Need to buy a used van for business or otherwise? Before comparing the search results for van insurance, it can be handy to consider some pointers to help find a ’good little runner’ rather than a ’rust bucket’!

Directgov offers the following tips to help potential buyers when choosing a second–hand vehicle.

Consumer rights to bear in mind

Borrowers can find out their consumer rights from Consumer Direct prior to purchasing a used vehicle – for example from a private seller, dealer or auction house.

Pre–purchase considerations

• Buyers may prefer to see the vehicle in daylight at the seller’s home and not in a public car park
• What is the vehicle’s market value – is it on offer for a suspiciously low price?
• Does the vehicle ID number (VIN) and engine number match the registration certificate (V5C)? A dealer can help locate them.
Is the seller the registered keeper? If so, there should be the opportunity to view the vehicle at the registered keeper’s address (shown on the V5C).

A buyer may choose to check:

• The condition of the vehicle
• Whether the engine has been changed in any way
• Do all locks open with the same key? Thieves can change locks that have been damaged
• Does the mileage seem reasonable for the vehicle age and condition?

Is the vehicle’s registration certificate (V5C) valid?

Thieves can change a stolen vehicle and its paperwork to make it look like a real one (this is known as ‘cloning’). Does the seller have the right to sell the vehicle? Sellers should have any of the following if they’ve had the vehicle for some time:

• A bill of sale (receipt)
• Service records
• MOT certificate

Page source: Directgov as of April 06, 2011.