Just bought Van blindly on Ebay - no SH

bargain_carly

I've just handed over £2k for a van I blindly bought on ebay at the weekend. The guy dropped it off (untaxed) and was in a real rush to hand it over and run off (had an engagement allegedly). When he left I realised I didnt have any service logs and forgot to ask about any work its had done.
The MOT from March states 77000 miles and apparently its now 92000 (digital clock not showing anything at the mo!). The only docs I have are V5 (in someone elses names -not my seller's) and MOT.

Bit worried about not knowing the history. Plus according to the V5 its had 3 owners since March (inc the undeclared person who sold it me). I've never had a vehicle before so everything is new to me...I hope I havent just thrown away my life savings!!! I thought the tax problem was worry enough - hope i wont get done for that!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

stumpjumper

Firstly contact the seller to see if he's got any documents he forgot to give you (long shot but worth a try!). Run a HPi check on the vehicle to see if it's got a troubled history (bit late now but at least you'll know what you're dealing with). Check the chassis number on the V5 matches that on the van. If it differs vastly from the ebay ad you might have some comeback on that. Lastly but perhaps most important check with the police that it's not stolen!

It sounds really dodgy but I've got my fingers crossed it works out OK for you.

bargain_carly

Thanks for that. I did have a quick look on the DVLA vehicle checker before he turned up with it and it just said the tax was due to run out! (already has though!). He said he got it in an auction so that sounds fairly reasonable that he hasnt got the log book, but he still should have registered it surely?

chrisw

It might be worth getting it checked over by a friendly mechanic or even having it re-mot'd for peace of mind.

bargain_carly

yes, it had crossed my mind to give it a service as I have no idea if anything needs doing. HOwever, moneys tight at the moment as I'm about to give up work to train to be a plumber (£5.5K course, no Career dev loan at present)- then theres the costs of starting the biz..etc... Already stoozing on ccs to avoid getting more loans. The money for the van was courtesy of MBNA!! I'm half tempted to leave it till the MOT in Feb...

tomstickland

Well, it's yours now so I'd just take a chance personally. Try to get the documents from the seller, otherwise contact DVLA and see what they can do. Service history, well that's history. If it's in OK condition and goes alright then that's all that matters really.