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Author: Eduardo Valencia

The unseen truth: Hidden extras can be margin killers

With many potentially hidden options, and irregular service history, dealers could be reducing their margins and customer confidence by under, or overpricing stock by not knowing the true specification of the vehicle they are valuing. Without adequate service history, mileage and finance checks, dealers could also incur further costs, or open themselves up to legal action, for selling a vehicle in the wrong specification. cap hpi is there to support the industry with trusted, instant, detailed used car valuations. By including its Spec Check service, with a VIN lookup, dealers can be confident in getting the most accurate data, improve margins, build confidence and help in negotiating with customers. Over-the-air additions change the game There is already a push for the software-defied vehicle to become commonplace. Drivers can add optional extras even after they take possession of the car. Cars that are sold in one specification could soon come into the used-car market with different additions.  But at first sight, there may be no evidence of any differences, so it is more important than ever to dive into the vehicle history, Service history gaps raise questions about condition With drivers shopping around for servicing and repairs, incomplete history can impact residual values. As drivers look to minimise costs, some may turn to independent workshops for their service and repairs, leading to an incomplete service history. Gaps can raise questions, and result in inaccurate valuations. Fast-paced turnaround can lead to oversights A thorough vehicle appraisal is essential. Taking time in this crucial step can ensure that the correct specification is identified and provide a sound basis for pricing, protecting margins and building customer trust. Misreading the signs can lead to problems Mis-identifying optional extras may hinder sales, vehicles may sit on a dealer’s forecourt for longer.  As values change the hidden extras problem compounds creating stickier stock and impacting on margins and profitability. Ensuring accurate valuations with detailed specification check Ensuring that the correct specifications are listed, and the right values are assessed, is therefore crucial.  cap hpi offers a comprehensive Spec Check service, allowing for a more accurate valuation. By utilising the vehicle VIN, the service can identify the full standard and optional extra equipment, allowing dealers to check the specifications and make more accurate pricing decisions. Valuation Anywhere, includes a vehicle spec check  is now available to buy online, giving dealers instant access to a vehicle’s factory fitted options.  When you know the true specifications you know exactly what a vehicle is worth.

Commercial Overview – October 2025

According to the August report from the SMMT, New LCV registrations were down by 13.3% (2,210) compared to August 2024. As of the end of August this year, 193,846 new LCVs were registered, compared to 218,884 for the same period in 2024. That’s a year on year deficit of 25,038, (11.44%). CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Future Car Market Overview – Used Cars October 2025

Welcome to the latest version of our overview. Our aim is to bring you the best content and layout, making it easy to identify new and revised information. As always, any customer feedback would be appreciated: e-mail [email protected] Please direct any forecast queries to the following mailbox:e-mail: [email protected] The content is structured as follows: 1. Forecast Changes2. Market Conditions3. Historic Forecast Accuracy4. Forecast Methodology & Products5. Sector Reforecast Schedule 2025/26 CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Future Car Market Overview – SMR October 2025

Welcome to our latest overview of Service Maintenance and Repair (SMR) Budgets, previously known as the ‘gold book SMR editorial’. This is aimed at our Fleet sector customers, who may use the Budgets when setting their lease rates. Any customer suggestions for improvement would be appreciated: please e-mail [email protected] Following our acquisition of Derwent Management Services in 2014, cap-hpi Ludlow (Derwent) data has been used to populate our SMR budget forecast product since October 2014, but there have been no technical changes to any of our data files or services. CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Future Car Market Overview – New Cars October 2025

Welcome to the latest version of our overview. Our aim is to bring you the best content and layout, making it easy to identify new and revised information. As always, any customer feedback would be appreciated: e-mail [email protected] Please direct any forecast queries to the following mailbox:e-mail: [email protected] The content is structured as follows:1. Forecast Changes2. Market Conditions3. Historic Forecast Accuracy4. Forecast Methodology & Products5. Sector Reforecast Schedule 2025/26 CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Car Market Overview – October 2025

This summary outlines key trends across the UK’s automotive sector, covering both new and pre-owned vehicle sales. New car registration data extends through August 2025, while used car insights reflect market conditions at publication. All figures are current as of 24th September 2025. CLICK HERE to read the full article.