Repossessed Cars - How to Avoid Buying a Stolen Car

Last year, 350,000 cars were stolen in the UK. If you were to accidentally buy a stolen car, you may have no right to keep it even if you handed over your own money for the car. Below is a guide on avoiding how to buy a stolen car. Some of these tips can be used when trying to buy repossessed cars.

1) Telephone Numbers
Check the number on a car advert. Mobile numbers are almost possible to trace, so try and get to speak to the owner on a landline. Be wary if you are asked to call at a specific time, this could be a phone box number.

2) Viewing
Arrange to view the car in the daytime at the address the car is registered to. Don't agree to have the car driven to you or meet in a public place like a lay-by or car park. If you are asked to do this you should be suspicious.

3) Check Documents
Ideally every car seller will provide a V5 log book which is its registration paper, MOT, Tax, Service history and receipts for maintenance work. Check the seller's name is on the registration to make sure they have the right to sell the car. Ask them for ID to confirm this.
Check the VIN number on the vehicle registation papers. VIN stands for "Vehicle Identification Number" and every car has a unique one.
Check the registration matches the car's number plate. Hold the V5 log book up to the light and check that you can see the DVLA watermark on the paper. Never buya car without a V5 log book, ewven iof the seller claims that he has sent it away to update the information to the DVLA.

4) VIN and Etching
A stolen car that has its VIN changed is a "ringer". Some car models have the VIN etched on the windows or the headlamps of the car so its important to look for these. Be wary if there are stickers on windows as this may be an attempt to conceal numbers that don't match the vehicle.

5) Inspect the Vehicle
Check the locks as thieves replace locks, also inspect the vehicle thoroughly to see if there is any damage. Check the paint in the boot by removing the carpet where the spare tyre is. The inside should be the same any different could indicate the car has been resprayed.

6) Car check
There are many companies offering car checks and HPI checks on vehicles for a small fee. This will tell you if the car has any outstanding finance, it has been written off or if it has been registered stolen. They will also tell if you if it is registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), this means the car has been registered as not road worthy. It is worth paying this and avoiding bigger headaches after purchasing a stolen car.

7) Instincts
Always trust your instincts. If the deal feels at all suspicious, you have the right to just walk away, there are plenty of other cars available.