How to Avoid Buying a Stolen, Clocked, or Illegal car

Thinking of purchasing a used Vauxhall? Buying any car can be a complicated process, and it's important to know exactly how to do it properly. Unfortunately, it isn't always easy. When you buy a vehicle from a private seller, there's always a chance that it could have a secret, hidden past. The car could be stolen, clocked, or worse. Knowing how to avoid buying an illegal Vauxhall is essential, and we can help.

 

Avoid a Stolen Vauxhall

It's up to the buyer of a new vehicle to make sure that the car they are purchasing isn't a stolen one. Even if you accidentally purchase a car that has been stolen because you had faith in the seller, the police still have the right to seize it. In addition, if the car was purchased originally on finance, the original lender can demand that you pay the debt.

 

Most often, stolen cars are passed from one person to the next with their identity changed, so it can be difficult to tell if a car has been stolen or not. There are some golden rules you can follow, however, to reduce the chance that you might buy a Vauxhall that has been stolen.

 

• Invest in a history check.Checking the history of the car will immediately tell you if the car has been written off or stolen.

 

• Always ask for an original copy of the logbook, also called the V5C registration document. It should have a DVLA watermark on it. Many times, stolen cars are sold without this; the seller might tell you that they send the logbook to the DVLA to be updated. While this could be true, there's no way to verify that it actually is. Don't purchase a car without the logbook.

 

• Ask for the seller's driver's license, utility bill, or passport so you can see if the address on these items matches the address on the logbook.

 

• Take a look at the VIN number and the number plate to see if they match the numbers that are recorded in the logbook.

 

Avoid Clocked Vauxhalls

Clocking a vehicle is when a seller 'winds back' the milometer so the mileage on the car appears to be less than it actually is. To an unwitting buyer, this can be trouble, as it could mean you purchase a high-mileage car without knowing it. This can lead to many problems, especially when it comes to maintaining car parts. Without knowing the true mileage, you won't be able to tell when certain Vauxhall parts need to be analysed for repair or replacement, and you may not be able to take care of the car properly.

While it's not easy to spot a car that has been clocked, you can find out if the one you're purchasing has been- with some detective work.

 

• Ask for old MOT certificates and proof of the service history. If they don't have any, you can visit www.gov.uk to look at the previous MOT history. Make sure the mileage on the history tallies with the mileage on the milometer.

 

• On analogue milometers, check the alignment of the numbered barrels.

 

• Take a look at every aspect of the Vauxhall. Worn seats and Vauxhall parts can tell a story all on their own, and may indicate the car has been used more than its current owners say.

 

• Contact the previous owners of the car. They will be able to help verify what the recorded mileage of the Vauxhall was when they sold it.

 

Vauxhalls and Vehicle Ringing

Sellers of illegal cars can be tricky, and they can do more than just steal a car and change the mileage. Vehicle ringing is the act of stealing a car and then replacing the VIN with another VIN from a car that has been written off. The car itself is referred to as a “Ringer.”

Buying a ringer isn't a good thing, as it legally doesn't belong to you. If you're caught owning a ringer, the car can be taken away from you and returned to its rightful owners. And, it doesn't matter what money you put into it purchasing it or repairing car parts. So, make sure you don't buy one by following these tips.

 

• Always make sure the logbook is present and genuine before you purchase the car. Remember to look for the DVLA watermark.

 

• The VIN is printed in the car for verification. It should be under the carpet near the front seat and under the bonnet on a small plate. At times it will also appear at the base of the windscreen or on the door pillar. Check to make sure the VINs you see all match what is written in the logbook and look for an evidence of tampering.

 

• Make sure all of the paperwork is together and verify every part of it is true before purchasing the Vauxhall.

 

Cuts and Shuts

Cuts and shuts is a term that is used when two or more car remains are welded together to create a new car. This process not only makes it very difficult to keep the car maintained and protect the car parts within, but it also compromised the structural integrity. This can make the new 'car' unsafe to have on the road.

In order to prevent yourself from buying a cut and shut car:

 

• Always look at the middle section of the vehicle and windscreen pillars to for signs that the vehicle has been welded. Pull away the trim and carpet to see if any hidden welds can be seen as well.

 

• Be on the lookout for trim that is mismatched or badly fitting.

 

• Look to see if the car has been painted. You may be able to detect over spray on the trim and glass seals, and the colours might not match properly on all exterior Vauxhall parts.

 

• Do a full history check. Many times, cuts and shuts are stolen or written off. Sometimes they are both.

 

Are you ready to buy a used Vauxhall? Don't get trapped into a purchase if the car is stolen or illegal in some way. Investigate first and find out if there's a problem before you hand over any money.