Weetrapper1 asks "What do i need to do to make sure my next van is not stolen?"
Just my suggestions and no doubt others will add to the list
1.Only use a reputable dealer......doesn't necessraily mean that they won't sell a stolen van its just that it is less likely...so hedging your bets. Anyway, you will know where the dealer is if it goes pear shaped. Buying from a dealer you also have the protection of all of the Consumer protection Legislation. Having made that point there are many bona fide private sellers out there who will not do you a rough deal. There's more honest folk about then maybe we realise.
2. If you are buying from a non dealer, know where they live. See the van at their home. Don't meet them at a motorway service station. If you get the chance chat to the neighbours there will always be someone around who will say "I'm glad he's getting rid of that van..been in his yard for the past five years and its an eyesore" or words to that effect...so you know he's a bona fide seller.
3. Don't pay cash...mind you if you are selling wouldn't you want cash before you part with your baby so its reasonable for the seller to ask for cash. After all the seller doesn't know you either!! So suggest a bankers draft which is as good as cash. You give your bank the money and they write out a Bankers Draft so the draft you give the seller is from the bank's own account and not yours. It cannot bounce. At least the cashing of that draft can provide a trail and a bona fide seller should not object to a draft.
4. Ask to see the CRISS documents before handing over your money..assuming its a caravan made since CRISS was introduced. Check the VIN number on the documents coincides with the number on the van. Don't just look on the window for the VIN number
From 1932 - 1991 the serial number was stamped on a small plate fixed to the exterior side panel immediately behind the main entrance door, (on two door caravans behind the nearside door).
From 1960 - 1986 the number was also often (but not always) stamped on the A frame beneath the A frame cover, the usual position was either on the nearside leg (on the outside face) of the A frame or at the head of the A frame where the two legs were joined by a flat steel plate.
From 1987 UNTIL 1991 the serial number was stamped on the nearside leg of the A frame (on the outside face) immediately to the rear of the A frame cover. (So it was visible with the A frame cover still in place, unlike the earlier numbers that required the A frame cover to be removed).
From 1992 onwards the VIN number was etched on the bottom right (when viewed externally) corner of all of the windows and stamped on the offside of the A frame and a window was cut into the A frame cover to highlight the position of the number. (on 1992 models the number was stamped immediately to the rear of the A frame cover). The VIN number is not stamped on the plate behind the entrance door.
5. Visit http://www.carlight.co.uk/faq/date-built.html This tells you how to decifer VIN numbers. Check that the Vin code used gives you the year of manufacture that coincides with what the seller is telling you about the van or what you know about the van
6. Check details of the van offered for sale via a non dealer with the actual van details which you may find on the net. Just to make sure the van conforms to the manufacturers spec especially for the alleged year of manufacture
7. Check here http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=108 which lists stolen caravans notified to this site
8. Carry out an HPI check before buying. Telephone CRiS on 01722 411 430 and give them the full 17 digit identification number of the caravan BEFORE parting with your money. There is a fee to pay but coculd save you money. The check will also tell you if the van was ever an insurance write off and thus may not be roadworthy. If you are buying from a dealer then the dealer should have done this so ask him if he has and for a copy. Visit http://hpicheck.com/caravans.html for more information
9. Get the registration document and a written receipt for your money. Sellers name and address and van details on the receipt.
Phil
-------------
If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
|
Topic: Stolen Caravans
