Buying a car in the UK

[TimMcC]

Hi

Picking up a car in the UK next weekend . What documentation should I receive when collecting it ?. Also which is the best place to perform a HPI check and is there any independent checks that can be done to verify the mileage and whether its was ever involved in an accident?.

Thanks
Tim

[Bern Hanreck]

( including the number plates ) you can get the basic "HPI" check for £5 from the RAC website...
http://www.rac.co.uk/web/vehiclechecks/status_checks/

This might be enough to avoid a totally wasted journey . Obviously you have to personally inspect all the VIN plates against the documentation for a thorough check .

The full HPI check now cost about £20 . Google RAC , AA , HPI etc .

Good Luck !

[Nos4r2]

You need (assuming you're going to drive it away and it's HPI clear) the green new keeper part of the V5 (logbook), a current MOT certificate and an in date tax disc in the windscreen. Anything else is a bonus.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by TimMcC

Hi

Picking up a car in the UK next weekend . What documentation should I receive when collecting it ?. Also which is the best place to perform a HPI check and is there any independent checks that can be done to verify the mileage and whether its was ever involved in an accident?.

Thanks
Tim

Exactly what the V5 (registration document) looks like will depend on how long ago it was last (re)-registered with DVLA.

You should see examples of the document on www.direct.gov.uk in the "motoring" section - but website seems to be down at present. The seller keeps most of the document and has to send it back (make sure you put your details on the bit he keeps and sign it). You just get a little bit of the form.

As for accidents - you will only be able to tell (from the HPI check) if it is written off not if it has been in a more minor accident.

For mileage easiest check is if the OLD MoT certs are there.

Ask for a receipt for the car saying how much you have paid (who to) and which car it is for payment of.