Aspiration

The method for getting air into the engine (ie, normal, turbo charged, super charged etc).

Bore

The diameter of the cylinders.

Caveat Emptor

Caveat emptor is Latin for 'buyer beware', meaning the onus is on you (the buyer) to ensure that you know what you are purchasing.

Legal protection in the used car market is limited. Whilst dealer activities are covered by many laws and regulations, the only rule to which a private seller must adhere is that the car must not be mis-described. As there is rarely a written contract in the private market, the seller could claim to have told the buyer a vehicle's true condition and then it is one person's word against another. The solution is to be as well informed on the vehicle's status and history as possible.

Clocked

Clocking involves reducing the mileage of a vehicle by turning back or replacing the odometer, with the intention of increasing the value and deceiving subsequent purchasers.

This is a common trick used to obtain a higher price. HPI research shows 1 in 14 vehicles have some sort of mileage discrepancy. The average car does 10,000 to 12,000 miles per year, so if you think the mileage is inconsistent with the age and condition of the car, it's worth investigating further.

Cut 'n' Shut

Cut 'n' shut is the term used for a car that is made up of two different vehicles - usually both 'write-offs' - where the back end of one is welded to the front of another.

Often done with considerable skill, the vehicle may look like new but it is likely to be unroadworthy and could prove lethal in an accident. The practice is illegal and the car could be worthless when you come to sell it. The exceptions are 'stretched' vehicles made by specialist coachbuilders.

CO² Emissions

The number of grams of CO² the vehicle emits per kilometer.

CO² Rating

The car's road tax band, which is dependent on it's CO² emissions.

Colour

The dominant colour of the vehicle.

Combined MPG

The average of the Urban and Extra-Urban figures, as defined by the manufacturer.

Condition alert

This register warns that a vehicle has been subject to an insurance total loss claim, or 'written-off', because of damage or because it has been stolen and not recovered. For vehicles written-off since January 1997, the HPI Check provides an insurer damage classification, A to D, ranging from those vehicles which should never go back on the road, to those which can be be safely repaired. Two new classifications were added in October, 2017, N and S which should over time replace the C and D classifications. Category N and S better describe the type of damage to the vehicle rather than the cost of repair.

Category A - Scrap only, parts are not salvageable, vehicle not permitted on the road and should be crushed.
Category B - Extensive damage, beyond repair. Parts are salvageable, vehicle not permitted on the road and should be scrapped.
Category C - Vehicle is damaged but repairable, cost of repair exceeds the pre-accident value of the vehicle.
Category D - Vehicle is damaged but repairable.
Category S - Structurally damaged but repairable, its important that these vehicles are repaired professionally.
Category N - Repairable non-structural damage.

In the case of Category C, between April 2003 and October 2015, the government mandated a Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) before the vehicle could return to the road. This was to prevent vehicle cloning. Note that a VIC did not check the safety or quality of any repair. Only an MOT is currently required before a vehicle is permitted on the road.

In addition to the Condition Alert, you will be advised if the vehicle has been registered with DVLA as having been scrapped.

If you are considering purchasing a vehicle on the register, we strongly advise that you have it independently inspected by a reputable company for structural and mechanical integrity prior to purchase. For further information see FAQ

Condition inspected

This register was introduced in 1990 and gives details of 'written off' vehicles that have subsequently passed an independent structural examination. The inspection will have been carried out in accordance with a specification agreed with the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (Autolign). The seller may be able to provide an inspection report from one of the approved inspection companies. There may be a separate fee for this report. The HPI Check will identify which company carried out the inspection and the reference number of the report. For further information see FAQ

Date of First Registration in the UK

The date the vehicle was first registered by the DVLA in the UK.

Document Check

Stolen V5C registration documents are in circulation. Any vehicle with a stolen V5C is likely to be stolen. Provide the V5C registration document serial number and issue date and the HPI Check can confirm whether it has been recorded as stolen. For further information view example

Drive Type

Whether the vehicle is front, rear, or all/4 wheel drive.

Driving Axle

The axle that the power is delivered to (front axle, rear axle, or both)

Engine Make

The manufacturer of the engine.

Engine Size cc

The stated engine cubic capacity in cubic centimetres e.g. 1998

Extra Urban MPG

The miles per gallon achieved on non-urban routes, as tested by the manufacturer using a warmed engine.

