Buying a Car?

We look at ten reasons why it pays to get a data check.

1. Is the car reported as stolen?
Vehicles taken without the owner's consent are listed on the Police National Computer. Getting a data check will find out if the car has been listed as stolen - and potentially save you thousands.

2. Is it subject to outstanding finance?
If a car has outstanding finance it's legally still owned by the finance company. But it's not necessarily bad news - you can still come to an agreement with the finance company, and end up owning the car.

3. Has it been written off?
There are five different categories as to how badly a car has been written off. A vehicle check will tell you if the car has been written off, and into which category it falls.

4. Is it recorded as scrapped?
A data check will unearth any potentially dodgy goings on with vehicles which have been sent for scrap, but have somehow returned to market. Another money saver.

5. Has the mileage been altered?
If the car has had its mileage altered, a vehicle check will show up the discrepancy immediately. If the information is available, a vehicle check will reveal if the mileage has been wound back or if the car is older than advertised.

6. What is the car worth?
Every make and model of car has a market value. The data check will provide you with this, and show you if you're getting a good deal or are about to be ripped off.

7. What is the car's VIN?
The car's vehicle identification number (VIN) – otherwise known as the chassis number – should match the one on the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) and the markings elsewhere on the vehicle (commonly on the windscreen or on the floor by the driver's seat). A data check will confirm the car’s correct VIN.

8. What is its full spec?
Getting a data check will allow you to see the full spec (make, model, date of first registration, engine number, transmission etc) of the vehicle you're about to buy. If there are any major differences between the spec and what has been advertised – walk away from the deal.

9. How many previous owners has the car had?
The data check will also tell you how many previous owners the car has had. If the seller is advertising 'one previous owner' and the data check tells you there have been more, it should set the alarm bells ringing.

10. Will I get free insurance if the check is incorrect?
Some services offer the prospective buyer free insurance if any of the data in the report turns out to be incorrect.