what to do when you buy a used car from a private seller

Buying a used car could save you a fortune over the equivalent brand new model, just there are risks involved besides.

A great corporeality of care needs to be taken to ensure you make the right buy and aren't sold something that could come up back to haunt you.

Our definitive guide offers all the assistance you demand to help you purchase with conviction and become the right bargain too.

The following advice will encompass every step of the car-buying journey from choosing where to buy from to what to check when you view the automobile to how to handle negotiations and your buyer's rights.

Before we get started, here are some quick tips from RAC patrol Ben Aldous.

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Where to buy a used auto from?

You've decided you desire to buy a used car, but where should y'all buy it from?

Nosotros look through the advantages and disadvantages of different seller types, citing things to look out for and where to go to all-time suit your needs.

ane. Buying a used automobile from a dealer, independent garage or driveway trader

If you're nervous near buying a secondhand car, a dealer or trader is an easier place to start equally ownership privately ofttimes requires more than car knowledge.

Firstly, lets sympathise what the concept of a trader ways, as it can vary dramatically

A trader is defined as a person acting for purposes relating to that person's trade, business, craft or profession, significant they can range from a single person buying and selling cars on their driveway, to a franchised dealer selling new and nearly-new cars.

The difference between these traders is the level of preparation and aftersales support yous volition go and also the cost y'all will have to pay for these premiums - the bigger the business concern, the more resource they take, but also the more overheads they accept to pay too, which volition bump up your costs.

Franchised dealers are at the largest end of the spectrum, with one-man-band driveway traders at the other and ordinarily independent garages sitting somewhere in the middle.

Things to consider

A main dealer or garage is likely to have put a used car through a rigorous inspection and offer a practiced warranty (usually six or 12 months).

While this will come at a price - increasing the outright cost of buying the motorcar - it tin offer you priceless peace of listen in knowing the car has been thoroughly checked out and is covered by a warranty.

Buying from a driveway trader could save you lot these higher up forepart costs, just may bear witness to be a false economy equally the car could cease up costing you more in repairs - information technology's probable this person has washed fiddling more give the car a quick wash after picking it up from auction, remember.

While all traders legally have to comply with the Consumer Rights Act - meaning you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund if the vehicle is deemed not 'fit for purpose' or 'of satisfactory quality' - interim on this could show to be a headache if the seller is unscrupulous.

Y'all may have to act fast as your correct to reject the vehicle and claim a full refund because of a fault is usually restricted to the first xxx days and what you're entitled to varies following the expiration of this date.

It is also worth noting that nether the provisions of the Road Traffic Human activity 1988, no person can sell a motor vehicle or trailer in an unroadworthy condition, you can read more about that in our heir-apparent's rights section.

How to decide

Consider what you lot're looking for and what you need the car for.

If the car is an investment - your family car, perhaps, for the side by side ten years - it might make sense to pay for the security you get from a garage.

But if it is maybe an in-between runabout for £500, and upfront price is your biggest factor, it might make sense to sacrifice the guarantees for the cheapest possible price.

Contained garages can vary in size (and quality), just usually cater for the middleground of auto sales - i.due east. vehicles too old for main dealers, but not yet in the deal bangers territory.

The advantage of independent garages is they often care about their reputation, and a search online can reveal how happy previous customers are.

Be cautious, though, some won't necessarily have washed a great deal of work to prepare cars for sale, and be sure to read the terms and atmospheric condition of any warranty they offering - they're not always worth the paper they're written on.

If you make up one's mind to buy from a dealer our approved dealer network tin aid you purchase with confidence.

2. Buying a used car privately

If you're on a budget, buying a secondhand car privately can prove to exist a much cheaper option than visiting a dealer, only is it the best matter to exercise?

3. Ownership a used auto from auction

Many buyers are (sometimes rightly) cautious about buying a car from auction.