Export History

If a vehicle is exported out of the UK and then is subsequently imported back in, the record of the export is removed from the vehicle's history by the DVLA. Therefore the HPI Check is unable to provide information on a vehicle's previous export status, once it becomes a UK registered vehicle again. HPI is also unable to provide any information about the vehicles history whilst it was registered and used abroad.

Exports

If a vehicle is exported out of the UK and then is subsequently imported back in, the record of the export is removed from the vehicle's history by the DVLA. Therefore the HPI Check is unable to provide information on a vehicle's previous export status, once it becomes a UK registered vehicle again. HPI is also unable to provide any information about the vehicle's history whilst it was registered and used abroad.

Fuel

The type of fuel used to power the vehicle (petrol, diesel, electric, LPG etc)

Good Title

If a vehicle has good title, it means the owner has the right to sell it, and that the vehicle is not subject to any third party ownership rights, e.g. hire purchase finance.

Height

The distance in millimetres from a horizontal line touching the highest point of the vehicle roof to the point of contact with the road surface.

Import History

In order to satisfy the World Trade Organisation's concerns over fair trade, the DVLA no longer classifies the import status of any vehicle originating outside the UK. As a result your HPI Check will not provide information on the import history of the vehicle you are checking. We will however, tell you if according to the DVLA the vehicle you are checking has been previously used outside of the UK, as well as the original date of manufacture, and the date of registration within the UK, as registered with the DVLA. (*- if a vehicle is transferred between the DVA and DVLA this date will reflect the date that it was registered with the DVLA and may not be its original date of first registration, you should always check year of manufacture for any discrepancies in registration date and manufacture date, if you have any concerns we recommend you contact the DVLA directly) HPI is unable to provide any information on a vehicle before it was first registered with the DVLA, when assessing how long the vehicle spend registered abroad, the year of manufacturer and the date of first registration in the UK is often a good guideline.

Imports

In order to satisfy the World Trade Organisation's concerns over fair trade, the DVLA no longer classifies the import status of any vehicle originating outside the UK. As a result your HPI Check will not provide information on the import history of the vehicle you are checking. We will, however, tell you if, according to the DVLA, the vehicle you are checking has been previously used outside of the UK, as well as the original date of manufacture, and the date of registration within the UK, as registered with the DVLA. (*- if a vehicle is transferred between the DVA and DVLA this date will reflect the date that it was registered with the DVLA and may not be its original date of first registration. You should always check year of manufacture for any discrepancies in registration date and manufacture date. If you have any concerns we recommend you contact the DVLA directly). HPI is unable to provide any information on a vehicle before it was first registered with the DVLA. When assessing how long the vehicle spent registered abroad, the year of manufacturer and the date of first registration in the UK is often a good guideline.

Insurance theft

Each year 150,000 vehicle thefts are recorded by insurers. The HPI Check will tell you whether a vehicle you are looking to buy has any outstanding insurance interest recorded against it, which may mean that you can't legally own it, however much you may ultimately pay for it. For further information see FAQ

Length

The distance in millimetres between a vertical line at the front bumper of the vehicle to a similar line at the most extreme point at the rear of the vehicle.

Marque

The 'badge' on the vehicle e.g. 'Ford', 'Vauxhall', etc.

Max MPH

The maximum speed the vehicle is capable of.

Mileage check

'Clocking' or turning back the mileage reading on a vehicle is a major problem in the UK, costing an estimated £100 million per annum. HPI operates the National Mileage Register^® (NMR), containing over 200 million recorded mileages. HPI cross-references all mileages previously recorded against the vehicle (if any) along with any mileage you provide, and advises you whether a discrepancy has been identified. You should ensure you provide an accurate mileage to avoid any false discrepancies. Click here for more information

MOT

All the MOT tells you is that a vehicle was in a fit condition to pass a test when presented for inspection on a particular day. It is no substitute for an independent inspection.

As of October 2005, all MOT serial numbers have been electronically issued by VOSA to combat the issue of fraud.

Number of Cylinders

The number of cylinders in the engine.

Number of Doors

The number of doors on the vehicle.

Number of Gears

The number of gears the vehicle has, excluding reverse.

Number of Seats

The number of standard seats in the vehicle.

