Problems with new car purchase..... Reg Docs.... dodgy dealer!

guv69

Back in September, I purchased a top of the range new car online from a company called "buyacar.co.uk". I was told the car was a "stock" car, meaning it was with the dealer, or would be shortly so it'd be delivered in 2 weeks. The price was very good - much cheaper than from a dealer, though I would be shown as "2nd keeper" on the log book. Not an issue - I intend to keep it!

Anyway, at the end of October, the car arrived and was paid in full for cash. (Bank Transfer.)

After 3 weeks, I chased them as I'd not received the log book yet, to be told "you have agreed to us keeping the log book for 6 months". News to me. They said it was on the receipt, which on checking, says, "a V5 retention period may apply". I dont think that means Ive agreed to them keeping the log for 6 months!

Anyway, today it dawned on me. When I insured, I was asked if I was the registered keeper, which I replied "yes". (Truthful to the best of my knowledge!) So after checking, it seems Ive been driving a brand new car on the road for the last 6 months without insurance!

Ive spoken to the company "buyacar.co.uk" who have basically said "tough".

Legally, I'd certainly be challenging where "a retention period may apply" means Ive agreed they keep the log book for 6 months.... Similarly, why "retain" means the log book name hasnt been transfered to my own.

There may well be some insurance companies that will insure under these circumstances, but no doubt with a premium and certainly something they should disclose. As it stands, I still have both my old and new cars. If I transfered the new car away from my insurance company, I lose my full discount bonus on the car that has been applied.

Ive spoken to the manufacturer, who weren't interested at first, until I reminded them that this company was involved in a scam to buy cars from them on the cheap (presumably to be used as demo's) and selling them below normal forecourt prices.

Ive aslo phoned trading standards (pretty pointless exercise probably!) and also my home insurance, with which I have legal protection.

In the meantime, I have a brand new car parked on the road, with no insurance cover.

Any tips and advice greatly appreciated.

neilmcl

The people to speak to is the DVLA. However I've heard its quite normal for the V5 to be retained for a period when purchaisng pre-registered cars.

Anihilator

I think you are being overly paranod and probably just made the company harder to deal with by dobbing them into the manufacturer.

guv69

neilmcl wrote: »

The people to speak to is the DVLA.

I have spoken to the DVLA. They said "send a cheque for £25 and a V62 form" and we will write to the registered keeper". They said they would have to ask one important question... "do you have the vehicle in your possession". Obviously the answer is no, but I put that to this guy at buyacar.co.uk and he said they wouldnt release the document because I had agreed to them keeping the document for 6 months (which I obviously dispute.)

terryw

guv69 wrote: »

I have spoken to the DVLA. They said "send a cheque for £25 and a V62 form" and we will write to the registered keeper". They said they would have to ask one important question... "do you have the vehicle in your possession". Obviously the answer is no, but I put that to this guy at buyacar.co.uk and he said they wouldnt release the document because I had agreed to them keeping the document for 6 months (which I obviously dispute.)

Surely the answer is yes? you do have the vehicle in your possession

guv69

Anihilator wrote: »

I think you are being overly paranod and probably just made the company harder to deal with by dobbing them into the manufacturer.

In what way is buying a brand new car 6 weeks ago that I've been driving without insurance and not able to get insured without spending a fortune do you consider being paranoid?

Buyacar.co.uk are just a broker. They dont deal with the manufacturer... they get these cars via dealers. Hopefully the manufacturer will uncover them and give them a bloody nose for obtaining cars on the cheap and not using them for the purpose intended. (ie as demo's)

neilmcl

Apparentyl there are two ways a dealer can get a pre-reg car. The legit way is with the manufacturers consent as they want to shift as much of that vehicle as possible, so the manufacturer will subsidise the dealer to get the cars sold at a reduced price.

The other way, and I suspect what's happening here, is the unofficialy the dealer has got a vehicle at a discount by stating its essentially a demonstrator for which the manufacturer will expect the to keep it for at least 6 months and may check that they do so or risk losing the franchise, hence the V5 retention.

guv69

terryw wrote: »

Surely the answer is yes? you do have the vehicle in your possession

If the question was being asked to me, the answer would be yes. However, I am not the "registered keeper" they are wrting to!

neilmcl

guv69 wrote: »

Buyacar.co.uk are just a broker. They dont deal with the manufacturer... they get these cars via dealers. Hopefully the manufacturer will uncover them and give them a bloody nose for obtaining cars on the cheap and not using them for the purpose intended. (ie as demo's)

They will, however by holding on to the V5 on the dealer's behalf because they'll be the ones who will be in the s**t if the manufacturer finds out. The price you pay I'm afraid for gettin a bargain. You should still be able to insure the vehicle though.

Anihilator

guv69 wrote: »

In what way is buying a brand new car 6 weeks ago that I've been driving without insurance and not able to get insured without spending a fortune do you consider being paranoid?

Buyacar.co.uk are just a broker. They dont deal with the manufacturer... they get these cars via dealers. Hopefully the manufacturer will uncover them and give them a bloody nose for obtaining cars on the cheap and not using them for the purpose intended. (ie as demo's)

But it isnt uninsured.

As far as you are concerned you are the registered keeper and are waiting for the seller to deal with the technicalities.

Sorry but I think this argument is a red herring I dont for a second think the police would charge you for this or your insurer refuse to pay out.

Your other option is to pay the extra to get it now. I bet you wont do that though. You cant have it both ways. The discount is based on this happening clearly.

guv69

neilmcl wrote: »

Apparentyl there are two ways a dealer can get a pre-reg car. The legit way is with the manufacturers consent as they want to shift as much of that vehicle as possible, so the manufacturer will subsidise the dealer to get the cars sold at a reduced price.

The other way, and I suspect what's happening here, is the unofficialy the dealer has got a vehicle at a discount by stating its essentially a demonstrator for which the manufacturer will expect the to keep it for at least 6 months and may check that they do so or risk losing the franchise, hence the V5 retention.

Given there is short supply of these cars, I can categorically state its not option one (despite buyacar.co.uk claiming that IS the reason.)

At the moment, the manufacturer has come up blank. (I just had a call) I cant believe the reg and chassis number wouldnt reveal the rogue trader! So far they said it doesnt give them that info! (Which I am surprised at!) The call I did get though, the lady mentioned "leased" in the convo. Not sure who or why, but she rand someone in Nottingham "Capital" something. No idea why or how that came into the frame, but as it came out blank, no point in persueing!