Vehicles passing under the hammer are usually beingness sold for a quick sale, and come up with piffling in the mode of protection such as a warranty.

Purchase carefully, however, and you could grab a deal.

Things to consider for first-time auction buyers

Nigh auction houses allow a few hours of browsing earlier the sale, so go to the auction early and don't be afraid of poking around any prospective purchases.

Do your inquiry beforehand, also - how much would like cars sell for privately or at a dealer, and how much accept they sold for at previous auctions?

Once you've got a shortlist of cars, set a strict upkeep.

Give it a good await over for the general condition - this tin give you a skillful thought of how well it'south been maintained and whether it's likely to be a dud.

A cosmetically crude motorcar is more likely to exist hiding costly issues than a tidy example.

When the automobile passes through the auction hall, listen to the engine and look carefully for any signs that it might non be running right.

If you decide to bid, concord your nervus and don't get carried away with the moment.

Recollect than auction houses usually add fees on superlative - notice out what they are beforehand, to save any nasty surprises one time you've bid.

If you are ownership from an auction house as opposed to on an online auction,

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4. Buying a used motorcar online

The online shopping craze is showing no sign of fading - and that includes large objects such as cars.

Although car manufacturers are finally cottoning on to selling new cars online, people take been buying used motors on the internet for years.

Nigh of these online sales are through online auctions site eBay.

You can buy a auto over the net by bidding on an auction or hitting 'buy it now'.

We'd express caution nearly doing this without seeing it - it's a good idea to requite information technology a practiced once over and run across the seller commencement, but being prepared to have a risk could pocketbook a bargain.

If you do buy a car online, nearly buyers will look a deposit paid via Paypal before collection.

Although sellers won't take kindly to fourth dimension wasters, if the machine isn't as described when you arrive to complete the sale, you lot're costless to walk away.

This takes away some of the risk - just yous are contracted to buy information technology otherwise, even if you decide you don't like the colour or realise the seats aren't very comfortable.

If you buy a car online that's a long distance away and you can't collect information technology yourself, there are a number of transport companies which will deliver it to you for a reasonable toll.

Services such as Shiply allow yous to asking quotes from a number of different companies.

Search RAC Cars, with more than 300,000 new and used cars on its database, now

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Viewing a used car - what should I bank check?

We've all been there… turned up to expect at a car y'all're thinking about buying, stood next to it with the seller, and realised you've no idea what you're looking for.

To avoid the awkward (and pointless) situation where y'all walk effectually the vehicle kick tyres and pretending to know what you're looking for, follow our advice...

Machine checks earlier buying a used car

For a start, taking along our car heir-apparent'southward checklist.

This provides a general overview for what to await out for, but a search online can requite you a clearer idea of what to look for with specific make and models.

one. Tyres

Nosotros've already mentioned boot the tyres, only information technology'south worth getting down on your knees and inspecting them properly.

How much tread have they got?

They need 1.6mm as a legal minimum, so if they're below 3mm you'll have to factor in the toll of changing them presently.

While budget brand tyres might non exist a major business organization on a cheap car, if you're spending more than money (especially on a performance motorcar) you lot'll want four matching premium tyres.

Click here to detect out how to cheque the legal tyre tread with a 20p.

2. Dents and scratches

How's the bodywork?

Are there signs of kerbing on the wheels?

Information technology's important to inspect a machine in clear daylight… pelting or darkness can hide a lot.

Don't exist also put off by small dents or scratches, these tin be fixed fairly cheaply, simply exercise employ them to negotiate.

three. Panel gaps

While y'all're looking over the bodywork, check the gaps between panels - large panel gaps could exist a sign that a automobile has been desperately repaired subsequently a crash, and make certain at that place aren't any colour differences between panels.

4. Fluid levels

Open the bonnet and check all the levels - including oil, restriction and power steering fluid.

If they're depression, information technology could exist a sign that the car hasn't been well maintained.

