Beware of scams in the used-car market

Buyers need to be aware of all the facts when purchasing a second-hand car. Photo: Stock image

Buying a second hand car

thumbnail: Buyers need to be aware of all the facts when purchasing a second-hand car. Photo: Stock image
thumbnail: Buying a second hand car
Eddie Cunningham

I know vehicle-checking company Cartell has a vested interest in highlighting the need for a history check before buying a used car, but its warning about scams is still a useful reminder that you need to be equipped with all the facts.

Cartell estimates that second-hand cars that are two years old have a 35pc chance of still having finance owing.

The rate for three-year-old cars is 32pc.

So there’s a one-in-three chance that a second-hand car being sold is still, technically, the property of a ­finance provider. Written-off cars are another area of concern.

Insurers can write off cars for relatively minor damage; they can be adequately repaired.

While categories C and D can be legally and safely repaired and resold here, only undamaged parts can be sold from a dismantled Category B car.

While Category A write-offs must be legally crushed and nothing can be used for spare parts.

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