Buying a new car

Car history checks

Every HPI Check examines a vehicle's status - helping to safeguard millions of transactions each year against the risks of clocking, theft, hidden write-off damage and outstanding finance - www.hpicheck.com.

Experian's Automotive Division specialises in providing detailed history checks of vehicles to identify vehicles which have been written off, stolen, or are being used as security under a finance agreement. This service, called Car Data Check, is endorsed by many manufacturers and their franchised dealers and forms an integral part of most manufacturer-approved programmes - www.uk.experian.com/motor

Whenever you buy a used car it is important to consider the security and history of the vehicle as well as its mechanical condition. Here we provide a 'must know' guide to follow before you part with any money. Cars are allocated a unique number on registration; this is known as a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It is NOT transferable. The 17 Digit code, which is sometimes known as the chassis number, will appear in several places on the vehicle.