Can this really be a free car?!?

Thehandyman_2

I have had to register another screen name tonight, as I'm locked out of my emails!
I work as a handyman, and do lots of work for a local letting company.
Sometimes I get unusual requests, but I try to help all I can.
Yesterday, I had a call from the boss, asking advice on a car that had been abandoned outside a letting property, in the private parking space. The previous tenants boyfriend owned it, and but never lived at that address. It's causing problems in re letting the property, as everyone who looks at it wants to know about the car in front of the door!
Apparently the car belonged to a foreign national, who has left the country. The police have been informed and don't want to know.
I have checked the vehicle online, and it has not been taxed since April. And it's not insured or on sorn.
The previous tenants are un contactable, with no forwarding address.
The car is locked, and no keys left in the property.
Sorry for the long post, but my question is, can I claim it??
It's a 04 mondeo.

rev_henry

You can apply for the V5 in your name. The DVLA will write to the previous owner at his last know address and if he doesn't respond then you'll get a V5 in your name. Doesn't mean you own it though...

Hammyman

Yes you can from what I can recall about claiming cars dumped at the side of the road.

It won't be a free car though - it'll cost you to get keys and get the ECU or keys reprogrammed.

Thehandyman_2

Thanks. Just wondered about the legalities of doing that, I have the skills to move it, replace the locks etc. I think I should do a finance check on it first, before I do anything else... Maybe I'm lucky for once!

motorguy

Thehandyman wrote: »

Thanks. Just wondered about the legalities of doing that, I have the skills to move it, replace the locks etc. I think I should do a finance check on it first, before I do anything else... Maybe I'm lucky for once!

You wont own it though - you will just have the V5.

Two different things.

How do you know the owners mate hasnt got the keys for the owner and keeping an eye on the car?

Thehandyman_2

I don't know that, however, letting company own all the houses on the street, only 4 houses use these parking spaces, and neighbors no nothing about it.
If the car was on the public highway, it would have been crushed by now, due to the lack of tax and insurance. I expect there is no mot either. The car has been abandoned in my opinion, and various attempts have been made to contact the owner. The landlord, and property agent wish me to dispose of it, ASAP.
I feel I have justified the removal of it, however, I don't know if I could keep it? Or even sell it?

the_big_fact_hunt

easiest way is to move it onto the highway and it will magically disappear

Thehandyman_2

the_big_fact_hunt wrote: »

easiest way is to move it onto the highway and it will magically disappear

Agreed, but if I could keep it for myself.... That would be nice!
I spent a few quid this evening, did an hpi check on it, completely clear, no finance etc, so I think it will be being removed this weekend:j

paddedjohn

Just remember, after you have spent a few bob taxing and moting the car and getting new locks and keys programmed you will still not own the car. If the owner returns from abroad or sells to someone else you will have a fight on your hands trying to keep it.

Thehandyman_2

Just wondered if it's possible to charge the owner storage in the event of their return, and wishing to get back their abandoned car?
It's highly unlikely they will return, or want the car back. It's only worth about 1500, and really appears to be abandoned. Without tax or insurance, it's gonna get crushed if it was on the road

mikey72

V5 in your name?
Let's see the previous owner prove they still own it.

V5 is the only proof I care about if I'm buying, and the HPI is clear.