LPG Car buying tips

What to look for when buying a second-hand LPG vehicle

Buying a second-hand car always requires pre-cautions – even more so when you’re looking to buy a vehicle that has been converted to LPG. On top of the usual concerns, extra questions arise when it comes to documentation and insurance. However, buying a second-hand LPG vehicle is a great way to save money – as well as saving on fuel costs, you also avoid the expense and hassle of getting a conversion done yourself. Then there are the environmental benefits, vehicle tax discounts and the congestion charge exemption. Here are some simple tips to follow.

  1. Before anything else, you should ask for certification that a reputable installer has converted the vehicle. This will be required by your insurance company and for any congestion charge or vehicle tax discounts you may wish to register for. President of the LPGA Mike Chapman says, “I would always ask to see the LPGA Conversion Certificate first. If the vehicle was converted before November 2002 and doesn’t have this, you need to get your local LPGA approved installer to provide a Safety Check Report.” If the vehicle was manufactured with the LPG option already fitted, this should be indicated in the V5 logbook.
  2. Different insurance companies have different policies when it comes to LPG vehicles, so you’ll need to check with yours. Most will not charge any extra premium, provided the vehicle has been converted by an LPGA approved installer. In a recent survey of the top 20 insurance companies, 16 said they would not insure an LPG vehicle if the conversion was carried out by a company that was not an LPGA approved installer or the vehicle manufacturer.
  3. If you drive into central London frequently and wish to register your vehicle for congestion charge exemption, you will need to check that the vehicle meets all the requirements. According to Eco-Car’s John Porterfield, “a lot of people think that having the LPGA Conversion Certificate automatically qualifies them for the exemption, but this isn’t strictly true – the vehicle must appear on the Transport Energy PowerShift Register. Since this is updated regularly, it’s important to check it when you are buying your LPG vehicle so you’re not caught out.” Approval is based on the vehicle specifications, equipment, and manufacturer or converter. Click here for more information.
  4. If you want to check if the vehicle is eligible for a discount on Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), click here. Approval is based on the emissions your vehicle produces and the year it was registered. Please note that the discount for LPG vehicles is between £15-£20 per year, so if your vehicle is not eligible, you will not be missing out on huge savings.
  5. For extra peace of mind, you could ask to see a record of the vehicle’s service history. It is recommended that LPG systems be serviced annually, though as with any precautionary measure, this is not always carried out. If you’re concerned with the condition of the system, you could ask your local LPGA approved installer for a Safety Check Report.