Advice: Used Car Buyer's Checklist

Data checks are inexpensive, and well worth the cost. HPI estimates that one in three used cars have some sort of hidden secret: they may have been re-built accident write-offs, they may have been stolen, or they may have finance still outstanding against them, meaning that they could be repossessed at any moment. Companies such as the AA, RAC and Green Flag also offer data checks, usually as part of a full mechanical inspection. Full mechanical inspections can be carried out by the main breakdown organisations, and some private local garages can also do personal inspections on request. There's also the national Used Car Checks scheme (www.usedcarchecks.com), offered at over 1400 accredited Unipart centres and independent garages. Fees vary, usually based on the type of vehicle and its engine size, but expect to pay from around £100 - money well spent for peace of mind, and checks carried out through national schemes will come with a warranty, should any problems present themselves after purchase.