Is a letter......

[Jasandjules]

I know this has been done before, but I can't find the thread on here, so apologies.

However, I am looking to purchase a car, it comes up on the HPI as finance outstanding. However, it was paid off last week and the dealer has a letter from the lease company saying they have no claim on the vehicle.

Is that enough, or do I need to wait and get a clear HPI report in a few days?

[moffat]

Simple - just phone the finance company that the finance is showing on and ask them if it is has been cleared.

Or, buy and HPI check or similar and make sure you indemnify the purchase and you will be covered too.

I would personally do the first option.

[PositronicRay]

Jasandjules said:

I know this has been done before, but I can't find the thread on here, so apologies.

However, I am looking to purchase a car, it comes up on the HPI as finance outstanding. However, it was paid off last week and the dealer has a letter from the lease company saying they have no claim on the vehicle.

Is that enough, or do I need to wait and get a clear HPI report in a few days?

As long as it's a reputable dealer you'll be okay.

[Speed Badger]

I literally just had experience of this in the last month. Did an HPI check on a car and came back finance outstanding. I informed the seller and they said they had just paid it (I initially was sceptical and a bit worried) but waited a couple of days then phoned the finance company direct. They told me payment had been made, that they no longer had an interest in the vehicle and emailed me a pdf letter the same day declaring they had no interest in the car.

[Jasandjules]

I assumed the lease company would not speak to me. Will get them called and see, thanks!

[Speed Badger]

Yes try that, they can't tell you how much is owing or personal details etc, but all I had when I called them was the car reg number and that's all.

[Jasandjules]

Thanks, spoke to finance company who confirm they no longer have an interest in the car, and they've put it in writing (even offered to do that before being asked) so I am guessing they are used to it!

So I am going to assume that I don't need to worry about the HPI showing Finance now!

[Claudia Skies]

Jasandjules said:

the dealer has a letter from the lease company saying they have no claim on the vehicle.

TBH I don't think you are "off the hook" unless the letter is addressed to you, personally.