How to tell if a car is stolen: we explain the steps to make sure they don't rip you off

Buying a used car is one of the options we have for changing vehicles. Purchases are usually made at dealerships that thoroughly check everything and allow us to be quite sure of what we are buying, both mechanically and in terms of its origin. But sometimes car purchases are made between private individuals or at establishments that are not entirely honest in their practices. One of the big problems we can run into is that the car is stolen, and that can bring considerable trouble. We are going to tell you how to tell if a car is stolen so you can avoid a scare.

Before paying a deposit or paying in advance, you need to carry out a series of checks on the car you are going to buy. You need to know the vehicle’s history well. It is important to know not only whether its origin is legal, but also what kind of encumbrances the vehicle has before the change of ownership. Keep in mind that any encumbrance on the car will pass to the new owner. And if the car is stolen, the owner can reclaim it without any problem, which would leave the new owner without a car.

Vehicle History Report

To find out the ownership of the vehicle, its encumbrances and its latest MOT inspection, you can request a Vehicle History Report. It shows everything you need to know about the car: who the owner is, whether there is any fine or seizure order on the vehicle, whether its MOT inspection is pending, or anything else that could mean a burden for the new owner. It is requested from the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) and costs 8 euros.

Checking the car’s details ‘on site’

A preliminary step before the Vehicle History Report is to check the details provided by the seller. This can be done at the first sight of the car. The chassis number is found both on the windscreen and on the engine block. It is essential to check it first, to confirm that the paperwork matches the car being sold. Another important detail is the mileage shown on the odometer. This can be checked against the data recorded at the last MOT inspection. If it does not match the figures provided, you should be suspicious and abandon the purchase.

Pay attention to the seller’s reactions

An unscrupulous seller will be nervous. Watch the seller’s attitude closely, because it can be a good clue about the legality of the transaction. The nervousness of someone who is doing something illegal usually gives it away. If the seller seems very anxious to sell the car, wants payment in advance, and is “pushing” the sale while skipping the necessary checks, you should assume they are hiding something and that the sale may not be as transparent as it should be. Better to walk away and look for another, more suitable car.

Following this advice will help you avoid not only buying a stolen car, which can bring considerable complications as well as leaving you without a vehicle, but also make sure the change of ownership is carried out legally and without “hidden traps” such as fines, seizure orders or an MOT that has not been done.