buying a second hand vehicle

Buying a vehicle 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. The process of buying or selling a vehicle is usually straightforward but both buyers and sellers can leave themselves open to becoming the victim of fraud or other crimes. Be careful not to let the lure of a new vehicle compromise your safety or your money. And remember, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.

  1. 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. When buying a second-hand vehicle you should check to make sure that the vehicle you are buying is the property of the seller and has not been stolen. 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 vehicle. Do not accept a history check from the vendor; it may be false or at best out of date. You can use an organisation such as HPI to provide this service:


    If you think the car is stolen, report this to your local police. However, the Police and the above web site cannot confirm ownership details - they can only confirm the status of the genuine vehicle with the registration number given.

  2. CONTACT DETAILS
    When buying privately it's wise to do your research on the seller as well as the vehicle. Get a landline telephone number but you should be aware that it could be for a public telephone box or might transfer to another phone. Always meet a private seller at their home address, Check that the car is registered on the V5c to that address and look for signs that they reside there. If you feel unhappy with the other party trust your instincts and walk away. Do not be tempted by that elusive bargain.

  3. 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. Make sure that the vehicle registration document (V5c) has not been tampered with and that the document is watermarked. Compare the document with another V5c or look at the V5c for your own vehicle. See the DVLA website for more information.

  4. DOCUMENTS
    Do not buy if the seller cannot produce the vehicle registration document and other documentation (e.g. MOT or, for a new vehicle, the purchasing correspondence). Confirm the service history with the garages shown, if possible. Check that the MOT certificate is valid at http://www.motinfo.gov.uk (you will need the Test Number from the MOT certificate to do this).

  5. INSPECTION
    Consider having the vehicle professionally examined before you buy, either through a motoring association, private company or garage. They will examine the vehicle and be able to give you more safety with your transaction.

  6. PAYING
    There are different ways you can pay for a vehicle - cash, cheque, banker's draft or bank transfer. An immediate bank transfer can be made using the CHAPS system for a nominal fee, (£20-£30). Consider meeting the buyer at your bank and completing the transaction there. CHAPS payments are irrevocable. Choose the method that works for you but be aware of the potential issues. 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 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. 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.

  7. INTERNET
    The Internet can be a source of bargains and is increasingly popular and useful. However it is also used by criminals to sell vehicles that are stolen or do not exist, often using pictures and details of genuine vehicles. Most sites do provide safeguards for buyers and sellers. Understand the rules of the site and how it works. If you've won an auction make the above checks before paying for your vehicle.