I want to buy an abandoned car
I want to buy an abandoned car
Author
Discussion

munkynutz

Original Poster:

43 posts

116 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
How do I find the owner?

I know DVLA provide a service but due to Data Protection they are quite stringent on valid reasons to release information.

Does anyone know if DVLA will provide details based on a request saying "I've seen an abandoned car and want to purchase it could you tell me who the registered keeper is"? If not, does anybody have ideas on or know of how to track an owner down?

I'd say it's safe to assume that the owner doesn't visit the car anymore so leaving a note would be pointless

RSTurboPaul

12,112 posts

274 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
I thought there was a form you could fill in, something which effectively meant applying for the V5 but DVLA writing to the previous registered owner to check if it is still their car?

I might be wrong!

TooMany2cvs

29,008 posts

142 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
RSTurboPaul said:
I thought there was a form you could fill in, something which effectively meant applying for the V5 but DVLA writing to the previous registered owner to check if it is still their car?

I might be wrong!
You're right. Just apply for a new V5C in your name, using the V62 and £25.

'course, that won't mean it's actually YOUR PROPERTY... Just that you've gained the legal responsibility for it. The actual owner can still come forward and reclaim it.

munkynutz

Original Poster:

43 posts

116 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
Hi, thanks for the replies. So if I apply for the V5 and get it. How long does the original owner have to come and claim it? (1 year / 2 years etc) Also, could I then move the car without it being a crime?

TooMany2cvs

29,008 posts

142 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
munkynutz said:
Hi, thanks for the replies. So if I apply for the V5 and get it. How long does the original owner have to come and claim it? (1 year / 2 years etc)
There is no time limit... It is their property. There is no legal central register of ownership. Obviously, the chances of them proving it's theirs not yours reduce over time.

And they may well not actually care in the first place.

munkynuts said:
Also, could I then move the car without it being a crime?
Is it on your land?

munkynutz

Original Poster:

43 posts

116 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
TooMany2cvs said:
Is it on your land?
No, it's in a multi-storey. Sounds dodgy now haha but it's been spotted with a huge pile of dust over the top so im assuming it's not been moved in a long while. Not been taxed since 2000

TooMany2cvs

29,008 posts

142 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
munkynutz said:
TooMany2cvs said:
Is it on your land?
No, it's in a multi-storey. Sounds dodgy now haha but it's been spotted with a huge pile of dust over the top so im assuming it's not been moved in a long while. Not been taxed since 2000
If it's in a multi-storey, then there's a very strong chance the parking's being paid for by somebody.

In the late 90s, I was sniffing around something interesting seemingly abandoned in a multi-storey in London. As I was taking some photos, the security guy came up on a bike. Turned out that, despite appearances, the owner was in regular contact, and was paying for the space. I was far from the first, and he had refused all offers. I left my details, which he promised he'd pass on - and I never heard back. A quick google finds 2015 photos...

EazyDuz

2,013 posts

124 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
TooMany2cvs said:
If it's in a multi-storey, then there's a very strong chance the parking's being paid for by somebody.

In the late 90s, I was sniffing around something interesting seemingly abandoned in a multi-storey in London. As I was taking some photos, the security guy came up on a bike. Turned out that, despite appearances, the owner was in regular contact, and was paying for the space. I was far from the first, and he had refused all offers. I left my details, which he promised he'd pass on - and I never heard back. A quick google finds 2015 photos...
Why would someone even do that.

haddock82

554 posts

154 months

Wednesday 5th April 2017
quotequote all
EazyDuz said:
TooMany2cvs said:
If it's in a multi-storey, then there's a very strong chance the parking's being paid for by somebody.

In the late 90s, I was sniffing around something interesting seemingly abandoned in a multi-storey in London. As I was taking some photos, the security guy came up on a bike. Turned out that, despite appearances, the owner was in regular contact, and was paying for the space. I was far from the first, and he had refused all offers. I left my details, which he promised he'd pass on - and I never heard back. A quick google finds 2015 photos...
Why would someone even do that.
I don't know, it baffles me too

We've had one in storage here since 2002 - Only time it's moved is when we changed storage premises

The guy pays his storage fee on time and very very occasionally calls (like once a year at most)

It's only in storage too (not on charge or turned over regularly) so its basically sat wasting away in our secure barn. At least its dry i guess....

He's only been to see it once and that was last year!