Why would a car not have a HPI report?

[dr.pepper]

I am looking to buy a car this evening and thought i would carry out the usual checks.

The odd thing is, the reg plate does not show on any HPI database.
One of the HPI staffies called the DVLA for me and confirmed that there had been a private plate on the Car and that even that reg plate did not show on the HPI database.


This seems odd. Are there any plausible explanations for this?

[Soovy]

Yes. It's a wrong 'un.

[trickywoo]

Are you confusing no HPI interest with no registration recorded?

[TheStoat]

Is it an import or a kit car? These sometimes fail to show any history on what is a UK-based database...

[dr.pepper]

This is the car in question:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2880252.htm

Maybe there is some kind of error in the HPI database?
I just want to know if is Accident damaged, stolen or has any outstanding finance on it as one normally would check, when forking out for a car.

The seller seemed like a decent, friendly chap so i have no reason to believe this is dodgy. Just seems like somewhere down the line there was a problem with HPI registration?

[shouldbworking]

So check it off the VIN number instead.

[Ean218]

It's on the AA database so use that instead.

https://www.theaacarcheck.com/theaa/

Vehicle Details for registration number DA03SSK
Make SEAT Model LEON CUPRA R
Engine size 1781 Year 2003

[ROOODBOY]

HPI is not always right anyway.

I recently did an HPI check (through work) on a car that a friend's daughter had already purchased (and turned out to be a lemon) and it came back as 'Stolen'.

They went to the police and reported it, and it wasn't stolen!