HPI HELPS USED CAR BUYERS STEER CLEAR OF TROUBLE

With the HPI guide to bartering a bargain

Despite a buyer’s best intentions, if a dream used car becomes available at the right price, often the budget can be quickly forgotten as the heart rules the head. Therefore, HPI, the provider of www.hpicheck.com is offering a helping hand so that used car buyers can negotiate a good deal. HPI’s simple guide to bartering a bargain offers tips on what to say when negotiating the price on a used car, when buying privately or through a dealer.

www.hpicheck.com Senior Consumer Services Manager, Shane Teskey, explains, “All too often used buyers find the car they want and have to pay the full sticker price because they are let down by their poor negotiating skills. The way you ask certain questions can make a real difference when clinching a good deal.

“The trick to a good negotiation is to make sure the vendor or salesperson knows you’re a serious buyer without appearing desperate. Before you start searching the online ads and the local dealerships, do some research on the marketplace, that way you can demonstrate your knowledge.”

HPI advises used car buyers to do some homework, to understand current market value. Then it’s time to set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to be taken in by shiny paintwork or a few in-car gadgets, but beware any vehicle with a below market value price tag. It could be priced to sell, but it could also be hiding something more serious. For example a clocked or stolen vehicle could be sold as a bargain in order to cheat unsuspecting buyers out of their hard-earned cash. If a vehicle turns out to be stolen or on outstanding finance, buyers could lose the car and the money they paid for it when it’s returned to the rightful owner. Before you do any hard bargaining, get an HPI Check to be able to barter with peace of mind.

Shane concludes, “We advise consumers to do all the usual checks when looking at the car and never hand over any money until you’ve checked the car’s history and status with HPI. But if you’re still unsure you could opt for an HPI Inspection – you can get the vehicle checked by a mechanical expert who will also negotiate on price.”

The HPI Check includes a mileage check against the National Mileage Register as standard, now with over 160 million mileage readings. HPI also confirms whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police, has outstanding finance against it or has been written off, making it the best way for consumers to protect themselves from fraudsters looking to make a fast profit. In addition, the HPI Check offers a £30,000 Guarantee in the event of the information it provides being inaccurate, offering added financial peace of mind to used car buyers. The HPI Inspection is available from £99.

HPI’S Guide to Bartering a Bargain What NOT to say: I really like this car Have you sold many cars today? What sort of discounts are people getting on cars at the moment? Please can I have a discount? Are you sure you can’t meet my budget? Is that all that my old car is worth? What will it cost if I pay in cash? What you SHOULD say: I’m interested in this car, but I need more on my old car Has this car been HPI Checked? Has this car ever been in accident? How much discount will you give me? Can you meet my budget – if not, I can buy elsewhere? I’ve seen a better deal at (mention a nearby competitor) If we can agree on £xxxx then you have a deal

For further information visit www.hpicheck.com or call 0845 300 8905

About HPI:

Originally established in 1938, HPI Limited is a primary source of vehicle information for the UK motor industry and motoring consumer which, since December 2008, has been owned by Solera Holdings, Inc. Solera Holdings, Inc. is an integrated group of leading automotive claims solutions companies. Founded in January 2005 by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tony Aquila, Solera has expanded its geographic reach and now serves more than 55,000 business customers in over 50 countries across six continents.

HPI encompasses both the HPI database of all UK road registered vehicle descriptions and histories, and the National Mileage Register (NMR) which holds in excess of 160 million mileage readings.

Together, HPI and NMR represent one of the UK’s largest vehicle information sources, combining and interpreting data from government agencies, industry bodies, private organisations, the police and the general public. Registering with HPI helps companies to protect their financial interests in motor vehicles and a wide range of other mobile assets. HPI Checks give purchasers instant confirmation of whether vehicles are correctly described, known to be subject to outstanding finance or serious accident damage, or recorded as stolen or “clocked”.

‘HPI’ and the HPI logo are registered trademarks of HPI Limited.

1. All prices include VAT and are correct as of 2^nd January 2014
2. Mileage Data is not covered by The HPI Guarantee
3. *The HPI Guarantee is subject to terms and conditions