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We have teamed up with Experian to give you the reassurance you need when buying a used van.
Inadvertently buying a van that is then found to have been stolen is likely to result in you losing all rights to ownership, as well as the money you originally paid.
We check key registers from Experian for every private van placed on the site for sale. This should prevent a van that is stolen from being advertised on our site.
However, we also recommend you purchase a full history check from one of the leading providers before you're about to buy a used car.
Clocking does still occur unfortunately. Clocking usually involves removing the whole assembly from the dash and changing the milometer i.e. winding the clock back. Check that the digits align and examine the screws, and if you are in doubt, walk away.
A history check may reveal that the van has outstanding finance and that it's legally still owned by the finance company. But this is not necessarily bad news - you can still come to an agreement with the finance company, and end up owning the van. But don't rely on the seller's word that he or she will settle the outstanding amount.
The check may also reveal that the van had previously been written off or recorded as a total loss by an insurance company due to damage or a theft-related insurance claim. This doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy the van, but if you do you should consider the following:
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