peace of mind

[filos hippos]

Hi all,

my tvr quest is coming closer now...

I'm really excited about viewing a few cars in the UK later this week.

As I am Belgian(not my fault ), "me not used to all ze Britizz paperwork", I got a few questions.

Offcours I don't want to find out I bought an accidented vehicle or a vehicle with an outstanding finance

I've read about an HPI-check, but what info do I need from the owner to proceed with this test. And also, how long does it take to do this test(possible online, etc...)

Concluding, What do I need to do to make sure I buy a car without damage and outstanding finance.

[filos hippos]

Thanks for your usefull info I forgot to add...

[smedlen]

I used www.hpicheck.com/ prior to buying my Chimaera last year. I wasn't impressed. It didn't tell me anything that wasn't in the big bundle of receipts that came with the car. It took me three attempts to do the check online. They billed me twice but I did get a refund. Expect the web page to go dead for ten minutes after submitting the details.

Ideally you'll have the registration and VIN numbers. You can check the VIN number latter if you need to.

You should also check out their conditional guarantee, for instance: In the case where HPI provides incorrect data affecting the vehicle's condition, the HPI Guarantee will cover up to £2,000 or 20% of the market value of the car, whichever is the lower.

IMO you would be better off spending £40 at the local MOT testing. Whilst it's up in the air have a good long look at the chassis for bent tubes, welded repairs and excessive rust.

Check very carefully that the VIN number on the car has not been altered and matches the registration document.

Also examine the vendor very carefully. How long has he had the car? If five years then there is not likely to be any outstanding finance. Also, if he's a crook he'd probably be selling a different make of car since TVR owners are all very nice people!

[M@H]

smedlen said:

IMO you would be better off spending £40 at the local MOT testing.

True, but there is no way I'd buy a TVR without an HPI check thats for sure.. I know of owners who have found out their P&J is worth thousands less than they imagine, having discovered months/years into ownership that the car was CATD on trying to sell it.

If you are buying from a dealer they will have done this already, so just ask to see the printout. If you are buying privately then there are ways and means.. (including websites) ..for instance if you are friendly with a local garage they can even do it for you for a few beers.

Be warned though, just beacuse a TVR is HPI clear does not mean it has not been involved in an accident, it is by no means a guarantee. Many cars are just repaired "privately" not involving an insurance claim meaning there is no HPI record.

What I think smedlen was driving at though, is that there is no substitute for getting under the car and having a good look about. When I do inspections for people I have 118 specific inspecion points on my list plus a road test.

Cheers,
Matt.
www.shop4silver.co.uk/TVRfinder/index.html

[Ribol]

filos hippos said:

What do I need to do to make sure I buy a car without damage and outstanding finance.

The HPI check will cover the finance side of things.
Buying a car that has not has any accident damage is another story. Personally if I did not know enough about cars I would take it along to the nearest TVR dealer and get it checked out properly. They will have proper garage facilities available to do a proper check and will probably be able to do an HPI check for you at the same time.
It will be money well spent.

[Incorrigible]

Mine was a Cat C and you wouldn't be able to tell from a look underneath. Get an HPI check £17

The thing to be more worried about is not the HPI catagory but whether the vendor is lying or not IMHO

[peteA]

[quote=filos hippos]Hi all,

my tvr quest is coming closer now...

I'm really excited about viewing a few cars in the UK later this week.

As I am Belgian(not my fault ), "me not used to all ze Britizz paperwork", I got a few questions.

Offcours I don't want to find out I bought an accidented vehicle or a vehicle with an outstanding finance

I checked my Chim over the phone with the AA - £50 with compensation if the data proves incorrect.

The data arrived later in the post and whilst every minute detail is not present, enough was there, including number plate changes, mileage checks, etc to make me confident enough to proceed with my particular purchase.

Wouldn't buy any vehicle, let alone a TVR, without a check just because it is a comfort / safety issue - whats £50 in £10,000 plus ?

Hope you find a suitable car soon - you are buying at the right time of year - try and bag one before the spring though...

[filos hippos]

Thanks guys,

I'm about to test-drive a few cars near Birmingham. What tvr-dealer would you suggest to do the hpi stuff and drink the few bears with.

Also to you Matt, what would you charge to make up an detailed report and get your butt to Birmingham?

Cheers,

Filip

[Ribol]

Incorrigible said:

Mine was a Cat C and you wouldn't be able to tell from a look underneath. Get an HPI check £17 The thing to be more worried about is not the HPI catagory but whether the vendor is lying or not IMHO

There are plenty of cars that are not a Cat C you would still not buy if you found something wrong with them as a result of a proper check. An HPI check is essential but only part of an inspection.
As to the vendor lying theory, the vendor may well not be lying but the person who sold it to him may have been.

[mastiff]

Mail me with registratuion number and I will do full hpi check for you.


M.

[M@H]

filos hippos said:

Thanks guys, I'm about to test-drive a few cars near Birmingham. What tvr-dealer would you suggest to do the hpi stuff and drink the few bears with. Also to you Matt, what would you charge to make up an detailed report and get your butt to Birmingham? Cheers, Filip

Hi,

Actaully not that much as BHM is only 50 miles from me.. email me with the details and we can sort something out I'm sure

Cheers,
Matt

[M@H]

..so how did it go then..?