Buying a 'Stolen Recovered' Car

[krusty]

What's the general concensus on buying a car that's advertised as 'Stolen Recovered'?
I've just phoned and advert and the trader buys cars from insurance companies that have paid out customers on cars that are subsequently found.
This particular car looks fine in the pictures, he says there was no damage from the theft and I have to say it looks a good deal.

[Rubin215]

Buy it on condition alone.

Many cars are knicked using the keys and then driven carefully to avoid atention.

The cars that get joy-ridden tend to be smashed up or set on fire.

[Likes Fast Cars]

Check DVLA database to mnake sure it's not stolen. Sounds bit odd that there's no damage.

[krusty]

Likes Fast Cars said:

odd that there's no damage.

I thought that but the trader assures me that it's not.
Here's the advert, have a look.


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[budgie smuggler]

Do these come from cases where the insurer has already paid the policyholder for the theft?

[98elise]

It does happen, but give it a good going over.

[S1_RS]

As long as it's all complete it could be ok. Check the key works all the door locks.

I've had a few S/R's from salvage over the years, the main thing is there always seems to be weird bits missing that can take time to track down from breakers or cost a fortune from a main stealer.

[Jasandjules]

98elise said:

It does happen, but give it a good going over.

This. They can be ragged for a bit (if it's a performance car) then just left, OR as happened to my dad's car every couple of weeks, used to travel a mile or two up the road as the thief didn't want to have to walk too far.....

Just get it checked out. Can still be as good if not better than some other cars for sale privately.....