RAC offers two services to help minimise the risks associated with buying a used car - Car Data Checks and Vehicle Inspections. Buying a used car is the second biggest investment behind buying a house, yet few people take enough care or seek the right advice before parting with their money.

RAC car data check

The RAC Car Data Check^* costs £5 and can uncover hidden problems or information on any vehicle including whether it is:

• stolen
• an insurance write-off
• has outstanding finance
• has previous plates
• at risk of being sold illegally

A Check also cross references the number plate with the chassis number to confirm they both belong to the same vehicle.

The Check will also provide a market valuation (where available) and will check the current mileage (where provided) against the National Mileage Database to look for signs of 'clocking' - winding the odometer to reduce the mileage reading.

Facts and figures

One in three used cars that RAC check^** reveal something a buyer would want to know:

• More than one in four has outstanding finance - be careful you don't end up owning someone else's debt
• One in eight has been classified as an insurance write off as a result of major accident damage - if you buy one of these it will be worth less than you think, and may well be unsafe to drive
• One in every 250 is stolen - if you buy a stolen vehicle the police will repossess it and return it to the rightful owner
• One in five vehicles checked will highlight an inconsistent mileage history - vehicles that have covered more miles than you think will have a lower market value, and could be more expensive to maintain due to worn parts

RAC vehicle inspections

RAC Vehicle Inspections offer two levels of protection:

Essentials offers a mechanical and structural inspection, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy. This starts from £125 for RAC members, £139 for non-members and includes an RAC Car Data Check

Essentials Plus includes a comprehensive mechanical and structural inspection covering 166 points. This starts from £229 for RAC members, £249 for non-members and includes an RAC Car Data Check

Facts and figures

Research from the RAC^*** indicates that 58 per cent of all vehicles which underwent an RAC Vehicle Inspection had been involved in an accident at some point, and 30 per cent had dangerous faults - putting used car buyers looking for a bargain at serious risk. The statistics also showed:

• Almost 80 per cent of those vehicles checked would fail a basic MOT
• 82 per cent had faults that would cost more than £200 to fix
• One in five had faults which made them unroadworthy

Customer Information

Customers can call 0800 975 5867 or visit www.rac.co.uk/products-services/car-data-checks/ for more details on both products.

For further information contact:

RAC Press Office
Vicki Burn

Telephone: 01603 684224
Email: vicki.burn@aviva.co.uk

Updated October 2007

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