Buyer requesting V5 before viewing

[Mr Overheads]

As per subject, potential buyer wants to see V5 before even viewing. Never had that before and I've sold quite a few cars privately.

I've asked why he wants the V5 and just said he needed it to decide whether to view it or not.

So what on the V5 is critical to purchase decision?

[joropug]

Whether or not it fits the car he is cloning / planning on stealing later.

If you do provide, blank out all references and personal details

[stevemcs]

Blank your address out and the V5 document reference number and text him a picture, the only possible reason is he may want to HPi it and put the serial number in to confirm its a match, however i'd want to make sure its the right car before Hpi'ing it.

He may be nervous, he might be iffy, how does he come across on the phone ?

[jfdi]

stevemcs said:

Blank your address out and the V5 document reference number

This!
The reference number is all that is needed to change the registered keeper or transfer the private registration number online.

[Mr Tidy]

I'd be mighty suspicious - especially now that any V5 issued doesn't show the previous owner's details!

It's just possible he wants the VIN so he can check the OEM spec so why not ask him? If that is what he wants send a photo of the visible VIN.

[RSTurboPaul]

jfdi said:

stevemcs said:

Blank your address out and the V5 document reference number

This!
The reference number is all that is needed to change the registered keeper or transfer the private registration number online.

Really??

So, in theory, if one came across a V5 and noted the reference number down, you could then just transfer the registered keeper details to yourself and (apparently legally) have a 'new' car in your name??

Or is this a case of the Registered Owner and Registered Keeper being two different things.

[loskie]

he maybe wants to do a proper and full HPI check, one that gives him the protection and HPI check does if you follow the ts and cs

[Mexman]

I would be telling him not to bother.
You don't need that kind of buyer in your life.

[stevemcs]

RSTurboPaul said:

Really??

So, in theory, if one came across a V5 and noted the reference number down, you could then just transfer the registered keeper details to yourself and (apparently legally) have a 'new' car in your name??

Or is this a case of the Registered Owner and Registered Keeper being two different things.

Really, all you need is the document reference number and postcode and you can transfer it online

[Shaoxter]

stevemcs said:

Really, all you need is the document reference number and postcode and you can transfer it online

That would be great, someone else taxing the car for you and getting all your speeding fines

[CRA1G]

Mexman said:

I would be telling him not to bother.
You don't need that kind of buyer in your life.

Absolutely + 1.... because if he is genuine then the sale will be hard work and there after.... and that's before the haggling on price....

[stevekoz]

Ask him why he wants it? I'd be tempted to politely decline and advise that you have it in your possession to view along with the car but due to cloning and fraud you will not be sending him an electronic copy for him to do what he wants. It's just hassle that you don't need. A HPI check can be done in minutes on a phone or PC at the time of seeing the car. At which point, you can offer to pay for this to be done or refund the value of which off the sale of the car if you are so inclined.

[RSTurboPaul]

stevemcs said:

RSTurboPaul said:

Really??

So, in theory, if one came across a V5 and noted the reference number down, you could then just transfer the registered keeper details to yourself and (apparently legally) have a 'new' car in your name??

Or is this a case of the Registered Owner and Registered Keeper being two different things.

Really, all you need is the document reference number and postcode and you can transfer it online

Sounds, er, 'secure'...

[Mr Overheads]

Thanks all, good advice. He's not yet replied giving a reason why he wants to see the V5. So I haven't sent it. It's a rare car so if he's a genuine buyer I'm sure he'll be back.

[anonymous-user]

Proper insured HPI checks need V5 number as week as checking if there are log book loans against it, i don;t see a problem, but asking off the bat with other questions may raise concerns.