how to buy first car,cash?cheque?

shelovestobuystuff

My son just passed his driving test and is excited about buying his first car.He has seen one he likes from a private seller on auto trader,the ad says cash preferred.I dont like the idea of him using cash as it just doesnt seem safe somehow.What is the best way and how can he make sure its even the advertisers car to sell.
I dont drive and have never even seen car papers so wouldnt know what to look for.I would hate for him to part with his hard saved cash and then have someone turn up and say its their car or something.
So whats the best and safest way to buy a car from a private seller?

Hintza

Cash.

He needs to see the V5c and to check it is in the persons name and is at the same address as he is viewing the car. (this assumes it's a banger)

If it is amore expensive car then he should do an HPI check to ensure it is free of any outstanding finance etc.

He should also take someone along who knows whether it is reasonable buy, because as soon as he hads over his cash all the problems with car are nowq his problems.

Robertf

If you are worried about being mugged for the money, go with the seller to the bank and withdraw the money there and then and hand it over, and the seller can hand over the keys and v5 at the same time in the bank