VERY inconsistant HPI - BEWARE
Discussion
Went to test drive/buy an MX-5 today (not advertised on PH) The trader produced an HPI check which was clear. 2006 MX-5 2 owners and a service history print-out. When I drove it fast, each time I changed gear the car dipped slightly to the left then straightened as I accellerated. Because of this I phoned a mate in the trade who did his own HPI check for me and it came up as having had an insurance damage claim in 2008. On closer inspection, the car had been re-painted on the front wing. Dont know what else may have been done so I walked away. Great shame because it was otherwise a very nice car. The HPI did not have details of the claim and was not catigorised D or C. Two HPI checks, two different results. If it wasn't for the fact I picked up on the dipping on the test drive, I may have bought it based on the 1st HPi check.
Heard a similar problem on the Mercedes forums, a member bought a 2007 car that looked to be mint and came with a HPI cert from the trader saying its clean, couple of years later she tries to trade in and it turns out the car is a CAT D write off.
It seems to me at least 1 in 10 used car is a write-off or has some hidden damage somewhere, you need to be careful.
It seems to me at least 1 in 10 used car is a write-off or has some hidden damage somewhere, you need to be careful.
edo said:
What did your mate run? HPI doesn't show up repairs unless the car it "CAT" write off of some sort?
I dont know. He has it as part of his Traders Insurance, does it on the internet. It showed an insurance repair in 2008 plus usual finance info with an "open" finance agreement taken out on the car when it was new which has never been closed. It shows how unreliable HPi reports can be. Rs2oo said:
I dont know. He has it as part of his Traders Insurance, does it on the internet. It showed an insurance repair in 2008 plus usual finance info with an "open" finance agreement taken out on the car when it was new which has never been closed. It shows how unreliable HPi reports can be.
Interesting - well in theory, if the HPI check is genuine, then someone finding this out could claim on the insurance guarantee that HPI provide?hora said:
Maybe its a new thing. I've owned two mx5's and the last one was serviced for me in 2008.
Always stamped.
Are you sure? It could be another thing to get this seller on.
This bit taken from the Parkers Guide - "If you're looking for a safe bet, this is it. The previous models have been exceptionally reliable, usually giving over a decade of trouble free motoring. The digital service record ought to ensure that correct servicing is carried out" Always stamped.
Are you sure? It could be another thing to get this seller on.
hora said:
Service history print out? 
Sorry. Its service book/stamped - I call one or two garages on there rto verify.
Printout could be a creation of fiction and when you sell such a car make it harder anyway. Yes I know 'some' fleet cars only come with printouts but I wouldn't buy an ex fleet car or any car without a filled in logbook and receipts.
Plenty of MX5's out there.
I'd value a service history print out more than I would a service history book...Sorry. Its service book/stamped - I call one or two garages on there rto verify.
Printout could be a creation of fiction and when you sell such a car make it harder anyway. Yes I know 'some' fleet cars only come with printouts but I wouldn't buy an ex fleet car or any car without a filled in logbook and receipts.
Plenty of MX5's out there.
The print out would be from the manufacturers central computer systems where all services are recorded so you can be fairly sure its genuine. A service book can be faked very easily, the stamps are available of ebay.
Mercedes don't even give service books any more as the history is all stored on the central computer
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