Buying a car is the second biggest investment you'll make, so it pays to make sure your purchase is as safe as possible. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure this, from checking a car's vehicle identification number (VIN) to getting an Auto Trader Vehicle Check.

In this section we show you how to avoid a whole range of scams such as false escrow services and clocking, so you can stay safe with when buying a car. With our essential car buying advice you’ll know exactly which scams to look out for - and how to avoid them.