While you're at that place, look out for signs of oil leaks under the bonnet.

Information technology'due south worth looking underneath where the machine is normally kept, too.

5. Under the oil cap

As well as checking the oil level, it's worth looking under the oil cap for signs of a white mayonnaise-similar substance.

This could exist caused by condensation, but is usually created past coolant mixing with oil - a sign that the caput gasket could have failed.

Also check the coolant expansion tank looks make clean

6. Electrics

Attempt everything. Current of air the windows upwards and down, turn the radio off, examination the air conditioning.

Faults could be a simple repair, just at the very least it'south a negotiating point if something doesn't piece of work as it should

7. Glass

Are there any chips in the windscreen?

They could turn into cracks meaning you lot'll take to replace the windscreen.

If they're in the driver'due south eyeline, they could be an MOT failure besides.

Also wait at the front and rear lights, keeping an eye out for chips, cracks and whatever fogging or internal wet.

How to deal with damaged windscreens

8. Upholstery

Don't overlook the automobile'south interior.

Are there whatever stains or tears in the seats?

Does it olfactory property OK?

Bad smells tin be very off-putting and hard to become rid of, especially if a auto has been smoked in.

9. Spare wheel and accessories

Should the auto come with a spare wheel?

If and so, is it in that location, and in practiced status?

Is at that place a jack for lifting the car if you get a puncture, and an adapter for whatsoever locking wheel basics fitted to the vehicle?

10. Habiliment and tear

All secondhand cars will display a sure amount of wear and tear, simply is it consequent with the age and mileage?

A car showing low miles on the clock but showing heavy wear on the driver's seat, steering bike and pedals should raise alarm bells.

Click on the below paradigm to download the checklist and take it to your viewing

More ADVICE: How to spot a clocked car

This list of check volition requite you a good insight into what you need to look out for when inspecting a used car, nonetheless, it'due south always appropriate to take someone with y'all who has a good knowledge of cars and mechanics, if you don't yourself - especially if yous are spending whatever meaning amount on the car.

If you don't know anyone to take along and demand a second opinion, a vehicle inspection is a great idea.

For a fee, trained mechanics will visit the motorcar with you and cheque the running order and working condition of the vehicle, potentially saving you lot a significant amount down the road in repairs, should they spot a lurking issue.

Blow impairment checks for used cars

We'll come on to how y'all can check if a car has ever been written off in a moment, merely at that place are signs you can pick up on that might suggest a vehicle has been crashed.

We've mentioned checking all the console gaps - brand sure panels line up tightly, with a small, even gap betwixt panels, and the pigment colour matches all over the car.

Look closely and if there's something that doesn't wait quite correct, information technology might be because it'southward had some bodywork.

Look out for ripples in the bodywork which might advise it'due south been damaged and poorly repaired using filler - a magnet should reveal whether this is the case, as filler isn't magnetic.

Be familiar with the specification of the car yous're looking at: for example, if information technology's a high-spec model, it might accept chrome trim, and so inquire questions if information technology's missing.

Number plates must legally have their supplier printed on them in small letters - if it'southward not a auto dealer, ask why?

There might exist a genuine reason, such every bit the plate fading and needing replacing... or it might take been damaged in a crash.

READ More than: What is an insurance write off and should I buy one?

Documents check for used cars

The most important document you need to check when buying a secondhand automobile is the V5C, also known as the registration certificate or log book.

Make sure the make and model of the car you're buying matches that on the V5, as well every bit the number plate.

Yous tin as well check that the Vehicle Identification Number known equally the VIN, matches the VIN on the vehicle, which tin exist read from outside the vehicle in the lower part of the windscreen.

Read our full guide to VIN number checks

If you're ownership privately, check that the name of the registered keeper is the same as the person you're dealing with, and the address is the property you're buying the auto from.

If information technology's non, inquire questions - the seller might be a dealer masquerading as a private seller, or the automobile could fifty-fifty be stolen.

