Glossary

ABS/Anti-lock brakes

Anti-lock brakes (also known as ABS) prevent the wheels from locking up during emergency stops. Since the wheels keep turning, the driver is able to steer around danger while still braking hard. Almost all modern cars are fitted with ABS as standard.

APR

Short for Annual Percentage Rate. Use the APR to compare different interest rates and find the best finance deal. Don't be fooled by a 'flat rate'. This may appear cheaper but won't include all the finance charges. Always insist on being quoted the APR so you can compare like with like.

Clocking

If an unscrupulous seller has tampered with the odometer (the gauge which shows a car's mileage) so that it shows fewer miles than the car has really covered, then it is said to have been 'clocked'. To reduce that risk, we don't buy cars which have had an odometer change. We source our cars either from fleets or with a service history. Finally, if in doubt, we pass the cars through a National Mileage Register check.

E-listing

An online stock listing. You'll find e-listings for all of Autoquake.com's current stock here on our website. Our e-listings include a comprehensive description of the car, the results of our in-depth mechanical inspection, and up to 40 photos.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

An Electronic Stability Program (also known as stability control) helps the driver keep control of their car. If the system detects a slide, it will adjust the engine power and even brake individual wheels to help keep the car on the road. Some studies suggest ESP could reduce accidents in wet or icy conditions by as much as 20%.

Ex-fleet cars

Ex-fleet cars were originally owned or leased by a business rather than owned by a private individual. They tend to have higher mileages than privately owned cars. However, since many of these miles are covered on motorways and A-roads wear and tear is often much less than with a car which has just been used for trips to the shops or the school run. That's because on a motorway cars spend long periods in top gear at a near constant speed. Shorter trips involve lots more acceleration, braking and gear-changing, so put a car under greater train. Ex-fleet cars have usually been well looked after and regularly serviced, too.Most of Autoquake.com's stock consists of ex-fleet cars.

Full service history

Cars with a full service history have been serviced on time, every time. A full service history is a sign that previous owners have really looked after the car, so it's less likely to develop mechanical problems than one which hasn't been serviced regularly.

Haggling

Usually, if you want to buy a used car at a fair price, you have to haggle. Traditional car dealers leave a buffer between the asking price and the price they'd be happy to sell at, and buyers need to negotiate a discount to get from one to the other. At Autoquake.com, our prices are low to start with, so there's no need to haggle. The price you see is the price you pay.

Hire Purchase (HP)

A finance option where the amount borrowed is divided into a series of monthly payments. Once the payments are made the car is owned by the borrower.

History check (HPI)

Want to know your next car has no skeletons in its past? Then you need a history check. All cars sold through Autoquake.com have had an HPI history check, so you can be sure the car has no outstanding finance, has never been stolen, written off, has had a registration transfer or has outstanding finance.

MoT

MoT is short for Ministry of Transport. Any car of three years old or more must pass an annual MoT test to prove that it is roadworthy and meets minimum safety and environmental standards. Never buy a used car without a valid MoT certificate.

MPG

Short for miles per gallon. The more miles per gallon a car covers, the less it will cost to fuel. Bear in mind, though, that you may not match the official figures in everyday driving. Hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius are currently the cars with the highest MPG.

Payment Protection Insurance (PPI)

Should you become ill or be made redundant, Payment Protection Insurance will cover your finance payments so you don't lose your car. It's one less thing to worry about.

V5 registration document

The V5 registration document (also known as the logbook) records a car's current registered keeper, and lists past owners. Never buy a car that doesn't have a V5.

VIN number

Also known as the chassis number, the Vehicle Identification Number is unique to the individual car. The VIN will appear in several places throughout the car. The easiest place to find it is usually on a metal plate under the bonnet. The VIN should tally with the VIN listed in the V5. If it doesn't, don't buy the car. It may be a stolen vehicle with a false identity.