The AA has revealed the results of a survey warning buyers to beware of vehicles with something to hide

A new survey from AA Car Data Check reveals that nearly 50%* of those asked would be drawn in by a car for sale if was advertised at a considerably lower price than its market value. The AA is warning that buyers should never be tempted by vehicles advertised for less than 70% of their market price, as a suspicious bargain could turn out to be a clone or worse, leaving the buyer severely out of pocket. Always conduct a vehicle history check to avoid the risk of buying a banger and wasting potentially thousands of pounds.

Worryingly, the survey of buyers of an AA Car Data Check found that more than 1 in 10 of them would be interested in a car priced a lot less than its market value. A further 34% would be interested in, but cautious of, a car priced at half the market value. However, a car with a low price could be hiding a dodgy past, as no genuine seller would want to lose out on a good profit from selling their vehicle. The AA urges buyers to always do their research and find out the car’s market value as a benchmark before parting with any cash.

“It’s easy to be tempted by a vehicle with a rock bottom price, but buyers need to think about it from the seller’s perspective – would they sell a car for a third of its value?” says Amanda Moore of the AA. “Most cars masquerading as a bargain have something to hide. We urge buyers to conduct a vehicle history check to protect themselves from the risk of buying a vehicle that could be stolen, cloned, on outstanding finance or an insurance write-off.”

Stolen or cloned?

Many people are unaware that if they unwittingly buy a vehicle that is later revealed as stolen, they stand to lose the car and the money they paid for it when it is returned to the actual owner. A cloned vehicle is one that has been stolen and given a new identity.

The AA advises buyers to: always do a history check and view the vehicle at the registered keeper’s address, as shown on the V5C. Buyers should also check that the VIN/chassis numbers match each other.

Outstanding finance

Buying a vehicle that’s still on outstanding finance could see the unsuspecting buyer lose the vehicle and their cash. In this case, the vehicle actually belongs to the finance company, who could reclaim it at any time.

An AA Car Data Check can confirm whether a vehicle is on outstanding finance. Don’t take the risk; get it checked before you buy.

Insurance Write-off

When a vehicle is in an accident it can be declared an insurance ‘write-off’ or total loss. While some damaged cars can be safely repaired and returned to the road, others will only be fit for scrap.

Using data from the Motor Insurance Anti Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR), the AA Car Data Check can help buyers spot the difference between a bargain and a potential death trap on wheels. Advice from the AA is not to be taken in by shiny paintwork – just because they can’t see damage it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Get an AA Car Data Check before purchase to be sure.

“If a bargain looks too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t take the risk, instead get an AA Car Data Check and walk away if it turns out to have something to hide,” concludes Moore “The AA Car Data Check offers an easy and quick way for customers to discover the facts before they buy. And the AA’s top tips provide used car buyers with the basics to look out for, to help them avoid buying a stolen vehicle and giving their hard-earned cash to car fraudsters.”