Ask an expert

I just want to pass on my recent experience using the AA Vehicle History report.

I recently checked a car that I was considering purchasing and in doing so saved myself a good amount of stress and more importantly money, due to a financial interest being registered against the vehicle in spite of being assured it was unencumbered.

To be fair I do believe the seller was genuinely not aware of the outstanding debt due to taking the word of a friend of a friend they had purchased it from. Fortunately for me, I took the precaution and purchased the AA Vehicle History report which revealed the outstanding debt.

I did not purchase it in the end due to the seller being unable to purchase another car once paying off the outstanding debt.

What a great service and product this is and beside the money owing aspect I learnt a lot more about the general history of the vehicle.

I would encourage all potential buyers to purchase a car history report before committing to purchase any used car.

I will certainly be telling everyone I know of my good fortune.

Tom.

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

Thanks for the email. It has been very noticeable in recent months the number of motorists who have purchased cars (mainly privately) with money owing and had to deal with tow truck drivers, finance companies and previous owners to try and sort out the financial mess they have walked into.

AA Vehicle History report can certainly take some of the stress out of buying a used car.

Its a great low cost peace of mind check.