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Buying a second hand car
Buying a car is probably the most expensive commitment you could make second to a house purchase. But it's unlikely that you will have the security of legal advice, solicitors, agents etc. to protect the transaction and your money. Be careful not to let the lure of a new car compromise your safety or your money, and remember, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Find out about the model of car that you want to buy, check that the car you are looking at is of the correct specification. Check in a used car price guide to see what your prospective car normally sells for.
A history check will also identify whether the car has been reported as an insurance write-off, has any outstanding finance on it or mileage inconsistencies. Do your own history check. This will protect you and will give you current information about the car. You can use an organisation such as HPI to provide this service. Do not accept a history check from the vendor; it may be false or at best out of date.
BUYING PRIVATELY
When buying privately it's wise to do your research on the seller as well as the car:
- Always meet a private seller at their home address, check that the car is registered on the V5 Registration Certificate to that address and look for signs that they reside there. If you think the car is stolen, report this to your local police.
- If the buyer claims to be living abroad be very suspicious; this can be the first step to try to get you to send money using a money transfer company like Western Union or Moneygram.
- Never pay using a money transfer company.
If you feel unhappy with the other party trust your instincts and walk away. Do not be tempted by that elusive bargain.
DOCUMENTS
Examine all the legal documents, plus any available details of the car's service history:
- The log book, otherwise known as the V5 Registration Certificate, is the official document that records the name and address of the current and previous keepers, registration, chassis and engine number, make, year, model and colour. See the DVLA website for more information.
- Do not buy if the seller cannot produce the vehicle registration document and other documentation (e.g. MOT certificate). Confirm the service history with the garages shown, if possible. Check that the MOT certificate is valid at www.motinfo.gov.uk (you will need the Test Number from the MOT certificate to do this).
VEHICLE NUMBERS & MARKS
Check that the vehicle identification numbers (VIN) matches that on the documents, and has not been tampered with. The VIN number is in at least three places on a vehicle:
- The 'visible' VIN plate is under the windscreen, on the nearside (left) of the car, under where the tax disc should be.
- The 'VIN plate/sticker' will normally be somewhere under the bonnet.
- There will be a number stamped in the main body that is located differently for each type of vehicle.
Be very wary if there are any signs that etching or numbers have been tampered with or removed.
INSPECTION
Consider having the car professionally examined before you buy, either through a motoring association, private company or garage. They will examine the car and be able to give you more safety with your transaction. However even the non-technically minded can test the overall condition of the mechanical parts of the car. Don't be embarrassed to poke around and check for leaks, damaged parts, and signs of wear and tear.
PAYING
There are different ways you can pay for a car. Choose the method that works for you and the seller but be aware of the potential issues:
- CHAPS - An immediate bank transfer can be made using the CHAPS system for a nominal fee, (£20-£30). Consider meeting the seller at the bank and completing the transaction there. CHAPS payments are irrevocable.
- Cash - It can be dangerous carrying a large amount of cash when you're going to meet a stranger so use your common sense and always have someone with you.
- Cheques / Bankers Drafts - Cheques and banker's drafts can be fraudulent or counterfeit so your seller may not be prepared to accept these. NEVER pay using a money transfer company such as Western Union or Moneygram - these exist for transferring money between people who know each other.
- ESCROW / Shipping Companies - Be careful when using ESCROW or Shipping web sites as many are bogus and set up by fraudsters. If you do use ESCROW, make sure it's verified by the FSA and is based in the UK. See the Metropolitan Police Fraud Alert web pages about money transfer, criminal cashback fraud and bogus ESCROW sites.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Your first recourse should be to contact the seller. You may not have legal redress, but if they are a business they may care more about their reputation, or their sense of right and wrong, than you think.