Used car buyers warned to check one common part to see if they are being ripped off

Drivers thinking about buying a used car have been urged to avoid falling for a surprisingly common scam that could see motorists buy a model with a hidden history.

The used car market was particularly strong during January, with many drivers planning to take action as soon as possible when a desirable model comes up for sale.

However the finance provider Zuto has suggested that drivers should never rush into buying a used car, no matter how tempting the deal may be.

In particular, Lucy Sherliker, Head of Customer at Zuto, suggested that drivers should pay close attention to the number plates of any pre-owned model they are interested in, warning that they may be hiding something.

She explained: “A tampered number plate is a good sign that someone is trying to cover something. Signs to look for are stickers that cover up information or characters that look like they have been altered.”

When buying a used car, it is vital that drivers check for any irregularities on the number plate, such as an unusual font, a different shade of yellow on the rear registration, and a plate that is not fixed correctly.

All of these would suggest that the vehicle’s number plate has been taken off and replaced at some stage, creating the possibility that the model has been in an accident in the past.

However, it may also be a sign that the vehicle has been fitted with the number plates of a different vehicle. This could be a sign that the model was stolen and being quickly sold for a profit to an unsuspecting buyer.

Whilst it is difficult to check whether a used car is being sold with a cloned number plate, drivers may be able to identify a stolen vehicle by checking the registration with the DVLA.

By using a free car checking service, drivers should be able to find out details such as the specific trim level, registration date, engine specifications, and all of the model’s MOT history, including the mileage.

As a result, when viewing the vehicle, motorists should check the mileage as stated by the mechanic during the last MOT and compare it to the figure on the instrument panel.