safe to buy used car from unregistered owner?

newfoundglory

JonathanA wrote: »

Lots of interesting replies. This could be genuine, no-one knows the circumstances of the family friend. Yes, you should proceed with caution, and make sure everything checks out, including contacting said 'family friend', HPI etc. I'm in the process of selling my parents car for them, they don't want the hassle of viewings, people phoning them up, etc etc. The car is with me, along with all the documents, but they are 150 miles away. It's not at all dodgy, they just don't need the car any more. I'm not a dealer, but presumably, many of you would walk away because I'm not the registered keeper?

If you really want the car, check it out thoroughly and if you are in the slightest bit concerned with the replies you get, then walk away, there will be other cars out there. But you don't automatically have to assume the worst!

Depends on your attitude to risk. Some will take the risk, and others wont. Just like there will be some who will turn up and believe every word you say. Personally, I'd probably walk away unless I could be more certain and satisfied that everything checked out.

Kilty_2

JonathanA wrote: »

The car is with me, along with all the documents, but they are 150 miles away. It's not at all dodgy, they just don't need the car any more. I'm not a dealer, but presumably, many of you would walk away because I'm not the registered keeper?

Do you have the same surname as the registered keeper (presumably) ?

This would bring a bit of confidence back to the sale - providing you could prove who you were.

Does sound like the OP is buying from a dodgy trader though.

Inactive

JonathanA wrote: »

Lots of interesting replies. This could be genuine, no-one knows the circumstances of the family friend. Yes, you should proceed with caution, and make sure everything checks out, including contacting said 'family friend', HPI etc. I'm in the process of selling my parents car for them, they don't want the hassle of viewings, people phoning them up, etc etc. The car is with me, along with all the documents, but they are 150 miles away. It's not at all dodgy, they just don't need the car any more. I'm not a dealer, but presumably, many of you would walk away because I'm not the registered keeper?

But you are the 1% exception, the other 99% are " Door Step Dealers ".