Author: Eduardo Valencia

CAR CLOCKING RISES – HPI URGES CAUTION

As HPI confirms, this week, that its National Mileage Register (NMR) now exceeds 150 million mileages, the BBC’s The One Show* puts the spotlight on the growing threat of car clocking. Leading with HPI’s figure of one million clocked cars on UK roads, The One Show went on to report how one used car buyer fell victim to clockers, spending over the odds on a vehicle that had done over four times more miles than the odometer registered. David Woodward of Bristol bought what he thought was the car of his dreams. The immaculate Peugeot had just 34,000 miles on the clock and David spent £5,000 thinking he had a real bargain. Sadly for him, North Somerset Trading Standards informed David that the car actually had over 140,000 miles on the clock. The vehicle had been sold by a gang of criminals, who were subsequently convicted and found guilty of clocking 19 cars in total by more than 1.5 million miles. One in 20 cars checked with HPI show a discrepant mileage, and this figure has risen by 10% in the last 5 years. “Clocking itself isn’t illegal, but selling a clocked car without declaring its true mileage is,” explains Kristian Welch, Consumer Director for HPI. “The One Show highlighted that there are many of mileage correction firms clocking vehicles, despite there being only very rare instances when the mileage needs correcting. Clearly many of these companies are exploiting a legal loophole to help unscrupulous sellers con used car buyers out of their hard-earned cash and we support calls to change the law. “People don’t realise that digital odometers can be clocked, but the BBC has proved what we have always known – that they can be altered just as easily but are harder to detect.  A low mileage can add hundreds or even thousands of pounds to the perceived value of a vehicle, so buyers have a lot to lose. Not only could they pay more than the vehicle is worth, but the car may need servicing and repairs sooner than the tampered mileage suggests. An HPI Check includes a mileage check against the NMR as standard, and now with over 150 million readings, it safeguards the car buying public against clockers. It will also record mileages in the first 3 years of the vehicle’s life, before it enters the MOT system.” Backing advice given by Dom Littlewood on The One Show, HPI urges consumers to check the mileages recorded on the service history. Buyers can also look for invoices and service stamps from a genuine dealer and contact the previous keeper to confirm the mileage when they sold the vehicle. Kristian Welch concludes, “By following these simple steps car buyers can avoid wasting money on a potentially clocked vehicle. Too many buyers are unaware of the risks and get taken in by a great price and a low mileage, topped off with shiny paintwork. If a deal seems too good to be true, buyers should always walk away. The best advice is, don’t take the risk of buying a clocked vehicle, get an HPI Check.” An HPI Check will also confirm whether a vehicle is stolen, on outstanding finance or has been written-off, making it the best way for consumers to protect themselves from fraudsters looking to make a fast profit. The HPI Check also offers a £30,000 Guarantee in the event of the information it provides being inaccurate, offering added peace of mind to used car buyers. HPI’S TIPS ON SPOTTING A POTENTIALLY CLOCKED VEHICLE* Check the service history – Check the mileages displayed in the service history and look for invoices and service stamps from a genuine dealer. Speak to the previous keeper – Contact the previous keeper to confirm the mileage of the vehicle when they sold it. Trust your judgement –Look for any evidence that indicates clocking – anything out of keeping with the general condition of the vehicle. Check the mileage – Clockers sometimes wind back the mileage for the first viewing and then return it to its original value once you buy.  Check the mileage is the same when you pick up the vehicle. Look for signs of wear and tear – Does the wear and tear on areas such as seats and the steering wheel match its mileage?  Look out for brand new easily replaceable parts, which don’t match the vehicle’s displayed mileage. Conduct an HPI Check – Don’t take the risk, let HPI check its mileage database of 150 million mileages. *Many of these signs could be innocent, so look for more than one of the above as possible evidence of clocking If you missed the article on the One Show, then you can see it again here

INTERESTED IN BLOGGING FOR US?

We’re always on the look out for guest bloggers – or for opportunities to guest blog ourselves, so if you’re an industry expert or if you feel you have something to offer our blogging team, then you should definitely get in touch. Similarly, if you have a motoring blog that you’d like us to contribute to then we should talk about that too. Contact us here if you’re interested.

