Research

• Decide on the vehicle or trailer that suits your needs.
• Choose which make and model you want.
• Find out where the manufacturers identification numbers should be.

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• Make sure that the vendor has a traceable identity (i.e. bona fide business address).
• Beware of recently formed businesses, wherever possible buy from a trader or operator with an established and checkable track record.
• Beware of mobile numbers only.

Vendor

• Is the vendor familiar with the vehicle and it's equipment?
• Is the vendor the registered keeper?

Documentation

• Does the vendor have the Registration Document (V5) for the vehicle or have a checkable reason why this is not available? If not, do not buy.
• Does the Registration Document (V5) have a watermark? If this is not visible when held up to the light the document is probably a forgery.
• Does the vehicle information recorded in the Registration Document (V5) look right? Compare the style of print with that of a known genuine Registration Document.
• Are there any mistake or corrections on the Registration Document?
  (DVLA do not issues V5's with corrections).

Vehicle

Look for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate:

• Does it match the registration document?
• Does it appear to have been interfered with?
• Have the rivets been disturbed?
• Has the VIN plate been removed? If so ask Why!
• Heavy Goods Vehicles usually also have the VIN stamped on the RHS chassis rail forward of the steer axle.
• Light Goods Vehicles and Car Derived Vehicles may have Visible VIN viewable through the front nearside windscreen on or near the dashboard.
• Do all the VINs match with the Registration Document (V5)?

Find the stamped-in vehicle identification number:

• Check the surrounding area for signs of any alteration.
• The 17 digits should be evenly and levelly stamped and should match the registration document.

Check the engine number:

• Does it match the registration document?
• Has it been interfered with or altered? Has the engine been changed?
• If engine number differs, confirm reasons wherever possible.

Also

• Are there more screw holes in the number plate than are necessary?
• If security etching on glazing is present, check for uniformity throughout and that this matches the vehicle identity. (Security marking may also be present on lamp glasses and mirrors.)
• Where window stickers are present, check underneath that security markings are not covered.
• Has any part of the security etching on glazing been erased, defaced or altered?

Security Items

• Are there more keys to the vehicle than you would expect? If so why?
• Is there any damage or repaired damage around door and / or ignition locks?

Trailers

Trailers usually bear the registration number of the drawing unit and cannot be registered in their own right.

Despite this, a trailer is still a vehicle requiring it's own identification number, plates and documentation

Therefore

• Ensure that the trailer is fitted with a manufacturers / chassis plate which bears the name of the manufacturer, together with the address or telephone number. (Avoid illegible or plain metal plates.)
• Check the documentation: the Ministry plate, test disc and certificate. Ensure that the chassis number is the same as that on the manufacturer / chassis plate.
• Avoid documents bearing the words "Replacement" or bearing a very recent date mark.
• Ensure that the trailer make is the same as that shown on badges or emblems.
• Beware of trailers where no make is shown or the plate is marked as "Unknown".
• Where possible, inspect the chassis for areas of alteration, grinding or other defacement.
• Avoid the purchase of trailers over the telephone and, where finance companies are involved, insist on a physical examination and take a photograph with the vendor.

Final Advice

If you buy a vehicle with is subsequently found to be stolen, apart from problems you may have explaining your actions to the police, you will have no right in law to ownership of that vehicle.

YOU WILL LOSE BOTH THE VEHICLE AND THE MONEY YOU PAID FOR IT

IF IN DOUBT - WALK AWAY

Before parting with your money, remember the other checks you can make, e.g. HPI Equifax, or CNN, and if you have suspicions the local Police may check the Police National Computer (PNC) for you.