V5 Question

[melhookv12]

If a v5 isn't present with a vehicle and I might not trust the seller 100% how do I find out the rightful owner of a car that I might want to purchase.

[TooMany2cvs]

You don't.

Mind you, the V5C being present won't tell you anything about the rightful owner, either. It'll tell you who the keeper is, but no more than that.

[melhookv12]

so how do I know I can buy it and it be mine.
minefield...

[South tdf]

Buying without a V5 means you will need to apply for one which can take up to 8 weeks. You do need to satisfy yourself the seller is the legal owner and allowed to sell the car but this applies to any purchase.

1st thing would be a full HPI check as this will show if it has been stolen, written off, has finance etc.

2nd would be a signed receipt plus photo ID matching the name address you are buying the car from. In the unlikely event it all goes wrong you have somewhere to go back to.

3rd, consider the transaction, if it feels to go to be true or you have any signs it’s a scam walk away.