Buying a car without a V5 - how risky?

[NiceCupOfTea]

The story is that it's on its way back from the DVLA following a plate change. What sort of risks am I taking?

[T_Pot]

how much can you afford to lose?

if its on way back, wait then buy it once you have the v5

how can you check all numbers and details without it?

[Tonto]

If bought from a reputable garage then no probs. If its a private sale, then v risky.

[stevenr]

I don't see a problem as such,check the mot certificate for a start,the plate change should show up on that i'd imagine.

That would at least maybe tell you if the sellers story is true or not.

Personally i'd wait until he had the v5 in his name before buying.

[T_Pot]

stevenr said:

I don't see a problem as such,check the mot certificate for a start,the plate change should show up on that i'd imagine.

That would at least maybe tell you if the sellers story is true or not.

Personally i'd wait until he had the v5 in his name before buying.

if the log book is away for plate change, you have to send the mot and tax disc too, so that wont work, and if he has the mot, then the plate change is bs

[stevenr]

T_Pot said:

if the log book is away for plate change, you have to send the mot and tax disc too, so that wont work, and if he has the mot, then the plate change is bs

Last time i changed a plate i took the mot and tax disc into the local DVLA office up here and they stamped the certificate and gave me a replacement disc.

Is it different down there?

[T_Pot]

stevenr said:

Last time i changed a plate i took the mot and tax disc into the local DVLA office up here and they stamped the certificate and gave me a replacement disc.

Is it different down there?

thats if you do it in person, not by post.
and the seller would then have the cover letter from the dvla instead of the v5

[icepop]

It's illegal to sell a car without a V5 present, isn't it ?

[icepop]

Oh, hang on, that would appear not to be the case. Just proceed with care.

[ThunderSpook]

T_Pot said:

thats if you do it in person, not by post.
and the seller would then have the cover letter from the dvla instead of the v5

Actually that's only when putting a private plate on. When taking one off you have to wait for everything to come back in the post, even when doing it in person.

[Codswallop]

Given that we are always being told that the V5 is not proof of ownership, surely as long as you get a well written receipt from the seller you should be fine to buy and wait for the V5.

[Jimslips]

Good idea to call police and see if it is reported stolen if you do plan on buying it would the V5

[redstu]

icepop said:

It's illegal to sell a car without a V5 present, isn't it ?

no.

[Steffan]

I have bought literally dozens of Kit Cats, Classic Cars, Specials, Hot Rods and the like over 50 years of enjoying motoring and building cars in particular.

I have frequently bought without a V5, and I have frequently paid upfront always using a Credit Card or Paypal. If the transaction proves to be misrepresentation a five minute phone call or email will ALWAYS get your money back. This is by far the best security.

I have never had cause to seek getting my money back.

Let us be clear on this as the DVLA says a V5 is not proof of ownership.

I simply judge the individual sale and the probable honestly of the seller.

If you meet the seller at his house and he has several other Kit Cars or classic cars about your are unlikely to have a problem.

However if you are buying from a seller who has only given you a mobile number and who brings the car to you I would be very cautious.

Having two Son in Laws in the Police I have actually seen false V5's in recent years. These are a real nightmare because they are so realistic the Police can only tell if they check with the DVLA.

Exercise reasonable caution and use the payment methods suggested above.

That's my advice.

[AdeTuono]

T_Pot said:

if the log book is away for plate change, you have to send the mot and tax disc too, so that wont work, and if he has the mot, then the plate change is bs

You don't send the tax disc away, you give them the serial number and keep the disc on the car, so that should prove the number plate story.

[miniman]

A new V5 costs £19 unless you have the green "new keepers supplement" slip. The process is that you apply for a new one, DVLA write to the existing keeper on record asking them if they object, and if they don't, you get the new V5 in your name.

[worsy]

Usually, any docs will be returned before the V5 anyhow so he may have any supplemntary documentation. I recently sold my car and the plate change and V5 return took less than two weeks. (This was mid to end Sept)

[Jimslips]

miniman said:

A new V5 costs £19 unless you have the green "new keepers supplement" slip. The process is that you apply for a new one, DVLA write to the existing keeper on record asking them if they object, and if they don't, you get the new V5 in your name.

£25 the last time I did it.

[Snowboy]

Steffan said:

I have frequently bought without a V5, and I have frequently paid upfront always using a Credit Card or Paypal.

Interesting.
As a private seller I would never accept paypal as a means of payment from a stranger.
There are just too many stories of stolen paypal accounts, paypal backed refunds and other problems to make me go down that route.
(some stories may be embellished of course.)

Have you ever had any problems using paypal?

[Steffan]

Snowboy said:

Steffan said:

I have frequently bought without a V5, and I have frequently paid upfront always using a Credit Card or Paypal.

Interesting.
As a private seller I would never accept paypal as a means of payment from a stranger.
There are just too many stories of stolen paypal accounts, paypal backed refunds and other problems to make me go down that route.
(some stories may be embellished of course.)

Have you ever had any problems using paypal?

No but how else would you protect yourself in a distance selling transaction.

I regularly buy cars unseen and pay up front collect in 7 days.

Credit Cards are the alternative.

Never had a problem yet.