CUT FUEL COSTS WITH ECO-MOTORING

The March Budget has seen fuel prices reach record highs this year, adding to the toll the economic downturn is having on household budgets.  Helping people save their pennies, as well as the environment, we are urging motorists to turn to eco-motoring. To support used car buyers in their quest to reduce their carbon footprint – and combat soaring fuel costs – our CO2Certificates, provide clear ‘at a glance’ information on the running costs, fuel consumption and environmental performance of a vehicle.  Provided as standard with our market leading HPI Check, the CO2 Certificates have been updated with the Budget’s new fuel prices to ensure used car buyers are armed with the full facts. “In today’s climate consumers are also focused on CO2 emissions for financial reasons, not just to save the planet,” believes our Consumer Director, Kristian Welch.  “But choosing a greener car can be a complex business.  Used car buyers need to be realistic about the sort of driving they are planning on doing before buying their next car. They should be thinking about what size of engine is really necessary and whether they drive short distances in town or longer journeys on the open road. This will affect the style of vehicle buyers choose, as well as affecting the long-term motoring costs.” Petrol vs Diesel? Many motorists may not realise that although petrol engines give out more CO2, they produce less particulates than diesel engines, and particulates can have as detrimental an effect on the environment as CO2 emissions. For those doing short urban trips in built-up areas, petrol engines are likely to be a better choice for emitting less pollutants, with diesel engines better suited to long, open road driving. Use of higher quality fuels may also prolong the life of your engine and help maintain it in the long run. Calculate Running Costs Buyers should also consider that larger vehicles and performance cars have higher running costs, as well as being more expensive to repair and insure. Added to this they are also likely to be more polluting and cost more to tax each year.  “When purchasing a larger or performance-spec vehicle, make sure you do your research into the miles per gallon (mpg) you could expect and its tax band.  As part of your HPI Check report we will tell you the average fuel costs per year of the vehicle and its relevant tax band, keeping you informed of the running costs and environmental impact,” continues Kristian Welch. Consider the Alternatives… Of course there are now alternative fuel types to the traditional petrol and diesel, including LPG, electric and hybrid vehicles. LPG is a low carbon content fuel that produces fewer emissions and can save motorists around 40% compared with petrol and 20% compared with diesel fuel costs. LPG vehicles gain discounts on London Congestion Charges and some parking schemes as well as cheaper road tax for some vehicles. For the environmentally conscious motorist, electric cars may be the best option, as they have zero emissions at point of use. They are cheaper to run, costing around two pence a mile and they can have lower maintenance costs, as well as the added bonus of paying zero road tax and congestion charges. And with the Governments outlined policy for a recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, this option has taken a step forward as a viable option for the UK motorist. Hybrid cars are part electric battery and part conventional cars and have proved to be the most popular alternative to conventional vehicles. They reduce fuel consumption by using electric power, but with a petrol engine as well, there is no need to worry about running out of juice. On average, hybrids improve fuel economy by around 20%-25%, and significantly reduce emissions, compared to an equivalent non-hybrid model. “With so many choices facing motorists when it comes to making greener car buying decisions that also suit their budget and lifestyle, it’s no wonder that people are unclear about the options. Our CO2Certificate has been designed to help used car buyers gain access to clear and concise information at the point of sale, making it easier to compare vehicles and make informed decisions. “Eco motoring is a major focus for manufacturers and consumers alike. The rising cost of fuel and road tax means greener motoring choices can also make a lot of sense for consumer wallets. Our guide to eco motoring offers drivers everyday changes they can make to the way they drive, helping to cut emissions and reduce fuel consumption.” HPI’s Guide to Eco Motoring i) Consider the type of fuel you use and your style of driving. Diesel is more energy efficient than petrol, but is less suitable for short journeys. ii) Clear your car of unnecessary clutter – on average, every 50kg of extra weight increases petrol consumption by up to 2%. iii) Check your tyre pressure is correct to increase efficiency by up to 3%. iv) Avoid over-revving, as higher revs use more fuel. v) Reduce your speed. The average car consumes 38% more fuel at 70mph than it does at 50mph. vi) Smooth and steady. Avoid stopping and starting, as this uses more fuel and produces more CO2. Anticipate the flow of traffic and keep a steady speed. vii) Idling increases emissions so avoid doing it – switch off the engine if you can do so safely. viii) Driving in the highest gear appropriate and changing gear early can boost fuel economy. ix) Accelerate gently to reduce fuel consumption. x) Using air conditioning increases fuel consumption by 10%. Instead, open windows or use the fan, but close them at high speeds.

