There’s a lot to think about when you’re buying a used car. If you want to make sure you’re getting good value for money, there’s a lot of checks and research you need to do. However, one check you might not have considered which can really help when determining the costs, is a spec check.

Here, we’ll look at what a spec check is and why it can prove beneficial.

What is a spec check?

A spec check basically looks at the specifications of a car when it was originally built. By searching the registration of a vehicle, you can see exactly what specifications it came with from the manufacturer.

Once you see what specifications the car originally had, you can see whether anything new has been added. So, why does it matter if the specs are different?

How added specs can influence running costs

If new specifications have been added, surely it can only be a good thing? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case!

For one thing, new specs, commonly referred to as modifications, can have a significant impact on the insurance costs. This is because insurers look at the risk of an accident before giving you a quote, and certain modifications are seen as a higher risk than others. For example, having a turbo added to the car can increase its insurance quote by a staggering amount. There’s also a higher risk of theft if the new specs have increased the value of the car and improved its aesthetic appeal.

Another reason paying attention to the specs of the car matters is because it helps you to identify the correct value between two almost identical vehicles. Knowing how much you should be paying and how much you can sell the car for if you want to, ensures you get the best possible price for the car.

How can I get one?

So, you want to take advantage of a spec check but how do you go about it? The easiest way is to choose a company which specialises in vehicle checks.

Look for a company that’s renowned for its great reputation and reliability such as CAP Automotive Limited. You can request a spec check as part of the HPI check, showing you both the original specs of the vehicle and whether the seller is being truthful about the condition and history of the car.

The great thing about this particular company is it also gives you a 5-star rating system for the vehicle showing whether it’s low to high spec.

Overall, checking a cars specs before you buy can help you to get the best price and avoid unnecessary added insurance costs. It’s easy to get a check carried out and the costs it could save you make it extremely worthwhile. So, if you haven’t thought about getting a spec check, now is definitely the time to do so.