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CAR ARTICLE

Find the skeletons in your car's closet

Around 350,000 cars are stolen every year and only half of these are recovered. The remaining 17,500 end up as burned out wrecks; are exported by organised gangs; or, shockingly, end up back in the marketplace, offered for sale to unsuspecting buyers.

Figures for the amount of cars that are 'written off' then sold on by unscrupulous individuals and businesses as a 'bargain buy' are unknown, but, if you find that you have bought a stolen car, you could lose both your money and your car. Or, in the case of a write off, maybe even your life.

However, HPI Limited has the solution. Called Car Data Checking, their newly launched service gives buyers immediate online access to a vehicle's history, such as whether it is stolen or damaged; the number of previous owners; plus much more, thus saving future possible hassle, loss of money - and the vehicle.

The service covers cars, commercial vehicles, motorbikes and even motor homes and at just £15 is half the price of other similar service providers.

KEY INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CAR DATA CHECKING SERVICE
  • Is it stolen or wanted by the police?
  • Has it been Written-Off?
  • Has it had a Number Plate Change?
  • Details include:
    • Date of First Registration
    • Colour Change
    • Chassis/VIN and Engine Numbers
    • Number of Previous Owners
    • Date of Last Keeper Change
    • Whether it is Imported
John Sexton - spokesman for www.thequotenetwork.co.uk and himself owner of a vehicle that was used in a robbery just two days before he bought it, says: "Research shows that as many as one in three used cars on sale have some kind of hidden problem. For example, it could be stolen or may be a 'cut and shut' - two cars welded together.

"My own experience is, unfortunately, very common, but, with our new service, it no longer has to be. For the sake of a few minutes and the cost equivalent to around half a tank of fuel, not only can people ensure that their purchase is a genuine one, but help stop car thieves reap the rewards of their ill-gotten gains, too."

The Car Data Checking Service can be bought online at:
http://www.thequotenetwork.co.uk/carwatch.htm

STATS AND FACTS:
  • Every year, 2 million used cars in Britain are sold without a log book, meaning these buyers are at a high risk of buying a stolen vehicle
  • Around 50,000 motorcycles are stolen in this country every year. Many of these are broken down for spares. Less than a quarter are ever recovered
  • If you buy a stolen car, the police can take it from you to return it to the original owner or the insurance company if a claim has been paid. You will not get any compensation even though you bought the car in good faith.