Viewing the details for a car on the VCar register?

[TonyW]

I'm going to have a look at a 52reg HDi estate this weekend but the advert just says "on vcar" so I was wondering if there was anywhere online I could say put in the reg and find out what the damage was maybe?

I understand all about Cat A,B,C,D etc and that will be asked, but is it shown anywhere on the cars paperwork just in case the seller is being economical with the truth, the V5 perhaps?

I know its not the best idea to buy one thats on the register but its cheap enough and will hopefully serve a purpose for a while till funds permit a slightly better car. Cheers for any info

[steve_earwig]

I'm not sure if thi is of any use: [quote=Honest Johan"]If the car was stolen and the insurer settled before the car was recovered there's no problem (this is what I think must have happened). But if the car was an insurance damage write-off, there may be. It will be on what\'s called the \'VCAR\' or \'Condition Alert\' register, which anyone can access by phoning HPI on 01722 422422, giving the car\'s details and paying £28.50 by credit card.[/quote]Maybe you could ring the number and ask first if it'll give you the kind of details you're after before you part with any readies.

Elsewhere on Google there's stuff about insurers not wanting to insure cars on the register without an engineer's report.

Umm, there's also http://www.hpicheck.com/newfrontend/ (New front end? Que?)

[jasper5]

There is info on the first page of the V5, there is a section headed "Special Notes" anything such as Cat C or D etc. will be listed there.

If you have any doubts about the car, take the advice of Steve.

One thing to note, you will have great difficulty selling on the car when you have finished with it, another problem is insurance, my insurer will not allow me cover on Cat C cars, even though I have a motor trade policy.

[turbolag]

Pay out for an AA/RAC inspection - not only will they easily spot if the car has actually been in a smack and assess the standard of any repairs, but they will also conduct an HPi type check as part of the same service. Indeed, I would recommened everyone do this before buying any car from any source, but too many people seem eager to save £100 or so and then get stressed when they discover problems that wipe thousands off the value.

To be honest, 406s aren't exactly in the Hispano-Suiza league for rarity, so I'd just leave this one and find another.

[steve_earwig]

406s aren't exactly in the Hispano-Suiza league for rarity

Too true