Buying a used car...is this a concern
Buying a used car...is this a concern
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Discussion

oldaudi

Original Poster:

1,617 posts

187 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
Hello
Ive found a car that I really want. Ive just phoned the guy and we had a really good chat about a few problems it has, all fixable outside my house. He doesn't have time, money, ill, job losses etc were his reason to get rid of this car. Im always optimistic about people so Ive fallen for his story rather than think he's a liar. This could be my downfall.

MOT history looks good. No tax.

I ask him if he has the V5. He says its not in his name, its in the dealers name (he's in the trade........) and that this car was going to be his but due to health/money etc its been outside his house and not transferred into his name and he's never taxed it. He took it away from his business 2 months ago. Why doesn't he give it back to his business partners to sell. Perhaps because of the problems, no blower, alarm issue, a few things to do on the MOT as advisable to make it really clean?


Should I be concerned about this setup? Older Gentleman, just seems to want shot of this ornament outside his house. Its not massive money, a few grand, so I won't be on here in two weeks asking for the Samaritans phone number. He's happy for the deal to be done on his drive, so no dodgy car parks. Ive never bought a car from a Private seller at all in 20 years of driving. Always Dealers, new or used.

Any alarms?

Thank you

Deranged Rover

4,637 posts

103 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
Yes. Sounds dodgy as hell. Walk away.

Chubbyross

4,969 posts

114 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
Deranged Rover said:
Yes. Sounds dodgy as hell. Walk away.
This. Walk away +1

Why did he “take it away from the dealer”? Have they fallen out with his partners and he’s buggered off with what he feels is owed? Best not to get involved.

V8fan

8,485 posts

297 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
More likely a trader trying to sell a car 'privately' so no comeback, warranty or guarantee. The 'only got the green slip guv' lot are often people buying and selling cars to make a profit without being registered traders.Even more dodgy.

However, if it's cheap enough and you know all issues with it, it could still be a good buy. Get more money off with covid-19 about. smile

berlintaxi

8,535 posts

202 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
The tale sounds completely genuine to me 'cause car dealers always tell the whole truth.

oldaudi

Original Poster:

1,617 posts

187 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
I’ve asked him to send me a photo of the v5. It will have the real owners name and address on it. Then I can do some further research and make a few phone calls. You’re right. He may have taken it due to a fall out. It’s been hidden in a garage for a few weeks now and wants shot of it quickly. I get a knock on the door after I’ve registered it and it gets taken back.

See knew it would be worthwhile asking! Cheers

cuprabob

19,493 posts

243 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
oldaudi said:
I’ve asked him to send me a photo of the v5. It will have the real owners name and address on it. Then I can do some further research and make a few phone calls. You’re right. He may have taken it due to a fall out. It’s been hidden in a garage for a few weeks now and wants shot of it quickly. I get a knock on the door after I’ve registered it and it gets taken back.

See knew it would be worthwhile asking! Cheers
He might use the "data protection" excuse to prevent you seeing the owner details.

Go with your gut and if it doesn't feel right, walk away.

Jamescrs

6,340 posts

94 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
At the very least it sounds like a trader trying to pass a car off as a private sale in order to avoid the usual protections.

p4cks

7,479 posts

228 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
V8fan said:
The 'only got the green slip guv' lot are often people buying and selling cars to make a profit without being registered traders.Even more dodgy.
Rife on Gumtree, it makes buying a <decent> car a real challenge on there

LuS1fer

43,474 posts

274 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
The V5 shows the registered keeper, it is not proof of ownership.

I would want to see a passport or similar, to prove who he is and the name of the business for further enquiries.

oldaudi

Original Poster:

1,617 posts

187 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
Right he’s sent me the photo of the whole v5. It has some other blokes name on it. Clearer I can’t get hold of him quickly with just an address. So possibly not his to sell as you said. I shall walk away! Good work ! Thanks

p4cks

7,479 posts

228 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
Aye, just the 'only got the V5 new keeper slip' line turns me off a car instantly.

oldaudi

Original Poster:

1,617 posts

187 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
Just messaged him saying I’m Out!!! Told him I’m concerned it’s not his to sell! I’m expecting loads of abuse from him now.....

DaveCWK

2,385 posts

203 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
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+1 to walking away when buying privately & there are any V5 anomalies.

Nickp82

3,943 posts

122 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
I guess it’s too late but why not ask him to register the car in his own name before doing the deal?

p4cks

7,479 posts

228 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
fk that he's already played his hand

Nickp82

3,943 posts

122 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
p4cks said:
fk that he's already played his hand
Yup, fair enough smile

oldaudi

Original Poster:

1,617 posts

187 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
If it’s not his wouldn’t it be registered as stolen perhaps?

Nickp82

3,943 posts

122 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
It doesn’t sound like it’s stolen , more like he’s purchased it when leaving his business with a view to making a quick buck tax-free.

Much like when salesman leave dealers and purchase a cheap PX on the basis they need something to get around in, then get another job with new company car and flog the cheapo for a profit.

redandwhite

501 posts

158 months

Thursday 19th March 2020
quotequote all
Maybe he didnt want to add another owner to the V5. You could have just asked him for a receipt for the car and/or rang the dealership to find out more.