The V5 will too tell you how long the seller has owned the machine, and how many previous owners it's had.

Be concerned if the car has had lots of owners over a short period of time - it could be problematic, although there may also exist a genuine reason.

MOT and service history checks for used cars

An MOT document isn't as important as it used to be - as you can at present check a car's MOT history online and find out if a auto's got a current valid MOT.

The MOT test, if you're not familiar, is the yearly compulsory test of roadworthiness carried out on all vehicles over three years sometime.

Check the expiry date on the MOT document (or online) and have a notation of any advisories that the tester has suggested.

The seller may or may not accept fixed these - some are like shooting fish in a barrel to check (e.thousand. if a tyre is low on tread), but some aren't (due east.g. underbody rust) and may hint that the seller is trying to shift a problem motor before big bills occur.

A comprehensive service history is a bonus when ownership a secondhand automobile.

Depending on the price, historic period and type of car, it may or may not be important - on a £500 banger, for case, you'll exist lucky to get much in the fashion of service history, simply on a more than expensive specialist automobile y'all'll want a fully-stamped service book to show it's been looked afterward.

Read our complete guide to MOTs to find out hints and tips like: do council MOT centres really have a better pass rate?

Used machine history cheque

When buying a secondhand car, it'southward important to detect out equally much equally possible about its history.

This helps you observe what the seller potentially doesn't want y'all to know.

These checks primarily reveal if there are any subconscious discrepancies in the auto's history, such as being written off.

Enquiry suggests as many as one in four cars accept a subconscious history - this could include it beingness stolen or written off or having outstanding finance (which could cost you lot dearly).

The RAC provides a information check which will provide peace of listen for whatsoever secondhand automobile purchase.

Likewise as checking whether the auto has been stolen, written off or has outstanding finance, car history checks can also provide the following:

• Any mileage discrepancies which could reveal if the auto has been clocked by having the mileage deliberately wound back likewise as
• Common breakdown reasons by make & model
• Common MOT failures past make and model
• An independent car review
• A vehicle valuation
• Average running costs past brand and model
• Automobile inspection and buying checklists

It is a skillful idea to be inquisitive about any motorcar you are looking to buy, and bear in mind even a car history check won't tell you admittedly everything about a vehicle.

Ask whoever you lot are ownership a machine from about its previous owners to build a moving-picture show.

For instance, has information technology been used as a pool car by lots of different drivers?

Has information technology just had a single company machine driver before information technology went onto the market?

Used car examination bulldoze checklist

It'due south of import to accept a test drive when you're buying any motorcar.

Before y'all practice this, you'll need to brand sure you, the garage or private owner yous're buying the car from take the right insurance in place. Temporary car insurance covers you lot specifically for this and can be taken out for as piffling equally an hour. It is like shooting fish in a barrel to apply online and you lot tin can be on the road inside 15 minutes.

These are the other important things to consider:

1. Does it start OK?

A car which is problematic to kickoff might need a new battery or alternator.

2. Bank check the temperature gauge when you start it

Has the seller been warming the automobile up beforehand?

If then, why?

Check that the engine starts OK from common cold if possible to do so.

Also endeavour turning information technology off and on later on it'south been running for a while to make sure it starts when information technology's warm

three. Sentinel the temperature judge

Does information technology go up to one-half way adequately speedily and stay there? information technology might need a new thermostat, while overheating could be a sign of more serious problems

4. Check the clutch

Is it easy to find betoken, or is it a long way up the pedal travel?

Endeavour accelerating up a hill at low revs (in a loftier gear) to check for slipping.

Too endeavour a quick getaway - does the motorcar pull abroad cleanly, or does the clutch judder?

Clutch replacement can be costly so it might be worth trying a few examples of the aforementioned model to assist y'all sympathize what's right and what isn't.

5. Cheque the transmission

Do all gears select hands?

