Parkers and HPI have partnered to launch Parkers Car History Check in an effort to protect buyers from used car scams. Parkers, the UK’s number one online destination for prospective car buyers seeking independent pricing and review information and HPI are vehicle history specialists making this history check invaluable for used car buyers.
For just £8.00, used car buyers can turn to the Parkers Car History Check, powered by HPI, to reduce the risk of buying a used car with something to hide. Parkers urges used car buyers to be aware of online scams catching out unsuspecting consumers today.
The Parkers Car History Check confirms whether a vehicle is an insurance write-off, on outstanding finance or has been reported as stolen by the police. In addition, the check includes information on whether a vehicle has been exported or scrapped, the number of former owners, colour and any number plate changes and if there is a mileage discrepancy, if mileage data is available. These arm buyers with the facts they need to make a safer purchase – all for £8.00.
“Internet shopping is fast, easy and convenient and is a good place to bag a bargain. However, scammers are at large no matter where or how you buy but techniques are becoming ever more sophisticated and design with one thing in mind – to ‘con’ innocent motorists out of their hard-earned cash. With 1 in 3 cars checked by Parkers hiding a dodgy past, it’s essential that motorists get a check before handing over their savings,” explains Charlie Calton-Watson, Digital Director for Bauer Media. “Buying a car that’s been stolen, on outstanding finance or even deemed unfit to be on the road could result in a used car buyer losing the car and the money they paid for it.”
Parker’s goes on to warn used car buyers against mistakenly believing that online payment systems, such as Google Wallet, will protect them if they get taken in by a fraudster. Any money transferred through to a dodgy seller using an online payment system, is not protected, even in the event that the car does not exist – otherwise known as a ‘virtual car’. This stresses the importance of conducting all the right checks, including a vehicle history check and physically viewing the car, before any money exchanges hands – or online payments accounts.
“The launch of Parkers Car History Check is part of our commitment to giving used car buyers peace of mind when they purchase a vehicle online. Using the Parkers Car History Check, they can purchase a vehicle with the knowledge of its history. Together with HPI, Parkers bring the most comprehensive and up-to-date car history check on the market, allowing consumers to buy their next used car with confidence.”
The Parkers Car History Check also comes with a £10,000 Guarantee*, protecting used car buyers against loss, as a result of inaccurate or incomplete information supplied by the Parkers Car History Check.
HPI’s Top Tips for Online Used Car Buying
- Shop Around – compare prices on the car you’re considering through other classified website so you get a feel for the marketplace. These sites will give you an idea of the price you can expect to pay for a particular make and model. If you find a vehicle that appears to be cheap, you need to find out why, and be on your guard.
- Verify the Seller’s Credibility – check out the seller’s history by reviewing the ratings from other sellers to ensure you’re dealing with someone who will deliver the car according to the terms you are offered.
- Narrow Down the Options – Create a short list and do a Parker’s History Check on the vehicles you’re seriously considering
- Always Arrange to Test-Drive the Car – arrange to meet the seller in person at a safe location – preferably at their home address if buying privately, to test-drive a model of the car you’re considering. Make sure you put the car through its paces by driving on a variety of roads and don’t just take it for a spin around the block.
- Before you part with your cash – make sure you cross reference the VIN with the VRM to make sure they match.
- Paying Online – if you’re buying online, or even just making a deposit, ensure that the website is secure – pay with a credit card which will help should the worst happen – in the event of fraud.