Whatever reason given it needs careful consideration and let’s not forget that there are genuine car sellers out there that are selling a car on behalf of somebody else. In all circumstances, if I hear this statement I say goodbye. This is the answer that waves a huge red flag. “I’m a dealer and am selling this car from home”.“I took the car in part exchange against my last one and I’m just reselling it”Īgain, this could be legitimate but quite rare.Very suspicious – personally, I’d walk away at this stage unless I really liked the car “I never bothered to get it registered in my name”.“The dealers where I bought it from made the mistake with my personal details”Īgain, this is suspicious but not out of the question – continue to act with caution.Suspicious but plausible – just be very cautious “The DVLA have made a mistake and I forgot to get it corrected”.This can be legitimate although not that common “It’s my sons/daughters/mothers/fathers/friend’s car and I’m selling it on their behalf”.I’ve already mentioned one of the reasons offered as to why a car is not registered in the seller’s name and at their home address.
Private car selling websites registration#
If the keeper’s registration details do NOT match the location where you are viewing the car it’s time to ask some questions. Scan through the V5C logbook and check the registered keeper’s address is the same as the address where you’re viewing the car (see image below.) If you’re happy with your initial checks and are still interested in the vehicle it’s time to go through the car documentation with a fine-tooth comb, before taking a test drive. Carry out the checks listed in my car buying guide, one by one.Īgain, take your time and avoid chatting with the owner too much at this stage, to avoid distractions. Take your time to find out what you can about the car by inspecting it thoroughly. Viewing the car at a neutral location is an unacceptable risk and not worth it. One of the more common ones is “you will never find my house because we live out in the sticks”. Over many years, I have heard all sorts of excuses as to why I can’t visit the registered address. If the seller refuses to invite you to their home or business address (where the vehicle is registered) don’t go along and see the car. Oh, and try to take a friend or family member along with you for a second pair of eyes.Īlways avoid viewing a private car sale in a supermarket or pub car park (or some other neutral location). Ideally, call up the seller first and ask if the logbook name and address is the same as where they live. This simple check is a reasonable way of keeping yourself safe. This way, you know where the seller lives in case a serious legal problem crops up down the road.
Let’s jump ahead quickly and assume you have shortlisted some cars and you want to view them.Īlways, always, view the car at the private seller’s home address ensuring the ‘registered owner details’ (that appear on the V5C logbook) are identical to where the vehicle is being sold. As I’ve just mentioned, a CarVeto check is the first step to seeing if the car has any kind of hidden history that would steer you away from buying. It can also be more difficult ensuring the car is genuine and above board. There are some real bargains to be had if you know what to look for.īut this route is certainly riskier than buying from a dealer because you have almost no legal protection. Buying a car directly from the registered owner offers the chance to find the car you really want at a reasonable price. This page will help you find a good car provided you act with caution and an extra-large dollop of common-sense. You get the guide included with a car history check via my sister website, CarVeto.ĭon’t be put off by private car sales. I have taken some time and composed a thorough car buying guide that holds all my experience, tips and knowledge to buying a car. To the average layman, there are many hurdles to buying a car that is genuine and good value. With decades of experience, I continue to make mistakes and have been ripped off a few times too. However, using this method to buy a second-hand car is fraught with risk so extreme care is needed at every stage of this process. During 30 years of being a car dealer, I have bought lots of used cars privately as there are some great bargains.
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