They shouldn't be too notchy or sloppy, or brand crunching noises every time you lot change gear. and the gear stick should self-centre when you lot take information technology out of gear.

If the vehicle is an automatic, ensure gear changes are smoothen and in line with road speed and engine load etc.

half-dozen. Check the steering

Does it operate smoothly, without any odd noises? Is the ability steering doing its chore, or does the wheel experience heavy?

If yous remove your hands from the wheel, does the car pull to 1 side or does it track directly? (a practiced level and flat road is best to test this).

7. Is the suspension working equally information technology should?

Patently some cars will take firmer suspension than others, but drive over bumpy roads and mind out for thunks and clunks, and experience for any unusual jolts being transferred into the cabin.

8. Listen to the engine

It's a common play a trick on of used motorcar salesmen to turn on the radio during a exam drive - turn it off and listen to the engine.

Is it running smoothly, or does it sound rough and noisy? If it'due south the latter, it might have been neglected.

nine. Does it perform equally yous'd expect?

Accelerate through the gears… does information technology continue up with traffic OK?

Is the performance as yous'd expect for the car?

If it's overly sluggish, at that place may be issues.

x. Test the brakes

If you go the take a chance without a motorcar behind y'all, attempt going difficult on the brakes.

Does it stop cleanly, in a directly line without pulling to one side?

Are there any unusual noises?

Check the handbrake works finer also, many vehicles are at present fitted with electronic handbrakes – brand certain it functions correctly.

11. Do you similar it?

Too as existence an opportunity to expect for faults on a secondhand motorcar, the test drive is a good opportunity to make sure you're buying the right car for you.

Is the driving position comfortable?

Would you exist happy driving it for the journeys you exercise?

Even used, a car is a big investment, so make sure you lot're entirely certain with your choice.

Click on the beneath image to download the checklist and take it to your viewing

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Buying a used automobile

Y'all've found a secondhand car, checked the paperwork, washed an RAC history bank check, been on a test drive and now yous're fix to go ahead and practice a deal.

This is potentially the most challenging part of buying a automobile - how should y'all go most information technology?

How to get the best deal on a used motorcar

No matter where or who you're buying a automobile from, our best communication is to exist polite and fair.

It'due south human being nature to want some money off and, while some sellers will be open to negotiating, others volition be less keen.

Accept a positive approach and view it as a challenge - sellers rarely respond well to buyers making insulting offers and taking an over-the-tiptop arroyo to haggling.

Walk effectually the machine with the seller and highlight whatsoever issues y'all've institute.

They're probable to already know about these - and may have already taken them into account when pricing the car - but it'll aid them run across it from your point of view.

Before going to see the auto, you should have looked into how information technology compares with others on the market (bearing in mind merchandise sales should be more than expensive than private), then you'll know how much it's worth.

With this in heed, set your budget in accelerate and stick to it.

If y'all experience the car is overpriced for the status it's in, make an offer and be prepared to walk away if the seller isn't willing to move.

Yous may find that the seller makes a counter offer - if not directly way, perhaps when yous've driven home and showed you lot're not willing to pay more money.

If yous're buying from a dealer, there may be scope to get some extras thrown in gratis rather than but money off.

Ask for a total tank of fuel, for example, or a service or MOT if the car needs it.

Avoid being pressurised into buying a used car.

If you lot're not 100% sure on the car, walk away – there will always be more than to come across.

Don't buy a car from a private seller in a public place.

View it at their habitation and then you can see the address matches the V5 keeper's certificate.

How are yous going to pay for the car / payment methods

In one case you've establish the car and agreed a deal, the adjacent step is paying for it.

The best way of doing that depends a lot on the value of the car - while producing a wad of £20 notes might be the best way of paying for a £500 car, doing and so for a £20,000 motor could get you into a lot of trouble.

You could pay using a bank check, simply the seller volition want funds to clear before you drive away.

