The importance of getting a data check

Cars today are subject to strict MOTs, which attempt to ensure high standards of safety. This means that when you buy second hand cars, you will have some level of assurance that the car is at least fairly safe although this shouldn’t be taken for granted. An MOT means a car is safe at the point of the inspection, not necessarily now.

The impending MOT could very well deem the car un-roadworthy. This not only threatens your safety, but also the value of your investment. There are a few superficial checks we can carry out to gauge a cars safety, the first is a Data Check. A decent data check from a reputable firm will tell you if a car has been written off or stolen, and it’ll tell you roughly how many miles your prospective second hand cars will have done. You should always take a test drive to see if the car performs correctly and check for the obvious – tyre wear, fluid levels, leaks, and rust.

These checks are very much scratching the surface and the vast majority of important checks are to take place underneath the bonnet. Electricals, emissions, cooling systems, engine compartments and suspension are often beyond the grasp of most ordinary people. This has lead to many companies now offering independent checks.

A comprehensive check can be carried out for around £120, and for your convenience the only people that need to be present are the seller and the independent mechanic. The check will give you peace of mind that the car you are buying has no glaring faults, and above all is safe.

We naturally presume safety in our cars today due to tight regulations – second hand cars included – but we should be aware of the fact that some dealers may not be entirely honest in their appraisal of your potential purchase. Always try to buy a car with a long MOT; this not only gives you a long time before you have to shell out for expensive repairs, it indicates that the car has recently been deemed roadworthy.

So the moral of the story is if you are going to buy a used Ford Focus or any ford for that matter make sure you fully check the history of the vehicle.