Dont take a gamble when buying used cars, warns FLA

Car buyers are encouraged not to take any chances when buying a used car, with history checks revealing that one in three vehicles have unscrupulous records.

As part of the National Car Crime Awareness Week, the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) is urging customers to conduct an extensive background check before purchasing a car, to secure not only personal safety and the mechanical safety of the car, but also to ensure one's finances.

Records from Experian and HPI, both members of the FLA, show that car checks reveal one-third of bought used card have hidden histories such as outstanding finance deals, the model may have been acquired fraudulently, or it may have been written off or stolen.

Based on the latest online survey conducted by What Car?, more than 60 percent of used car customers are not getting any car history checks done and thus take a gamble when purchasing a used vehicle.

"If you're going to spend money on a car it makes sense to check its history, just as you would get a survey before buying a house", said Paul Harrison, FLA's Head of Motor Finance. "A full history check costs very little in comparison to the cost of a vehicle and provides genuine piece of mind".

Matt Sangar, a used car editor from What Car? added: "Just crossing your fingers when buying a used car is madness. The sheer number of stolen vehicles, write offs, and cars still on finance make a history check essential".