Alternatively, transfer the coin using online or telephone banking - this should be quicker than a cheque, merely won't be instant.

A broker'south typhoon is quicker, only you'll have to pay a fee for this.

If you're buying a automobile from a dealer and it's relatively inexpensive, you might exist able to put the car on a credit card, although you might take to pay a small fee for this.

Many dealers offering finance, but the rates on secondhand cars ofttimes aren't as competitive every bit taking out a personal loan.

Yous can become a quick personalised loan charge per unit in just three minutes from the RAC for up to £25,000 without affecting your credit score.

What to do earlier you paw over the money

Before transferring funds, please ensure that you are completely satisfied with what y'all are buying.

When transferring funds, ensure that you use a trackable method of payment such as a credit or debit card as paying by greenbacks is far harder to trace.

Please note: It is of import to be wary of online sellers and to ensure you research the seller thoroughly.

If you've followed all these steps, you should be in a good position when handing over the money.

Ask for a receipt for the coin - including any understanding such as piece of work to be carried out before collection too as the date and the auto's electric current mileage.

10 questions to ask the seller when buying a used automobile

Buying a used car tin be stressful, but if you call back you've institute the right motorcar for y'all make sure y'all ask the seller these 10 questions to give yourself some peace of mind:

one. Can I see the car?

This might sound similar a redundant question, only if you're ownership privately online it's imperative you see the motorcar and audit information technology with your own eyes before parting with any money. Never buy a motorcar from a private seller without seeing information technology first.

ii. Tin the auto exist legally sold?

This is a biggie. If a auto can't be legally sold for whatever reason – if it's been written off or subject to outstanding finance – then, put simply, don't purchase it. If you do, yous'll be left driving illegally and could face a fine, a ban, or even repossession.

3. Why are you selling the car?

You can dress it up as only making conversation, but put the seller on the spot by request specific questions nearly why they desire to function with the car. This could catch them out and throw up something that wasn't included in the description.

4. Tin can I meet the paperwork?

A used car should come with a set of documents – including V5C document and full service history – so ask to run into them. You can check a auto's history against what you find on the RAC'south vehicle history tool.

5. How many previous owners has information technology had?

More often than not speaking, the more owners a automobile has had, the less it's worth. So, whether the auto y'all're looking at has had 7 owners or just the ane, it should be reflected in the price.

vi. Has the machine been in an accident?

If the machine's been in an accident, there could exist internal impairment not included in the description. Worse still, if the car'due south been written off then information technology might not even exist legal to sell information technology on, meaning you could be left with an illegal motor if you purchase information technology. Write off cats***

vii. Are you lot the registered keeper?

If the seller isn't the car's registered keeper it'due south unlikely they'll exist able to answer whatsoever of your questions about the vehicle. It might exist that they're simply selling it for a family fellow member, but exercise some caution before proceeding.

eight. Is the auto 'as described'?

Sellers are obliged to sell a car 'as described', meaning the actual vehicle matches what's included in the description. Take the listing along with you and utilize it to check against the seller's answers to make certain.

9. Tin I drive it dwelling house?

If the seller says you lot tin can bulldoze it domicile, that ways it'south roadworthy, has an MOT and has no known problems that'll cause it to breakdown on the way habitation. If y'all find out that'southward not the instance, the car won't have been sold 'as described.'

ten. Can I take it on a test drive?

The best way to meet how a machine drives is by getting behind the wheel yourself so y'all can check its steering, braking, suspension, and more. If a seller doesn't want you to test drive the car it could exist a sign that all is not well with the motorcar.

What are your heir-apparent's rights for a used machine?

Under the Consumer Rights Act, all cars bought from dealers must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.

It is too truthful that, whether bought through a dealer, or privately, the vehicle you buy must be roadworthy which means it must be fit and safe to drive.

Section 75 of the Road Traffic Deed 1988 states that it is illegal for anyone to sell a vehicle that is not roadworthy.

