People who buy cars in the UK for import into Ireland should be careful that they have access to the car's full history as a recent survey in Britain shows that over 10.4 million cars on the UK's roads have a 'hidden history'.
The survey is by HPI, vehicle information experts. They say this claim follows news from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders claim there has been a 9 percent increase in cars in the UK to 31,362,716. With 1 in 3 cars hitting HPI's 'at risk' registers, the SMMT figures suggest that the nearly-new and secondhand car market is a minefield for buyers.
Outstanding finance remains a very real threat when buying a used car as many don't realise that the debt stays with the vehicle. This could mean there may be up to 7.8 million cars that are still on finance on UK roads.
Over 6.2 million cars on the UK's roads could have had a plate change. It could be innocently done, but fraudsters can use a change of plates to hide the identify of a stolen car or an insurance write-off. HPI also say that 5 in 100 cars checked by them have a mileage discrepancy. Dodgy sellers use clocking as an easy way to increase the price of their vehicle.
Four in every 100 cars that HPI check have been declared an insurance write-off. They say buyers need to beware of shiny paintwork hiding a dangerous level of damage or inadequate repairs, making the car unfit to be on the road.
If you are looking at buying a vehicle in the UK to import back here, it makes sense to have it checked out before you part with your money to avoid buying a nightmare on wheels.
In Ireland, Cartell.ie and Motorcheck.ie provide such services for secondhand cars brought in here or sold here.
