What is included in a free car reg check?

Buying a used car is a risk-ridden activity. The seller knows more about the vehicle than the buyer, resulting in informational asymmetry. According to Economics Nobel Laureate prof. George Akerlof, it results in a situation of adverse selection, and the buyer may end up with a substandard car despite paying for a standard one.  

If you want to learn more about the car you’re interested in, you can perform a reg check on it. Car check service providers ensure that you have all the details you need to make an informed decision.

While detailed reports are available at a price, free car checks are also an excellent tool to help you narrow down your choices.

What does a free car check include?

A free car check generally gives you the following information:

• The car’s registration number, so you can tally it with the one the seller has given you. A free check also gives you the year of registration.
• The car’s make, model and version. It also gives you the original color of the vehicle.
• The number of doors on the car and its body type.
• A free service will let you see how many records the company has of the particular car. It includes both positive and negative vehicle data records.
• Additionally, you will get an estimated running cost of the car. It is the annual running cost based on the average mileage for a particular car.
• Finally, you will be given a set of paid reports to choose from should you wish to learn more about the vehicle in question. The elaborations tell you if the car’s odometer has been tampered with, whether it falls under any write-off category, or if it is still under finance, and much more.

Additionally, here are some general tips that you can follow to ensure the sellers do not take you for a ride while you’re looking for your new ride:

• Check the safety rating of the model and make of a car. Voluntary organizations like the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) regularly conduct and publish their safety reports on cars.
• Cars are independently rated based on their automatic braking system, lane support, speed assistance, and other safety features. It also lets you know how safe the standard version of the car is, vis-a-vis a version with additional safety features.
• Get the car checked by a trusted mechanic. They will tell you how the car has been maintained so far and if there are any issues you might want to get rectified immediately. Besides, some insurance companies require you to produce a mechanic’s certificate for a car before they can insure it for you.
• Perform a thorough background check. As mentioned above, reg check services can give you sound reports on a car’s health, finances, and ownership. For instance, you can find out if a car is a Category A or B write-off if it has been deemed unroadworthy.

Further, if a vehicle is Category C or D write-off, and you do not declare it to your insurance company, it could affect your future contract and premium.

• When buying from a garage, ask for a warranty. If a car comes without a warranty, it is sure to give you trouble shortly.
• Test-drive the car to check for rattling or other untoward noises. Rattling is a sign of engine malfunction and can result in lower fuel efficiency. Additionally, ensure that the acceleration and braking mechanisms are smooth.

In Conclusion

Buying a used car is a gamble – be wary of a deal that sounds too good to be true. You do not want to skimp on expenses now, only to have to cough up much more on maintenance charges. Ask a good mechanic and a good car registry checking site to help you make the process a pleasant one.