Brothers found guilty of clocking

Four brothers have been sentenced for their involvement in clocking used cars and selling them on.

Gang leader Paul Price was jailed for 18 months, while brothers Ian, Gary and Melvin Price all received 12 months' imprisonment suspended for two years.

The gang sold more than 40 cars with their mileage readings reduced across West- and North Yorkshire. The most extreme case involved a car having 200,000 miles removed.

One couple paid 3550 for a Renault Megane showing 78,000 miles on the clock, when the car had actually covered 140,000 miles. It cost the new owners 4000 to keep it on the road.

Nicola Johnson, consumer services manager at vehicle history check provider HPI, said: 'This story shows that unscrupulous sellers see clocking as an easy way to push up the value of a vehicle.

'Its easy to get taken in by a bargain, but that dream buy could turn out to be a nightmare on wheels.

What Car? recommends that having an HPI check done is an essential part of buying any used car. By completing one youll confirm if:

• There is any outstanding finance on the car
• The car is stolen
• It has been written off
• There has ever been an independent structural examination
• There is evidence of clocking
• The vehicles identity is correct
• Its numberplate is genuine
• The numberplate matches the chassis number

Go to www.whatcar.com/car-advice and print out a full checklist before stepping foot on the forecourt.