RAY MASSEY: How to be a safe car buyer (or seller)

Navigating the world of motorsports can be a rewarding experience with the right knowledge.

However, it is important to remain alert to scams, and consumer advocacy organisation What Car? reports an increase in cases in the used car market.

We spoke to experts including What Car?, Which? and automotive industry magazine Car Dealer on how to keep scammers at bay.

‘Cut and close’

A ‘cut and assembled’ car is one in which parts are taken from wrecked vehicles of the same make and model and welded together to form a single functional engine.

So check that the vehicle’s panels are properly aligned without irregularities such as potholes and that the paint is even and matches. Also, run a small magnet over the suspicious areas to check that they are still metal – if the magnet doesn’t stick, this could indicate the use of putty, meaning the car has been in a collision.

Car cloning

This scam can be costly and time-consuming. I know, I’ve been a victim myself. Scammers steal your car’s identity by placing your vehicle’s license plate on a similar model and color of car, which may even be stolen. When automatic license plate recognition cameras record your indiscretions, your details are picked up by the authorities, so the fine ends up in your mailbox, not theirs. Victims of this scam may need legal advice.

Fake car ads

Beware of fake second-hand car adverts, especially on social media and car sales sites. Consumer organisation Which? says car fraud is on the rise, with victims losing an average of £998.

Scammers place fake listings on legitimate business sites, such as Facebook Marketplace, at prices well below market value to attract buyers. But once you’ve paid a deposit, or even the asking price, you’ll never hear from them again.

Telltale signs include being asked to pay for a vehicle off-site.

Fake car buyers

Selling your own car can also be fraught with danger. If a buyer contacts you and offers you a higher price than the asking price, especially if they are from abroad, think carefully before accepting their offer.

What Car? warns: “Scammers may offer to pay by bank transfer, which may be fake, leaving you with thousands of pounds unpaid. Once they have your car, they disappear without paying.”

In short, never hand over your car or any documents until you have paid the agreed price.

‘Clash over money’

This scam could cause your premium to skyrocket and your no-claims bonus to disappear. Criminals deliberately cause an accident, often by crashing their vehicle into yours, to make a fraudulent insurance claim.

What Car? advises: “Act as you would in a real accident, gathering details from the other party, taking photographs and asking witnesses for statements. Then report the incident to the police and your insurer, stating that you believe it was a staged accident.”

A good read

If you’re looking for some light summer reading, I recommend Three Million Miles In A Volvo And Other Curious Car Stories (thehistorypress.co.uk) by Giles Chapman.

It’s a delightful compendium of 50 stories, including racing driver Jack Warner in his pre-Dixon Of Dock Green TV police days; the stunt driver behind police drama The Sweeney; and Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson’s love of Rolls-Royces, especially Lady Penelope’s pink one.

The book takes its title from the exploits of American science teacher Irv Gordon, who actually drove more than three million miles in his Volvo P1800S between 1966 and his death in 2018.

When asked what the secret to his Volvo’s longevity was, Gordon said: “I think Volvo just over-engineered… I just followed the owner’s manual.”