buying a van logbook question

paulsm

hi, I am looking at buying a van form facebook, the guy selling it says the log isnt in his name as he took it in part exchange, whats the best way to safegaurd myself? he say he can change it to his name online then change it over to me but I know you need a logbook in your own name to do it online so he wouldnt be able to change it to me until it arrives with him, I am probably thinking too much into it but would rather be safe than sorry.

Martin_the_Unjust

‘You’d rather be safe than sorry’?


…..and yet you are considering buying a vehicle through facebook marketplace 

paulsm

facebook, ebay,classifieds,shop windows...ll the same, I dont have to money to buy brand new from the dealer.

Phoenix72

paulsm said:

facebook, ebay,classifieds,shop windows...ll the same, I dont have to money to buy brand new from the dealer.

Well, at least buy from someone who has the logbook. The fact the seller took it as part exchange suggests a (dodgy) dealer.

What reputable dealer trades through Facebook?

facade

The V5 is only a piece of paper. It doesn't matter who's name is on it if it is the current issue.

Check the issue date here against the one on the V5 https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla?step-by-step

Or, if you can use the number on the new keeper slip to change the keeper to you online then it was the current issue!

The V5 is no problem, your problems start once you hand over money and take ownership, which would be no different if the V5 were in his name.  A van that has been "traded in" is probably 99.99% worn out, and hours away from major repairs, or a huge bill depending on whether you do the work yourself or not.

Of course, the same could apply to any private sale. 

Caveat emptor as they say in Birmingham.

Herzlos

Is he standing behind being a trader or is trying to pretend to be a private seller who happened to do a trade in?

If the former it's probably fine subject to the usual due diligence, if the latter it's dodgy.

BlueHarbourBouy

Lots of so called 'private sellers' on FB with foreign sounding names. Look further they are simultaneous selling multiple cars !

DjangoUnchained

although the logbook thing in itself isnt a big issue, these facebook ads for cars and vans, often with foreign sounding names of sellers selling multiple vehicles are largely scams, be very careful.