Cut Fuel Costs with eco-motoring

The March Budget has seen fuel prices reach record highs this year, adding to the toll the economic downturn is having on household budgets.  Helping people save their pennies, as well as the environment, we are urging motorists to turn to eco-motoring. To support used car buyers in their quest to reduce their carbon footprint – and combat soaring fuel costs – our CO2Certificates, provide clear ‘at a glance’ information on the running costs, fuel consumption and environmental performance of a vehicle.  Provided as standard with our market leading HPI Check, the CO2 Certificates have been updated with the Budget’s new fuel prices to ensure used car buyers are armed with the full facts. “In today’s climate consumers are also focused on CO2 emissions for financial reasons, not just to save the planet,” believes our Consumer Director, Kristian Welch.  “But choosing a greener car can be a complex business.  Used car buyers need to be realistic about the sort of driving they are planning on doing before buying their next car. They should be thinking about what size of engine is really necessary and whether they drive short distances in town or longer journeys on the open road. This will affect the style of vehicle buyers choose, as well as affecting the long-term motoring costs.” Petrol vs Diesel? Many motorists may not realise that although petrol engines give out more CO2, they produce less particulates than diesel engines, and particulates can have as detrimental an effect on the environment as CO2 emissions. For those doing short urban trips in built-up areas, petrol engines are likely to be a better choice for emitting less pollutants, with diesel engines better suited to long, open road driving. Use of higher quality fuels may also prolong the life of your engine and help maintain it in the long run. Calculate Running Costs Buyers should also consider that larger vehicles and performance cars have higher running costs, as well as being more expensive to repair and insure. Added to this they are also likely to be more polluting and cost more to tax each year.  “When purchasing a larger or performance-spec vehicle, make sure you do your research into the miles per gallon (mpg) you could expect and its tax band.  As part of your HPI Check report we will tell you the average fuel costs per year of the vehicle and its relevant tax band, keeping you informed of the running costs and environmental impact,” continues Kristian Welch. Consider the Alternatives… Of course there are now alternative fuel types to the traditional petrol and diesel, including LPG, electric and hybrid vehicles. LPG is a low carbon content fuel that produces fewer emissions and can save motorists around 40% compared with petrol and 20% compared with diesel fuel costs. LPG vehicles gain discounts on London Congestion Charges and some parking schemes as well as cheaper road tax for some vehicles. For the environmentally conscious motorist, electric cars may be the best option, as they have zero emissions at point of use. They are cheaper to run, costing around two pence a mile and they can have lower maintenance costs, as well as the added bonus of paying zero road tax and congestion charges. And with the Governments outlined policy for a recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, this option has taken a step forward as a viable option for the UK motorist. Hybrid cars are part electric battery and part conventional cars and have proved to be the most popular alternative to conventional vehicles. They reduce fuel consumption by using electric power, but with a petrol engine as well, there is no need to worry about running out of juice. On average, hybrids improve fuel economy by around 20%-25%, and significantly reduce emissions, compared to an equivalent non-hybrid model. “With so many choices facing motorists when it comes to making greener car buying decisions that also suit their budget and lifestyle, it’s no wonder that people are unclear about the options. Our CO2Certificate has been designed to help used car buyers gain access to clear and concise information at the point of sale, making it easier to compare vehicles and make informed decisions. “Eco motoring is a major focus for manufacturers and consumers alike. The rising cost of fuel and road tax means greener motoring choices can also make a lot of sense for consumer wallets. Our guide to eco motoring offers drivers everyday changes they can make to the way they drive, helping to cut emissions and reduce fuel consumption.” HPI’s Guide to Eco Motoring i) Consider the type of fuel you use and your style of driving. Diesel is more energy efficient than petrol, but is less suitable for short journeys. ii) Clear your car of unnecessary clutter – on average, every 50kg of extra weight increases petrol consumption by up to 2%. iii) Check your tyre pressure is correct to increase efficiency by up to 3%. iv) Avoid over-revving, as higher revs use more fuel. v) Reduce your speed. The average car consumes 38% more fuel at 70mph than it does at 50mph. vi) Smooth and steady. Avoid stopping and starting, as this uses more fuel and produces more CO2. Anticipate the flow of traffic and keep a steady speed. vii) Idling increases emissions so avoid doing it – switch off the engine if you can do so safely. viii) Driving in the highest gear appropriate and changing gear early can boost fuel economy. ix) Accelerate gently to reduce fuel consumption. x) Using air conditioning increases fuel consumption by 10%. Instead, open windows or use the fan, but close them at high speeds.

