If you are looking for Birmingham Cars there are various headings available in your search, so it is essential that the one you are looking for is clearly identified to the search engines as there are numerous pages available to view. Some examples of which are, car rental, car rentals, rent a car, car auctions, car hire, car sales, used cars, car dealers, second hand cars, etc, and if it is new cars you are after then there are numerous businesses offering both new and second hand cars. There are also classic car specialists, if that's the kind of thing that takes your fancy.

Whether it's Audi cars for sale, BMW cars for sale or even volvo cars for sale you are sure to find what you are looking for; perhaps you have a budget to work to and need to search for cars that way? Then cars for sale £0 to £2,000 is maybe the place to start. Perhaps you like the hand made, luxury feel and are looking for Aston Martin cars for sale or maybe you are just after raw power & speed and want to know about Ferrari or Maserati cars for sale?

You may be simply looking for what car parking & garaging has to offer, the numerous car parks, car parking, or a particular car park. Or perhaps a map to determine the locations of hotels, a recommended hotel or restaurant with acceptable car parking facilities.

If it is your intention to hire or rent a car make sure that you carry out a full exterior and interior inspection and have any faults, damage, etc clearly recorded by the business concerned and retain a copy yourself, otherwise you will be held responsible for any necessary repairs. Check also on the insurance cover as some operate on third party insurance only. This means that you will be expected to pay for repairs and hire loss whilst the vehicle is being repaired if you are blamed for the accident.

Many second hand car businesses also offer various periods of guarantee, make sure that the cover is exactly what you are looking for as many guarantees are for total failure and not for anything that doesn't prevent the car from being driven.

If you purchase from one of the many car auctions you need to take a car expert with you as they are normally bought as seen, however, in fairness, as long as you know what you are doing there are bargains to be had in this field.

If your car purchase is from a private individual, these are normally bought on an as seen basis, so be very careful as there are some very unscrupulous individuals out there. Before you make any purchase also give serious consideration to using the AA or RAC who will provide you with a thorough inspection report. There are obviously a cost involvement for this service but well worth the money if you find yourself with a car that you then find to have numerous and expensive problems to put right. If you indicate your intention to have it professionally checked the unscrupulous seller will quickly lose interest.

 As there are numerous pitfalls to consider when buying a second hand car here are some to give serious consideration to:-

 Could it be a cloned vehicle?

With the economic situation as it is, cloning is becoming a serious problem. Cloning involves the stealing of a car and then changing its identity to one of a similar make, colour and model, including its registration number and vehicle identification number (VIN)

Cloning can also become a major problem to the rightful owner of the vehicle whose information has been copied, when suddenly a list of alleged offences begin to appear through his or her letter box, i.e. speeding, illegal parking and the more serious motoring offences.

The best way to check if a vehicle has been cloned is to check the V5C, Vehicle Registration Document. Never consider buying any vehicle until the V5C has been produced. Check the information against the number plate, the engine number and the VIN, which can normally be found inside the engine compartment. Make sure none of the stamped numbers have been tampered with. However, it is essential to bear in mind that in this day and age a V5C can be forged or even stolen from the DVLA. Contact the DVLA on 0870 2411878 to check that the V5C is genuine.

Also ask to see the MOT certificate if appropriate and also the insurance policy. Also ask to see the service history, this can easily be checked against the garage concerned. Check that the price being asked is in line with normal second hand car prices. Heavily discounted vehicles should give cause for concern as to their origin.

Could the vehicle be stolen?

It is important to remember that if the vehicle you have purchased has been stolen then the police have every right to take it from you and return it to its rightful owner or the insurance company if a payment has been made. You will have lost both the vehicle and a large amount of your hard earned cash. No compensation will be forthcoming.

Again, as a check, you should consider following the steps outlined above.

Is the Vehicle Owned by a Credit or Finance Company?

Until a loan has been fully paid the loan company involved still owns the vehicle. A recent check with HPI has identified that at least one in four vehicles advertised for sale still has outstanding finance on it. Checks can be carried to make sure that there are no outstanding finances at a cost of around £25.00. It is far better to be safe than sorry.  If you are unfortunate to open the door to a debt collector looking to reposes the car again you will lose both the car and the money you have paid to purchase it. To find the person concerned in the deception will possibly cost you far more in the long run with no guarantee of success.

Defective Cars

Unless you are fully experienced when it comes to checking the roadworthiness and the vehicles mechanics, it is always advisable to have the vehicle checked by a fully experienced motor mechanic. The AA and RAC also offer an inspection service. Whilst this is another cost to bear in mind, it may save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Insurance Write Offs

There have been cases where to halves of the same model car have been welded together. Again if this has been done by experts it is difficult to identify by an inexperienced person. Again call in the experts.

Any legitimate and genuine seller will have no problem with an inspection by an outside body; if, however, they appear to get agitated by the suggestion of such an inspection beware.

These notes have been put together by Activ Birmingham who wish you well in your search, but please be careful before splashing out your money as you may regret it.