Buying a car without meeting the owner

[tonycordon]

So I'm looking at a very nice car for sale privately, I've viewed and driven it, met the owner's husband/partner, seen their house, checked that they do live there, seen the documents etc. but never met her. (It's her name on the V5).
So now we have arranged to have the car checked at a marque specialist mid way between our bases and subject to the check, do the deal there and then.
If I go through with this and get a signed receipt from the guy is this ok?
I'm thinking of the worst possible case, that he's selling her car without her knowledge. If so, and I have a signed receipt am I in the clear as an innocent buyer?
I guess it's no good asking for a letter signed by her giving permission, since that could be signed by anyone!
What do we think....

[Vaud]

The V5 does not indicate ownership, only keeper.

[V8LM]

tonycordon said:

So I'm looking at a very nice car for sale privately, I've viewed and driven it, met the owner's husband/partner, seen their house, checked that they do live there, seen the documents etc. but never met her. (It's her name on the V5).
So now we have arranged to have the car checked at a marque specialist mid way between our bases and subject to the check, do the deal there and then.
If I go through with this and get a signed receipt from the guy is this ok?
I'm thinking of the worst possible case, that he's selling her car without her knowledge. If so, and I have a signed receipt am I in the clear as an innocent buyer?
I guess it's no good asking for a letter signed by her giving permission, since that could be signed by anyone!
What do we think....

Is it an RS6?

[Vaud]

V8LM said:

Is it an RS6?

Oblique, but very funny.

[Mojooo]

tonycordon said:

I'm thinking of the worst possible case, that he's selling her car without her knowledge. If so, and I have a signed receipt am I in the clear as an innocent buyer?

No

There was a recent thread here though about someone who had bought a stolen car.

[bladebloke]

Mojooo said:

tonycordon said:

I'm thinking of the worst possible case, that he's selling her car without her knowledge. If so, and I have a signed receipt am I in the clear as an innocent buyer?

No

This. You're not innocent because you have notice of the wife's interest.

Ask to meet her. And ask for ID to make sure it really is her. And most importantly, pay the money to her. There should be no issue with this if it's all genuine.

It's worth bearing in mind, though, that the v5 doesn't show who the owner is. It might be hubby's in reality. In that case, I'd be satisfied with a letter that she signed (after meeting and seeing her ID) confirming she has no interest in the car.