KEY STATS INFOGRAPHIC

Take a look at the info graphic we’ve pulled together for you… and next time you wonder whether or not to take that HPI Check, remember some of these key stats…

Stamp Out Car Clocking

We’re urging our customers to join us in the fight back against car clocking, as we launch an e-Petition to DirectGov to close down mileage correction firms. Across the UK, these companies are turning back the miles on used cars, helping certain sellers push up the price of vehicles. 1 in 20 cars checked by us show a discrepant mileage, and this figure has risen by 10% in the last 5 years. Private Consumers and Dealers need to tackle the threat of “clocking” head on, as they risk unwittingly selling “clocked” vehicles putting their business and the safety of road users at risk. [button type=”bd_button btn_large” url=”http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/40393     ” target=”blank” button_color_fon=”#058668″ button_text_color=”#ffffff” ]Sign our Petition Here[/button]

Used Car Buyers: Appreciate Depreciation

Here at HPI, we are urging used car buyers to make sure they factor in the depreciation of a vehicle when considering a purchase, as this could save them thousands of pounds when it’s time to sell it on. Whilst there isn’t a magical formula for calculating depreciation, there are clues that can help point the way for used car buyers. Comparing a vehicle’s original and current price will give an indication of its depreciation rate – fairly flat or plummeting like a stone? The newer the vehicle, the steeper the devaluation; the older it gets, the more it is likely to flatten out. Popular, well maintained, or cult vehicles can hold or even increase their value if bought prudently. Depreciation can be a ‘hidden cost’ and buyers who forget to take it into account could be in for a nasty surprise when they come to sell and find its value has plummeted. All too often, when we first see our dream car, we just want to jump in it and drive away, making it all too easy to forget about the day when we will want to sell it, in a few years’ time. Careful buyers will do their research to find out the history of the vehicle, as well as how much the vehicle tax will be, the CO2 emission levels, and how expensive on fuel it could be – all information that HPI provide as standard** with the HPI Check. Mike Hind, of CAP the used car pricing experts, adds: “Depreciation is the biggest single cost in owning a car and it can vary massively between brands”. Understanding what your intended purchase will be worth in the future will help you avoid a potentially costly mistake. It might even mean you can afford to spend more up front on the car you always wanted, if it’s going to lose less money in the long run. Taking the depreciation of a vehicle into account means buyers can get the best price when they come to sell it on. Beware rock bottom prices, in the hope of making up for depreciation later down the line. True bargains are very rare. All too often, if it looks to good to be true, it normally is. Better to be safe and walk away. A little bit of research into the market and where it is likely to go, could save car owners thousands of pounds. ** Information provided where available

Newly passed drivers

HPI is advising students and newly passed drivers buying a used vehicle for the start of term to be cautious and not rush into any purchase – no matter how cheap – as they could end up buying more then they bargained for. With 1 in 3 vehicles checked by HPI having some form of hidden history, we urge anyone starting university who is thinking of buying a used car to take a few simple precautions first. A car history check will tell you is the car your about ti by is: Stolen Every day hundreds of vehicles are stolen across the UK, a large number of which are sold on to unsuspecting buyers. Unfortunately, a student who buys a stolen vehicle is likely to lose both the vehicle and their money as it is still the property of the owner. As well as informing the purchaser if a vehicle has been stolen, the HPI Check includes a stolen V5C document check as standard, which will confirm it is not from a batch which were stolen from the DVLA in 2006. Outstanding Finance 1 in 4 vehicles checked by HPI are still subject to an outstanding finance agreement. Those who buy a car which is still on finance have unwittingly bought a vehicle that is still owned by the finance company, who could claim it back at any time until the outstanding amount is settled. In addition to this,  a student who tries to sell on a vehicle that has finance outstanding is breaking the law – even if they had no knowledge of the agreement, as they are not the legal owner of the vehicle (the finance company is). Write-off A car may look shiny and new, but the paintwork might be hiding a vehicle that has been declared an insurance write-off. Whilst some of these can be repaired safely and returned to the road, others are only fit for scrap. The HPI Check not only identifies if a car has been written-off, but also which category of write-off, helping buyers make an informed decision about the purchase. Clocked With modern digital odometers now commonplace, clocking a vehicle to alter its mileage has never been easier for criminals to add hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds to its asking price as the traditional tell-tale signs of damage to the odometer will not be visible. The HPI Check will check a vehicle’s mileage against the National Mileage Register, which contains over 135 million mileage records and will inform a buyer if there is a mileage discrepancy. If you would like more information on a car history check, visit us at www.hpicheck.com.

"*" indicates required fields