With witching season upon us, we want to protect buyers from cars that may go bump in the night. Horror stories aren’t just for halloween, 1 in 3 cars checked by HPI uncovers a gory history. This shows that some sellers have more tricks than treats for unsuspecting buyers.

 If you’re in the market for a new car this October we’ve put together some tips on how to avoid buying a nightmare on wheels.

Don’t Sell Your Soul
Fraudulent sellers can sense a buyer who needs to buy in a hurry. Buying under pressure could potentially lose you money. Don’t be afraid to walk away and say no to the seller. If it doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t.

Blind as a Bat Buyers
Some buyers make impulsive decisions that they live to regret.  Think about what you really need from your next a car, do you have a family, pets or are you downsizing? Think about how you use your car to determine the size and model of car – do you commute, or travel into the city centre for work? It’s always a good idea to check reviews and prices, as well as local deals to see the market price. Going in blind, could mean you hand over a frightening amount of cash for something you didn’t really want.

Don’t Get Burned on Price
It’s important to set your budget and stick to it. Don’t be sweet talked into buying something you may later regret, many buyers are duped by devilishly slick sellers and pay more than they could afford. Think about how you will fund your new car; will you use the money you saved up for a rainy day? Or will you apply for a loan / finance? Search for the best deals.

There’s No Place Like Home
Don’t be afraid to travel far to find a bargain without a horrible history. If you live in the city, but want a 4×4, you’re more likely to find it in rural areas. Widen your search to get the best chance of finding the best model for your needs and a choice of prices and conditions.

Beware Tricky Traders
It’s easy to be taken in by a smooth talking seller with a car that’s gleaming and enticing, because it could be hiding a few skeletons in its past and under the bonnet. Trusting buyers put themselves at risk of buying a nightmare on wheels. Don’t take the sales pitch on face value – get it checked.

Trick or Treat Under the Bonnet
Dark nights can mask imperfections such as wear and tear and damaged bodywork. Rain can also hide any dents so it’s important to view a car in the daylight. Look under the bonnet and check that the chassis numbers match, this is the perfect way to ensure that there are no skeletons hiding in the vehicle’s closet. Always ask to see the service history, if the seller doesn’t have any documents, this car could be a horror story.

Before buying your next vehicle, research is key. Have a look at insurance premiums, tax, fuel consumption and running costs. An HPI check will uncover the car’s history and reveal any skeletons. If you would like any more advice please leave a comment below or tweet us @hpicheck.

For more buying advice use our  FREE HPI Car Buyer’s Guide : https://hpicarbuyersguide.co.uk/