One in three used cars checked has something to hide – how to uncover it cheaply

Buying a used car can already feel like a gamble, but new figures from HPI suggest the shiny motor sitting on a dealer’s forecourt may have a past its seller would rather not discuss.

According to the vehicle history specialist, one in three cars passing through its checks has something hidden in its records, ranging from outstanding finance and mileage discrepancies to previous insurance write-offs.

That could turn what appears to be a bargain into a costly mistake, particularly if the buyer later discovers the vehicle still belongs to a finance company, has been declared a total loss or has covered far more miles than the dashboard suggests.

An HPI vehicle history check searches a wide range of records using the car’s registration number, giving prospective buyers a clearer picture before they hand over any money.

HPI says one in three vehicles it checks has an active finance agreement or loan recorded against it. This matters because the finance provider may still be the legal owner, even when the car has been advertised and sold by somebody else.

The service also says more than 109 vehicles per day are identified as stolen. A buyer who unknowingly purchases a stolen car could lose both the vehicle and the money paid for it when the true ownership is established.

Running an HPI Check before agreeing to buy can also reveal whether a vehicle has previously been declared an insurance write-off. HPI says its system uncovers more than 2,205 write-offs every day.

Not every written-off car is necessarily unsafe or unsuitable for the road, as some vehicles are professionally repaired and legally returned to use. However, buyers should know about that history because it may affect the car’s value, safety, insurance and future resale prospects.

Mileage is another potential warning sign. HPI says one in 11 vehicles it checks has a mileage discrepancy, suggesting the recorded distance may not match the car’s genuine history.

Clocking a vehicle can make it appear younger and less heavily used than it really is. This could persuade someone to pay more than the car is worth while disguising the true level of wear on components such as the engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes.

A full vehicle history report can include finance agreement information, mileage records, MOT history, previous owners, insurance write-off details, number plate changes and checks for stolen or scrapped status.

It can also provide vehicle tax and CO2 information, import or export records, estimated fuel costs, market valuations and previous or future values, depending on the report selected.

Number plate changes are surprisingly common, with HPI claiming one in four vehicles it checks has previously worn a different registration. A plate change is not automatically suspicious, as many owners fit personalised registrations, but a full history can help buyers follow the car’s identity over time.

HPI also warns that around 200,000 stolen vehicle logbooks are believed to be in circulation. A convincing-looking V5C document should therefore never be treated as proof that the person selling the car is its legal owner.

Customers planning to inspect several vehicles can choose a Multicheck package, which provides three checks at £9.99 each and allows them to be redeemed within two years.

HPI says qualifying checks are protected by a data guarantee worth up to £30,000, although customers should read the full terms and conditions to understand precisely what is covered and what evidence would be required when making a claim.

A history report cannot replace a physical inspection, test drive or professional mechanical assessment. However, spending a relatively small amount on an HPI Check before buying could uncover information that saves a driver from a much larger financial headache.

Anyone considering a used car can enter its registration and choose a report here before arranging payment or collecting the keys.