Private Sales and Current Covid
Discussion
Hi guys,
So someone drove into me the other day and I'm in need of a new car. Trouble is the one I want is 4 hours away...Usually the way! I imagine I'm going to get ripped for asking a daft question but with the current lockdown I believe travel is for essential travel only. Buying a car is essential as I need this for work. However the distance could be questioned? This would involve using the train and multiple changes..through london etc. Am I over thinking this or would I be better waiting / looking for a car closer to home...eg through a dealer where I can do click and collect..
So someone drove into me the other day and I'm in need of a new car. Trouble is the one I want is 4 hours away...Usually the way! I imagine I'm going to get ripped for asking a daft question but with the current lockdown I believe travel is for essential travel only. Buying a car is essential as I need this for work. However the distance could be questioned? This would involve using the train and multiple changes..through london etc. Am I over thinking this or would I be better waiting / looking for a car closer to home...eg through a dealer where I can do click and collect..
R5_BOY said:
Hi guys,
So someone drove into me the other day and I'm in need of a new car. Trouble is the one I want is 4 hours away...Usually the way! I imagine I'm going to get ripped for asking a daft question but with the current lockdown I believe travel is for essential travel only. Buying a car is essential as I need this for work. However the distance could be questioned? This would involve using the train and multiple changes..through london etc. Am I over thinking this or would I be better waiting / looking for a car closer to home...eg through a dealer where I can do click and collect..
I wouldn’t but everyone seems to be doing what they want anyway. If it’s from a dealer, could they arrange delivery?So someone drove into me the other day and I'm in need of a new car. Trouble is the one I want is 4 hours away...Usually the way! I imagine I'm going to get ripped for asking a daft question but with the current lockdown I believe travel is for essential travel only. Buying a car is essential as I need this for work. However the distance could be questioned? This would involve using the train and multiple changes..through london etc. Am I over thinking this or would I be better waiting / looking for a car closer to home...eg through a dealer where I can do click and collect..
fatal3rror said:
I wouldn’t but everyone seems to be doing what they want anyway. If it’s from a dealer, could they arrange delivery?
Legislation (NOT the guidance) allows you to travel for a reasonable reason.Replacing a car because your current one has been written off, is reasonable. Especially when you need it for work.
Buying a less suitable car - simply because it's closer - is unreasonable.
davek_964 said:
Legislation (NOT the guidance) allows you to travel for a reasonable reason.
Replacing a car because your current one has been written off, is reasonable. Especially when you need it for work.
Buying a less suitable car - simply because it's closer - is unreasonable.
I guess it depends on what makes that car suitable. It sounds like the OP could find an alternative from a local dealer, so probably there are options, even if not ideal. I hear what you are saying about the law but OP needs to consider if it's worth the risk of acquiring/spreading the virus and hassle of police/court.Replacing a car because your current one has been written off, is reasonable. Especially when you need it for work.
Buying a less suitable car - simply because it's closer - is unreasonable.
Similar case here: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/1...
fatal3rror said:
davek_964 said:
Legislation (NOT the guidance) allows you to travel for a reasonable reason.
Replacing a car because your current one has been written off, is reasonable. Especially when you need it for work.
Buying a less suitable car - simply because it's closer - is unreasonable.
I guess it depends on what makes that car suitable. It sounds like the OP could find an alternative from a local dealer, so probably there are options, even if not ideal. I hear what you are saying about the law but OP needs to consider if it's worth the risk of acquiring/spreading the virus and hassle of police/court.Replacing a car because your current one has been written off, is reasonable. Especially when you need it for work.
Buying a less suitable car - simply because it's closer - is unreasonable.
Similar case here: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/1...
It's sure as hell more reasonable to buy a car you need.
Debatable, I would imagine that travelling to get a car that you need for work would be allowed but I'm not sure the Stasi would agree that the nearest suitable car was 4 hours journey away. Of course if it's enough of a bargain that a potential £200 fine would be worth it then I guess crack on.
I'd be tempted just to rent a car or get something dirt cheap and local for the remainder of lockdown myself.
I'd be tempted just to rent a car or get something dirt cheap and local for the remainder of lockdown myself.
Not if it's from a dealer. From the article:
Nona Bowkis, a solicitor from motor trade legal experts Lawgistics, said private car sales do appear to be against the rules – but that click and collect can categorically continue at car dealerships.
She said: ‘From the comments on this story, it is clear that people can easily confuse the guidance with the law.
‘The guidance talks about essential journeys, but the law only talks about requiring a “reasonable excuse”.
‘That said, doing a private car swap deal which requires a 100-mile round trip does seem to break both the law and the guidance.’
Bowkis said that dealers worried that this might mean customers would get into trouble too should reassure them that click and collect is allowed.
Nona Bowkis, a solicitor from motor trade legal experts Lawgistics, said private car sales do appear to be against the rules – but that click and collect can categorically continue at car dealerships.
She said: ‘From the comments on this story, it is clear that people can easily confuse the guidance with the law.
‘The guidance talks about essential journeys, but the law only talks about requiring a “reasonable excuse”.
‘That said, doing a private car swap deal which requires a 100-mile round trip does seem to break both the law and the guidance.’
Bowkis said that dealers worried that this might mean customers would get into trouble too should reassure them that click and collect is allowed.
l354uge said:
I suspect there is more to that story....Xenoous said:
Following... Found a car 40 miles away. Private sale...
The distance is irrelevant, as with much of the regulations. If you can get there with a train journey or 2 on your own however, the chances of being asked why are lower with it being closer. 
Or being driven there by a member of your 'household' if they are willing.And after collection, you will be 'going home.'
The issue is really (as often happens) if it turns out to be not as described, i.e. 'cack' and you have to go home without it.
Are you quite sure you would want to risk your health and spread the virus to others by taking a train journey like that? I wouldn't.
If you really need a car to get to an essential job (this will be checked if you get stopped) then what I'd do is buy one within 7 miles from my home, and walk there to get it.
Matt Hancock said that a walk ending up 7 miles from home is ok.
It's also not illegal to make a transaction on the way, provided that's not the main purpose of the journey (unless it's food or medicine).
If you really need a car to get to an essential job (this will be checked if you get stopped) then what I'd do is buy one within 7 miles from my home, and walk there to get it.
Matt Hancock said that a walk ending up 7 miles from home is ok.
It's also not illegal to make a transaction on the way, provided that's not the main purpose of the journey (unless it's food or medicine).
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