The Importance Of A Service History
We’re always told never to buy a car without a service history, but just how much difference does it really make? Should you automatically discount the purchase of a used car just because its service history is missing or incomplete? And what difference does it make if the car has been serviced by an independent specialist rather than a franchised dealer? Without a service history there’s always the possibility that a car has been clocked or that important components haven’t been replaced as part of the service schedule. Any history is therefore important, but as a car gets older and its value drops, the history makes less and less of a difference, unless it’s a prestige or luxury model.
Top 10 Reasons For Failing The Driving Test
The pass rate for the driving test is a mere 47 per cent, while the first-time pass rate is even lower. Or put another way, most people who take their driving test, fail it. This might be the last thing you want to know if you’ve recently applied for your test, or you’re in the throes of preparing to, but forewarned, as they say, is forearmed. You might as well know now what’s most likely to scupper your chances of passing, so you can make sure you don’t fall foul of any of them. To that end, these are the 10 most common reasons for failing the driving test.
Five Great Used Convertibles
Despite the rubbish weather that we have to put up with in the UK, we buy more open-topped cars than any country in the world, apart from North America. Perhaps we’re all blind optimists, or maybe we just need something fun to counter all of the traffic jams, potholes and speed cameras. Or perhaps it’s because we’ve never had such a brilliant crop of convertibles to choose from. If you’re in the market for a used convertible, no matter how small your budget, you’ve got your pick of great convertibles. You can choose from two- or four-seaters, soft tops or hard tops, petrol or diesel. And when you’re buying used, there’s even more choice, so it’s hard knowing where to start.
HPI launches Vehicle Monitor
Generating dealer leads by indicating when a customer is ready to sell their vehicle Automotive technology solutions provider, HPI, is helping dealers generate more business leads with the launch of Vehicle Monitor. The new service allows dealers to track a vehicle, once it’s sold to a customer, producing alerts if it hits one of three trigger points, indicating that the vehicle may about to be sold. This in turn enables Dealers to approach customers in a timely manner to either buy the vehicle back from the customer or look to sell them a new vehicle.
EU gets backing from UK dealers to outlaw mileage correction firms
HPI survey reveals that 71% of dealers support EU decision Automotive technology solutions provider, HPI, reports that dealers firmly back proposals by the EU to introduce legislation to outlaw mileage correction firms by May 2018. The findings of a survey to HPI’s dealer community reported that 71% support the EU decision. A further 92% of those surveyed went on to declare that dealers, who are actively adjusting odometers without declaring the act to buyers, should be sought out and prosecuted. The rising support by used car traders to address the issue of clocking follows industry calls to the Government to regulate the registering of mileages adjustments, as well as introducing more mandated occurrences of when mileage information should be collected and recorded.
Where To Buy A Used Car
Every year around eight million used cars change hands. While choosing which car is the right one is bewildering enough, working out where to buy your second-hand car can also be mind-boggling. You can choose between franchised and independent dealers, car supermarkets, auctions, private sales – the latter through the classifieds and online auctions. Wherever you buy, make sure you read our blog on avoiding fraudsters as well as the one about 10 warning signs when buying a second-hand car. But not until you’ve read this blog, to pin down exactly where you should buy that used car.
Guide To Driving Abroad
Now that the summer is here, if you’re lucky enough to be heading off on your holidays any time soon, there’s a good chance that you’ll be doing some driving abroad. Whether it’s mainland Europe or somewhere further afield, the prospect of driving on foreign roads can be as exciting as it is daunting. If you love driving, you’ll love it even more if you cross the Channel and explore mainland Europe. Just crossing that stretch of water somehow gives you a buzz; it instantly turns any drive into more of an adventure.
The Dangers Of Buying Used Tyres
Running a car can be expensive, so it’s only natural that the idea of cutting costs can be hugely appealing. One of the easiest ways of doing this is to skimp on maintenance and to fit cheaper parts when doing so. Second-hand or pattern parts can be much cheaper than the new, branded alternative – so why wouldn’t you opt for them?
HPI Warns Dealers of Increased Risk of Fraud with Proposed MOT Extension
A four-year MoT period opens the door for clockers looking to make a fast profit As industry players join forces, raising consumer safety fears on the back of the Government’s plans to consult on extending the MoT period from three years to four years – as announced in the budget – HPI warns that the proposed changes would also see the risk of fraud from clockers escalate. Neil Hodson, Managing Director for HPI, says of the Chancellor’s proposal, “There are clearly some safety concerns surrounding the idea of extending the MoT period by a further 12 months, but there is also an increased risk of fraud.
Dealer or no Dealer?
HPI Puts the Spotlight on Why Dealers Offer Used Car Buyers Peace of Mind Independent research conducted on behalf of vehicle history check expert, HPI, has revealed that consumers see buying a used car privately as a more ‘trustworthy’ and ‘sincere’ option than buying from the trade. However, warns HPI, buying privately offers consumers little or no protection, leaving them at risk from ending up with a nightmare on wheels or losing the car of their dreams and the money they paid for it.