Car cloning is a “growing threat” for buyers. Premium-brand cars pose the biggest risk. That’s the stark warning from data expert HPI.
A cloned car is a stolen or crash-repaired car given the identity of an otherwise identical legitimate car.
Criminals change the number plates, VIN (vehicle identification number) and V5 vehicle registration document to pass off a stolen car as a legitimate one.
HPI says the Mercedes C-class tops its list of cloned cars. The Audi A4 and BMW 3-series – also business favourites – feature in the top four.
HPI has warned sole traders and small businesses to be on their guard when buying a used car – or used van.
The Ford Transit is number two in HPI’s top 10 list of cloned vehicles.
HPI advises three simple steps to avoid the risk of buying a ‘clone’:
1 Check its provenance and double-check the VIN and number plate using a vehicle data specialist, such as HPI.
2 If you’re paying less than 70% of the car’s market value, it’s probably a clone.
3 Don’t pay a large amount in cash. Most cloners will walk away from a deal rather than take a payment that can be traced back to them.
Anyone who buys a cloned car risks losing the car and the money they paid for it.
HPI’s top 10 cloned vehicles, 2007-2008
1 Mercedes C-class
2 Ford Transit
3 Audi A4
4 BMW 3-series
5 Audi TT
6 Volkswagen Golf
7 Vauxhall Vivaro
8 Land Rover
9 Peugeot 206
10 Volkswagen Passat
Further information
See our Advice Centre article Top Tips: Buying a used business car
Data expert HPI warns buyers of growing risk of car cloning