Outstanding finance

Nearly two thirds of new vehicles sold every year are purchased using some form of finance agreement. Some of these agreements will grant the finance company an 'interest' (ie. ownership) in the vehicle which you will need to ensure has been paid off by the previous keeper before you buy it. With over 7 million current finance agreements registered with HPI, you need to make sure that the car you are buying is not subject to one of them. If it is, you can use the details provided to contact the lender and determine the current status of the loan and any interest the finance company may have. For further information see Types of Finance and FAQ

Plate transfer

This register indicates whether a vehicle has had a legitimate registration plate change since April 1990. People change plates to personalise their vehicles, but they can also change them to hide a vehicle's history. The HPI Check includes an enquiry check against all prior plates, to identify other interests that may still be associated with the vehicle you are buying. For further information see FAQ

Police stolen

The HPI Check provides information from the Police National Computer on vehicles that are recorded as currently stolen. These vehicles remain the property of the individual or organisation from whom they were taken. Never buy a vehicle on this register, because you stand to lose it, together with the money you paid for it. For further information see FAQ

Power BHP

The maximum declared power of the engine in Brake Horse Power (BHP).

Power Delivery

Method of delivering fuel into the engine (ie. fuel injection).

Power RPM

The number of revolutions per minute at which the maximum power occurs.

Q Plate

Q Plate is a vehicle registration mark that starts with a 'Q', indicating that the vehicle was either not originally registered in the UK and proof of age was unavailable at registration; or that it is a vehicle that has been built using a significant proportion of used parts.

Kit cars usually have a Q registration. Q plates can be used to disguise stolen or 'rung' vehicles, and when it comes to a bike check, you should be especially cautious of motorcycles which bear a Q plate.

Range

The collective name for a family of model variants e.g. 'MONDEO', 'FOCUS', 'ASTRA'

Ringer

Ringing is the practice of using a registration mark taken from a 'donor' vehicle - typically one that's been written off - to change a vehicle's true identity and disguise the fact that it's been stolen.

Often the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number will also be forged, making professionally 'rung' vehicles hard to detect. But it's always worth checking that ALL the identification numbers stamped into the bodywork, on the chassis and behind the windscreen match.

Sale of Goods Act (1979)

The Sale of Goods Act (1979) obliges car dealers to sell cars of 'satisfactory quality' to which they have good title.

Other important legislation under the Trade Descriptions Act (1968), binding dealers to describe cars accurately; and the Road Traffic Acts which requires all vehicles displayed, offered or sold to be in roadworthy condition. See Buying from the Trade for more advice.

Security watch

This register typically records vehicles at high risk of fraud or theft (e.g. hire cars, demonstrator vehicles and garage forecourt stock). The Security Watch register is primarily used by the Police, finance companies and the motor trade, to ensure that these vehicles can be traced if someone steals them or attempts to sell them fraudulently (for example - perhaps without first settling an outstanding agreement). The registering party will be alerted that an HPI Check has been made, and they should contact you within the next working day, but do contact us if this is not the case. Please note that you should not purchase a vehicle that is recorded on this register, unless you subsequently receive confirmation that it is all clear from either the registering party or us.

Stroke

The distance travelled by the piston along the length of the cylinder.

Speed 0-60mph

Time taken to reach 60 mph from a standing start.

Torque Lb-ft

Torque is the rotational equivalent to force measured in pound-feet and is essentially the Engine 'pulling' power. High torque is of benefit for vehicles needed for towing, or for performance driving.

Torque RPM

Torque RPM is the engine speed when maximum torque is produced.

Transmission

The type of transmission the vehicle has (manual, automatic, semi-automatic etc).

Total Loss

Insurers will describe a vehicle as a total loss if they think that it is beyond repair, or not worth repairing, financially.

Urban MPG

The miles per gallon achieved on urban routes, as tested by the manufacturer from a cold start.

Valuation

This is to help you determine the market value of the vehicle you want to buy. The valuation, where available, is based on the vehicle being in an average condition for its age, that you are buying the vehicle from a dealer and the mileage supplied by you. If you have not provided a mileage, it is estimated to be the equivalent to 10,000 miles per year. The valuation provided indicates the market value of your chosen model, not the actual vehicle being checked and therefore may vary. If no valuation is provided it is because we do not currently hold this data. For further information see FAQ

Vehicle Ownership

There are many circumstances where the 'owner' of a vehicle is not the 'keeper' as recorded on the DVLA V5C document. These circumstances may include the vehicle having outstanding finance, being stolen, or showing on the security watch register.

