Private car seller - proof of ownership?

Joe_Horner

StrangelyBrown wrote: »

A bit more Googling suggests that I'd have the car taken off me, as the genuine owner's insurer would now technically own the car and if I wanted to keep it I'd have to buy it (again) from them.

So I'd not be charged but I would be out of pocket!

Like you say, I don't think he's a scam artist but I wanted to know if I should insist on getting something from his Mum or if that's just insensitive and going too far!

That's exactly the case. You'd either lose the car or have to pay again (although you could, in theory, sue the seller if this happened). Bear in mind that it's a risk no matter what paperwork is available, and from both private sellers and dealers. All you can ever do is make sure you can show you bought in good faith.

I'd certainly be wary (probably to walking away level) if the V5 is in the mother's name and she's not signing the transfer. DVLA probably won't notice the wrong signature when they issue a new V5 but, if there was any problem, it'd seriously weaken your position if the transfer had been signed by someone other than the registered keeper!

colino

If you are so wary of the potential pitfalls (you would be surprised of how many pretend traders have gargantuan family networks), perhaps better to stick with a dealer who will take the strain for you.

Rolandtheroadie

Have you a mobile number for the seller? If you have, google it.
That'll give you an idea of whether he buys and sells cars or it's a one off.

I wouldnt normally buy a car registered at an address different from the seller.

StrangelyBrown

scotsman4th wrote: »

Have you a mobile number for the seller? If you have, google it.
That'll give you an idea of whether he buys and sells cars or it's a one off.

Yep, I have both landline and mobile and Google doesn't have any dirt on them.

Like I say, I don't have a bad vibe about the guy, just wanted to cover my !!!! to the letter of the law and was wondering if there's a de facto standard for checking car ownership.

Seems like it's a grey area so "buyer beware" and all that.

fivetide

As above. No meets in car parks etc.

If the car is straight (check all the chassis numbers etc match up). Make sure the V5 is legit (watermarked) and it is at the right address then a HPI check will tell you if it reported stolen or not.

However, if all the above is true (i.e. it hasn't got false plates on) then the stolen angle is unlikely. the main issue is outstanding finance and/or it having been a write off which HPI should show up.

5t.

Horseunderwater

And if possible, make sure V5 is new red one not old blue one.
The old blue ones are being replaced as a huge batch of old blue ones were stolen and DVLA want to prevent fraud if possible. How do I know? I have a new red one for my X reg Berlingo now. Came in post in Dec 2011. Mind you I am waiting for OH's replacement.
Frances

s_b

poor mum has a stroke and you guys want her to sign something
if i was this poor guy trying to sell the car i would tell you to all do one and leave it to rot on the drive:D

StrangelyBrown

s_b wrote: »

poor mum has a stroke and you guys want her to sign something

Haha, well that's the tricky situation isn't it!

If she's genuinely incapactiated by a stroke then yes getting her to provide signatures and ID would be over-intrusive in hindsight.

However, if 'dear old Mum' wasn't all he made her out to be then I'd be kicking myself for not checking out the alleged stroke victim!

If I wanted to sell someone's car and deter the buyer from trying to meet the registered keeper, that's the story I'd use too...

Joe_Horner

s_b wrote: »

poor mum [STRIKE]has a stroke[/STRIKE] is off on holiday and doesn't know son is selling her car to fund his drug habit, and you guys want her to sign something
if i was this poor guy trying to sell the car i would tell you to all do one and leave it to rot on the drive:D

Fixed that for ya :beer:

Seriously, it probably is genuine BUT caution by the buyer is sensible (eg: always check for corrosion :D ). How much caution depends on a lot of things, including your "feel" for the seller and the asking price (if it's a £300 banger then less important than a £25k execmobile)

pitkin2020

bengalknights wrote: »

As long as all the paperwork etc is transferred and you obtain a "receipt" there would be no comeback against you for stolen vehicle.

Just make sure you keep the part that says new owner.

Incorrect. If the car is stolen it will belong to the insurers. You are unlikely to get charged with theft if you have proven you have bought it on good faith but it still won't be your car.