more information.
Get a Professional Inspection
Consider hiring a professional mechanic to inspect the car. They can provide an expert opinion on the car’s condition and whether the issues can be resolved.
Consider Walking Away
If the seller cannot explain the issues or provide additional documentation, it might be best to walk away from the deal. There are plenty of other cars available, and it’s better to avoid the risk.
Conclusion
Checking for common issues is an important step when buying a used car. It helps you understand the car’s history and potential problems. Always use a reliable service like CarOwl to get a comprehensive vehicle history report. Stay safe and make informed decisions when buying a used car.
For more information, read our articles on The Importance of Vehicle History Checks and How to Conduct a Vehicle History Check.
