Mileage correction' services
In England sellers were offering to clock cars for £40 a time, allowing dodgy dealers to falsify a motor's history and net thousands of pounds in profit. And we know this, because we've done it! Posing as someone interested in these so-called 'mileage correction' services, we actually got two cars clocked instantly, increasing their value by an incredible £3,000. Clocking is estimated to cost UK motorists around £100million per year, and it's as prevalent today as it ever was. What's more, this latest scam isn't only for old cars with analogue odometers. The digital ones can be altered just as easily - which is ironic, because they were introduced to try to cut down on the illegal practice! ...
[see more at Autoexpress.co.uk] 28 February 2011
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Used cars fake service history
A full service history is one of the staple ingredients of every good used car advert. It shows that the vehicle has been properly maintained, helps vouch for the mileage and if the stamps are from an official dealer, then all the better. A smart seller will include the letters FSH right at the top of the description in their ad, because they know it's something people want to see. And if it's not there, any sensible buyer will ask why not. What does it take to double the value of a car? A lot of aftermarket extras? An expensive audio system? No, the answer is £20 and a bit of time spent on the Internet. That's all it took for Auto Express to create a fake service history for a vehicle to corroborate phoney mileage and thereby increase its value by 100 per cent. It's the latest way crooks are ripping buyers off - so we went undercover to reveal the con.
But even if the seller has a service book full of stamps to show when you go to view the motor, how do you know if it's genuine? Well, you don't. What's more shocking is that crooks are inventing service histories to boost resale values. And we know it's happening, because we've done it ...
[see more at Autoexpress.co.uk] 28 February 2011
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How to check VIN to used cars for sale
If you’re buying from a garage or reputable dealer then you shouldn’t have to worry, but buy privately or from a back-street dealer and you need to take care. When you view the car ask to see the V5C (registration document) and make sure that the VINs on both match. You should also check with the DVLA (0870 240 0010) that the V5C is genuine. Before you view a car ask for the registration number and VIN so that you can get a vehicle history check carried out. This will provide key information such as the make, model and colour of the vehicle.
The VIN (Vehicle identification Number) is the best way to check a car’s identity and make sure you’re not buying a stolen vehicle, or an accident write-off that’s been poorly repaired and put back on the road ...
[see more at Whatcar.com] 28 February 2011
How to spot a fake service historyHow to avoid a clocked carHow to keep your tyres safe
Used Car test drive
A test drive is a vital part of the decision-making process – never buy a car without one. Here's how to get the most out of your test drive. It's all very well kicking tyres on a forecourt or shopping in the showroom, but that's no substitute for getting behind the wheel. If you’re comparing a wide range of cars, try to test-drive them back to back, or with the smallest gap between each. It’s difficult to remember how one car compares with the last if you drive them two weeks apart ...
[see more at Whatcar.com] 28 February 2011
Opel reveals Zafira Tourer concept detailsInfiniti releases M35h GT Premium UK PricingFiat unveils MyLife vehiclesChevrolet releases Cruze hatchbackWhat car? New or used car to buy?
Buy used cars best deal
The first thing you need to ask yourself when you set out to replace your car is whether you actually need to buy a new one. Look at the sums, and you might be able to buy a better equipped, more powerful version of the model you want by opting for a used model. You might even be able to upgrade a whole class thanks to big second-hand savings ...
[see more at www.whatcar.com] 28 February 2011
Used Cars VIN checkHow to spot a fake service historyHow to avoid a clocked carHow to keep your tyres safe
