Gap in tax and MOT history, should I be be worried?
Discussion
Hello all, longtime lurker here.
I am looking at buying a car from a dealer for around £8K. It's a 2016 plate BMW 3 Series, slightly above average miles, but full service history. I've paid for an online car check and everything seems to check out. However, I've noticed that it hasn't had any tax since June last year and the MOT expired in April this year. The dealer is advertising it with a 12 month MOT, so I'm not too worried about that, I am just wondering what the reason for the tax gap could be? Could it have sat unsold since last year, or is it more likely the previous owner was driving around with no tax?
I've also noticed it's had 4 keepers from new, is this anything to worry about for a 7 year old vehicle? The last change of ownership seems to correspond with when the tax stopped being paid.
I haven't even seen the car yet, just doing some due diligence before I commit.
I am looking at buying a car from a dealer for around £8K. It's a 2016 plate BMW 3 Series, slightly above average miles, but full service history. I've paid for an online car check and everything seems to check out. However, I've noticed that it hasn't had any tax since June last year and the MOT expired in April this year. The dealer is advertising it with a 12 month MOT, so I'm not too worried about that, I am just wondering what the reason for the tax gap could be? Could it have sat unsold since last year, or is it more likely the previous owner was driving around with no tax?
I've also noticed it's had 4 keepers from new, is this anything to worry about for a 7 year old vehicle? The last change of ownership seems to correspond with when the tax stopped being paid.
I haven't even seen the car yet, just doing some due diligence before I commit.
Rachel-q3zuw said:
Hi Nick, 26 June 2022.
Also, date of last V5C (logbook) issued 17 May 2022.
That suggests it was passed to trade on that date as if the tax just expired it would show date at end of month (unless it was SORN’d) Also, date of last V5C (logbook) issued 17 May 2022.
16 months is a long time for a dealer to stock a car , there could be many possible reasons and it could have been at more than one dealer. I think you’re right to approach with a bit of caution but certainly worth trying to find out what the reason is if possible.
Nickp82 said:
That suggests it was passed to trade on that date as if the tax just expired it would show date at end of month (unless it was SORN’d)
16 months is a long time for a dealer to stock a car , there could be many possible reasons and it could have been at more than one dealer. I think you’re right to approach with a bit of caution but certainly worth trying to find out what the reason is if possible.
Thanks Nick.16 months is a long time for a dealer to stock a car , there could be many possible reasons and it could have been at more than one dealer. I think you’re right to approach with a bit of caution but certainly worth trying to find out what the reason is if possible.
I did ask the dealer outright and their response was they couldn't explain the tax situation because they didn't own the vehicle at that point. They also said the MOT had expired since they took possession of it, which would suggest they've had the vehicle since at least April this year.
Could all be very innocent, but something just doesn't feel right, too many keeper changes in a short time and the possibility it has been off the road for a lengthy period for whatever reason. I will probably leave this one.
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