Buying car with outstanding finance

[Robert-f2dol]

I've only ever bought cars from a dealer, but I'm looking to make a private purchase.
The seller has advised that the car has outstanding finance, which he will use my money to pay off. Then he will sign the car over to me.

Can anyone advise where I stand legally once I transfer him the money ? Is it a trust exercise ?

Any advice will be happily accepted as it seems a lot here hinges on trust. Is there a simple way around this ?

Many thanks
R

[Integroo]

I would tell him you will pay the finance house direct, it shouldn't be a problem.

[kiethton]

Integroo said:

I would tell him you will pay the finance house direct, it shouldn't be a problem.

This - common occurrence - pay finance company directly then pay current owner the balance

[ZX10R NIN]

This is simple he gets a full & final settlement from the Finance company once he has this you call the Finance company & pay off the finance once they've confirmed payment, you then pay the seller the balance.

[Integroo]

ZX10R NIN said:

This is simple he gets a full & final settlement from the Finance company once he has this you call the Finance company & pay off the finance once they've confirmed payment, you then pay the seller the balance.

This presumes the seller owes less than what you are paying. If he owes more than you are paying, he pays his portion direct to the finance house, you pay your portion direct to the finance house, then you do the transfer.