Buying car without v5c

azthal

Hi guys,

Now, before you go "waaah never!" from just reading the title, please read through my question

I was looking at a car i'm planning to buy today. Everything looked good, but he told me that he do not have a v5c logbook right now. He has ordered a replacement, but it has not yet arrived.

His explanation for this was that it had been incorrectly registered when he bought the car, and he has just now put it into his own name. He could show me proof that he indeed have ordered a new v5c logbook (on the 20th of February), and could show me plenty of other proof that he owns the car.
It's also agreed that a purchasing agreement will be written and witnessed by a friend of mine as well. I take no chances.

Simply put, I am as sure as I can be that this guy is not trying to rip me off by selling me something he don't have the right to sell.

What he want to do is simply send me the v5c once it arrives in the next few weeks, but I can buy the car right away. He has already paid the taxes for Feb and March (i've seen receipt for this as well).

Now, considering that i'm not afraid of getting ripped off, I do have other concerns, namely these:

1. Is this even legal? Can I be the legal owner and user of a car that is registered and taxed by him?
2. What about insurance? Don't I need the car to be registered to me for that?
3. Provided that these things are even legal, are there other things I should worry about?

I had a friend with me when looking at the car, and he claimed that this should all be fine, but I don't know if I trust his judgement in this case.

Again, i'm not afraid of getting ripped off. I'm only wondering about the legal situation, and if I will be able to actually drive the car.

If I do decide to buy it, I will pick up the car on Wednesday. I agreed that I would buy it already, but have no qualms about calling him tomorrow again if there are any issues.

Thanks for your advice!

waamo

Why not wait until he gets the V5c? It only takes a few days for a replacement.

daveyjp

Anyone who doesn't have a V5 for a car they are selling would get one before even advertising it.

Far easier than having to tell a story to anyone who turns up to look at the car.

EdGasket

The tax is cancelled as soon as you buy it so he can't be buying tax for you; it just isn't possible. If it is MoT'd and shows as such online, then you can tax it online yourself. If not you can't tax it without the V5 and risk having it impounded if you drive it .

And yeah, as per previous post, no V5 no sale. Tell him to call you when he has the V5.

azthal

Thanks Ed, that was the answer I was seeking. I expected that would be the case.

As I said, I'm sure he's not trying to rip me off, but I still thought it sounded weird. It's unfortunate, but i'll follow your advice and tell him it's no deal until he get the logbook.

Thanks to all of you!

[Deleted User]

I wouldn't touch it regardless.

But he should at least have the new keeper part of the logbook, if he has nothing, I would be suspecting a logbook loan on it.

Quite common to get a loan on it, get a new logbook, sell it on.

andy2003h

Play it safe and wait a few days til it arrives... Should take no longer than 14days..

As others say... It wouldn't be taxed.. and you can't tax it without the v5 slip, additionally most insurance is for you as the registered keeper.... (Which you wouldn't be until you submit the new v5)

azthal

Just had a talk with the guy. He's not willing to hold the car for me, he want to sell it asap (which is understandable). I told him that no matter what he says him paying tax on it while I drive it would be wrong and not add up.

I told him that if the car is still there when he gets the replacement papers i'll be happy to get the car, otherwise I will unfortunately have to decline.

waamo

I've had a V5 back in a week. I wouldn't touch that with a bargepole if he is that pushy to sell. Let's face it what difference is 2-3 days going to make.

I suspect a logbook loan.

Car_54

azthal wrote: »

He could show me proof that he indeed have ordered a new v5c logbook (on the 20th of February),

Waht "proof" was that?

forgotmyname

First thoughts are a logbook loan. Often these wont show up on an HPI check either.

It wouldn't have taken long for a knock on the door we want our car back. leaving you with no car or money.