If y'all can demonstrate that there is a fault with the vehicle, you lot will be entitled to a number of remedies depending on when yous bring the mistake to the trader'south attending:

• Within the offset 30 days from taking delivery of the vehicle: Should you reject the vehicle within the showtime 30 days because of a mistake which you lot can demonstrate y'all will be entitled to a full refund when yous render the vehicle. If you prefer a repair or a replacement, the trader must do this for you inside a reasonable time and without causing your pregnant inconvenience
• From the 31st day until the starting time 6 months: Should y'all have experience a error with the vehicle, you lot are entitled to a repair or a replacement from the trader. Should the repair or replacement not address the trouble you lot are lament of, yous will be entitled to reject the vehicle and and then claim a refund (which tin can be reduced as a result of your fair use) or, if you lot prefer to, keep the vehicle and receive a fair price reduction. Information technology is worth noting that as long as you can demonstrate that a fault exists, it is presumed that the mistake was in that location when y'all took delivery of the vehicle. It would be for the trader to prove that yous had acquired the error since you took delivery of the vehicle.
• From six months and up to vi years: Should you experience a mistake with the vehicle after six months and you can prove that the fault was nowadays at the time of delivery, you will exist entitled to a repair or replacement. Should the repair or replacement not address the trouble you are lament of, yous will be entitled to a choice of rejecting the vehicle and claim a refund (which can exist reduced as a consequence of your fair utilize) or go along the vehicle and receive a fair price reduction. All the same, later on the six-calendar month period, the burden of proof is reversed and a consumer volition take to show that the appurtenances were lacking at the time of delivery.
• After 6 years: You are not entitled to any legal remedy under the laws of England and Wales (5 years in Scotland)

If you pay for all or role of the vehicle via credit card, y'all may be able to seek redress from your credit card provider.

They can be jointly responsible for problems with your vehicle under The Consumer Credit Human action 1974.

If your vehicle is field of study to a finance or charter agreement, your options may vary considerably.

Escalating an issue to court? What's the procedure

If you lot cannot come up to an amicable resolution with the dealership, at that place is a process in place which can still provide a remedy.

If giving them an opportunity to remedy any breaches of contract do not come to fruition, the next stage is to send a 'alphabetic character before action'.

A helpful website for the court procedure tin be constitute hither.

An MOT is not proof of roadworthiness

Please note that an MOT certificate from a test several months agone is no guarantee that the vehicle is roadworthy on the day yous are looking to buy it.

The MOT certificate can as well highlight any issues that the owner or registered keeper was advised to monitor with a view to putting correct.

If you think you have been sold an unroadworthy vehicle, report it to your local Trading Standards and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

A V5C doc is non proof of ownership

It is worth noting that a V5C is not proof of ownership of a vehicle, simply does country the registered keeper at the time.

It's a good idea to request to see proof of buying from the seller i.e. a receipt or invoice.

Buyer'southward rights summary

Yous'll take less protection if you've bought a auto privately.

The key is to ask as many questions equally possible - while sellers don't have to volunteer information, they're on rocky ground legally if they tell lies about the automobile'due south condition or history.

Information technology must be described accurately, so if the car's advertised as having ac and you find out on the way home that information technology doesn't, yous could ask for a full refund.

Arranging revenue enhancement and insurance for your used motorcar

Before you drive the car away, you lot legally have to take out insurance and pay for VED (vehicle excise duty - road tax).

The easiest manner of obtaining insurance earlier driving dwelling house in a new car is to get a quote beforehand, then all you need to do is go online or telephone upwards to accept information technology when you're fix to accept out the policy.

You tin revenue enhancement a car using the 'new keeper'due south slip' of the V5 on the DVLA's website. Alternatively, telephone the DVLA's 24-hr automated service on 0300 123 4321 or visit a nearby Post Function.

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Source: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/buying-and-selling-guides/buying-a-used-car/

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