Motorists advised to check logbooks

Motorists advised to check logbooks

Advice is being given to anyone thinking of buying a used car to make sure that the vehicle's V5C logbook is included with the deal, and that it is indeed valid.

There has been an increase in cons and illegal activity involving V5C logbooks recently, according to leading automotive industry experts, and the number of used cars being sold either without a logbook or with an illegal forgery is on the up. Not receiving a vehicle's logbook along with the purchase leaves the buyer open to numerous frauds.

A V5C logbook is an essential part of identifying a car and securing it's ownership. If, when buying a second hand car, you encounter a seller without a logbook, or with any of a myriad of excuses, such as it's in the post, it may be best to walk away from the deal, or at least wait for any promised logbook to make an appearance. Not doing so could leave you open to buying a car that is actually stolen, which means you will soon end up losing both your money paid and the car, as it is recovered by the police.

Industry experts are recommending that a car check from HPI, Experian or similar is taken out on any car you are thinking of buying. Such checks include identity checks, mileage checks, insurance checks and police register checks; all designed to help you spot any potential problems or legal issues.

Should you buy a second hand car without inspecting it's logbook, you are leaving yourself open to colossal risk. A cheap car check could mean the difference between buying a great motor or buying a stolen one, which will be taken from you, along with your money.

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