Vehicle Identity Check (VIC)

The VIC program was closed down in October 2015

Vehicles written off within categories A, B or C will have a 'VIC marker' put against them by the DVLA. The 'VIC' is a Vehicle Identity Check, and it is a scheme designed to help stop stolen cars being passed off as repaired accident damaged cars - also known as 'ringing'. In certain circumstances (for example, self-insured vehicles) a VIC marker may be applied to a vehicle without an insurance company formally writing the vehicle off.

While a VIC marker remains set, the DVLA won't issue a registration certificate V5C, or vehicle license reminder V11. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) carries out the VIC test. It's designed to confirm the car's identity and help ensure that the genuine car is returned to the road. Any vehicle that requires or has passed a VIC test will have this noted on the V5.

The VIC is a check of identity, it doesn't look at the quality of the repair or confirm roadworthiness. Once a car has passed a VIC, the V5C issued will be annotated to show 'substantially repaired and/or accident damaged; identity checked on dd/mm/yyyy'.

Although the VIC scheme has been abolished a vehicle with an existing VIC marker will be flagged on the HPI report.

VIN Match

This confirms the unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), usually 17 digits, given to each vehicle during the manufacturing process. The VIN is normally stamped on a plate under the bonnet, in the engine bay or in the doorframe and is often visible through the windscreen. No VIN should ever be changed or tampered with and all the VINs on the vehicle should match the one on the V5C registration document. Please provide the VIN correctly - any mis-match may signal a significant issue with the vehicle (ie. cut and shut, stolen) and you should not proceed with the purchase.

The VIN number on a motorcycle is located on the crankcase. It is normally written on the bottom of the crankcase.

Vehicle Inspections by Autolign

Autolign Inspections are the only UK based company that specialises in the reclassification of vehicles that have been written off by insurance companies.

The HPI Condition Inspected Register holds details of total loss vehicles that have passed an Autolign inspection.

V5 Registration Document

The V5 registration document, is issued by the DVLA. It gives the name and address of a vehicle's current keeper as well as the last two registered keepers. It also lists the car's colour, make, model, engine number, and vehicle identification number.

The HPI document check provides you with significant added protection at no extra cost. In order to benefit from this service, you will need both the serial number and issue date of the V5 registration document.

VIN

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the manufacturer's own ID, found stamped onto a plate under the bonnet, under the carpet by the driver's seat and/or etched on to the windows.

Vehicles which are approved for sale in the EU have 17 digit VINs. Imports from outside Europe, such as Japan, may have short VINs. If you see a VIN which starts with the letters SABTVRO, take special care, because this VIN is assigned by a vehicle registration office when the original identity of a bodyshell or frame cannot be determined.

VRM

Vehicle Registration Mark, or number plate.

Width

The distance in Millimetres between two vertical lines touching the opposite sides of the vehicle excluding the Wing Mirrors.

Write-off

This is a term for a vehicle that has been subject to an insurance total loss claim, or 'written-off', because of damage or because it has been stolen and not recovered.

Although write-offs can legitimately be allowed back on the road, almost half are beyond repair. Look for the ones that have passed an independent inspection, such as those on HPI's Condition Inspected register. For vehicles written-off since January 1997, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) provides an insurer damage classification, A to D, ranging from those vehicles which should never go back on the road, to those which can be be safely repaired. Two new classifications were added in October, 2017, N and S which should over time replace the C and D classifications. Category N and S better describe the type of damage to the vehicle rather than the cost of repair.

Category A - Scrap only, parts are not salvageable, vehicle not permitted on the road and should be crushed.
Category B - Extensive damage, beyond repair. Parts are salvageable, vehicle not permitted on the road and should be scrapped.
Category C - Vehicle is damaged but repairable, cost of repair exceeds the pre-accident value of the vehicle.
Category D - Vehicle is damaged but repairable.
Category S - Structurally damaged but repairable, its important that these vehicles are repaired professionally.
Category N - Repairable non-structural damage.

In the case of Category C, between April 2003 and October 2015, the government mandated a Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) before the vehicle could return to the road. This was to prevent vehicle cloning. Note that a VIC did not check the safety or quality of any repair. Only an MOT is currently required before a vehicle is permitted on the road.

Year of manufacture

The year the vehicle was assembled.