buying from not the registered keeper? Help!

thegoshow

Hi, I'm hoping someone could help me out here.

I went to view a van for sale, van is great just what I'm after but....

the person selling the van is not the registered keeper, he said he is selling it for his mate who is living in Australia who has decided to stay out there for a bit longer than he planned.

The seller has all the paperwork, v5, keys etc.

Obviously the address of the seller is different to the registered keeper on the v5.

Is it safe to buy like this? The seller seems genuine enough, went in his house etc

Tilt

How did you find the van?

fivetide

How far away is the registered keeper address? If it really is a mate then he's presumably be local....

motorguy

thegoshow wrote: »

Hi, I'm hoping someone could help me out here.

I went to view a van for sale, van is great just what I'm after but....

the person selling the van is not the registered keeper, he said he is selling it for his mate who is living in Australia who has decided to stay out there for a bit longer than he planned.

The seller has all the paperwork, v5, keys etc.

Obviously the address of the seller is different to the registered keeper on the v5.

Is it safe to buy like this? The seller seems genuine enough, went in his house etc

Sounds like the typical ruse of a small time trader trying to avoid their responsibilities under the SOGA.

Tread with caution

andygb

I would just be asking - why, why, why - and then walk away.

My dad bought a car years ago, and never saw the registered keeper once, it was all done through a "friend". He got really upset when I voiced my concerns about the whole deal, including the part where the guy who sold it to him, drove the car to my dad's place (he never saw the keeper'd residence at any point), and all the paperwork, handing over the money (cash) was completed there. The guy then took the bus home, refusing a lift.
You couldn't make it up.

andy111

Ask the seller to ring the owner in Australia in your presence, watch him dial the correct code etc.

Just say you'd like to confirm with the owner that all is above board, the seller should be willing if legit.

Otherwise walk away.

Slowly_does_it..

I have sold a car for a friend of mine who had left the country.

Maybe ask for the phone number for the registered keeper in Australia? - A long distance call will cost less than buying a dodgy motor. If he delays, run away!

thegoshow

Tilt wrote: »

How did you find the van?

It was advertised on gumtree.

And the registered keepers address in around 60 miles from the person selling it.

I think it is probably a small time trader selling the van, as the yellow part of the v5 is missing!

I have checked the vehicle out and it match's the v5, and have done a vehicle check and it has not been reported stolen.

Thanks for the help!

Foxy-Stoat_3

Am sure there are other vans for sale you can buy.

Tilt

Check to see if the seller is selling any other vehicles on Gum Tree. If he is, then he is most likely a trader. It is illegal for a trader to pose as a private seller so to avoid the SOGA.

motorguy

thegoshow wrote: »

It was advertised on gumtree.

And the registered keepers address in around 60 miles from the person selling it.

I think it is probably a small time trader selling the van, as the yellow part of the v5 is missing!

I have checked the vehicle out and it match's the v5, and have done a vehicle check and it has not been reported stolen.

Thanks for the help!

Google his mobile phone number - chances are it'll bring up other vehicles he has sold recently.

Personally, i'd avoid. Chances are he knows lots about the van you dont and is trying to make sure you're not back on his doorstep in a weeks time.