‘I’m an expert – this is the biggest red flag when | Tech News
There are risks to watch out for when shopping for a used car (Image: Getty)
A car expert has revealed the biggest red flags to look out for when shopping for a used car. Darren Miller, car expert at BigWantsYourCar, has shared the dangers of non-public car gross sales.
The marketing campaign uncovered the most prolific car crimes affecting UK motorists immediately – together with cost scams, car cloning, and outright theft. The warnings come as 129,159 automobiles have been reported stolen throughout the UK between April 2023 and March 2024, making it one of the highest annual totals lately. That’s the equal of one car being stolen each 8.5 minutes, highlighting the risks of the non-public market for unsuspecting sellers and patrons. To help drivers keep secure, Darren Miller has shared the high red flags to look out for when shopping for a used car.
Mr Miller stated that figuring out stolen vehicles may be difficult, as they “often look completely legitimate”. He told buyers to always ask to see the original V5C registration document and check that it has the DVLA watermark. Checking that the vehicle’s number plate, VIN, and logbook entries match is also vital. He added that the sale should be avoided if the logbook is missing, as it might hide the vehicle’s past. According to recent UK police reports, over 129,000 vehicles were stolen last year, underscoring the need for vigilance in used-car transactions.
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Used cars can lead to issues (Image: Getty)
Darren Miller said that clocking, the illegal act of changing a car’s mileage, is still a major issue for used car buyers. A vehicle with high mileage might be falsely presented as having low mileage, leading to “paying too much and possible future problems”.
Checking the odometer reading along with service and MOT records is key to spotting clocked cars. Also, wear and tear that doesn’t match the reported mileage can be a warning sign.
The expert said that car cloning, a form of identity theft, creates “big problems for both buyers and authorities”. Criminals use stolen number plates to cover up illegal activities, putting innocent owners at risk of fines and legal issues.
Noticing signs of recent plate changes or mismatches in vehicle specifications can help spot cloned vehicles. Being vigilant and using trusted vehicle history checks are key in protecting against this deceitful practice.
Car ringing is also used, where criminals alter a vehicle’s identification number (VIN) to hide its true origin. If a purchased vehicle turns out to be a ‘ringer,’ it might be confiscated, causing legal issues for the buyer.
It’s important to verify the authenticity of the V5C registration document and inspect the VIN for any signs of tampering or discrepancies. Irregularities in paperwork should be a red flag.
Mr Miller said: “Choosing detailed vehicle checks gives buyers valuable insights, helping them avoid the financial and legal troubles associated with car ringing.”
He additionally warned of cut-and-shut vehicles, that are dangerously created from elements of a number of automobiles. Spotting these vehicles requires detailed inspection.
Examining the vehicle below good lighting for indicators of welding and mismatched paintwork is important. Also, inconsistencies in trim fittings and paperwork are important to note. Vehicle historical past checks are actually useful find theft or previous damages, giving patrons sturdy safety in opposition to the risks of cut-and-shut vehicles.
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