Used car warning: Third of cars have a hidden problem - How to avoid common scams

NEW research suggests a large proportion of used cars have a hidden problem. Here is how you can avoid being a victim and what scams to look out for.

New research has suggested that as many as one in three used cars could have a hidden problem in its history. Figures from firm HPI has found that a large proportion of cars could have been altered, tampered wither contain a hidden secret. HPI carries out million of vehicle history checks every year finds that a third of cars which undergo a check have a hidden history. In addition to this, 75 cars are identified as stolen every day.




For most people buying a car will be one of the most expensive purchases they will ever have to make.

used cars

Third of used cars could have a hidden issue (Image: GETTY)

There is a range of sites which motorists can experience when buying a new car.

HPI has pulled together the following list of scams and problems to be aware of when buying a used vehicle, together with how to avoid making a costly and potentially dangerous mistake.




Clocked cars

Clocked cars have manually altered mileage (Image: GETTY)




The hire car scam - This hinges on hiring a car then selling it, which is obviously illegal but people do it anyway. The key is to make all of the usual basic checks, including analysing the car’s Registration Document (V5C). If that’s not to hand, walk away.





“The HPI Check protects buyers against making a costly mistake by revealing whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police or has outstanding finance against it.

“It also includes as standard, a mileage check against the National Mileage Register, with over 200 million mileage readings.

used cars

Cloning is when a car is stolen and given the identity of an identical car which is legitimate (Image: GETTY)

Four simple steps will also help prevent drivers from being scammed in the majority of cases:

  • View the car at the address on its Registration Document (V5C) and check that the details on this piece of paper match those on the car.