subject: Buying A Used Car- Understandingthe Paperwork [print this page] Buying a used car in Aberdeenshire is an affordable alternative to buying a brand new motor but its not always straightforward. From clocked, stolen or written off cars- used car scams are now common occurrences.Whether you buy a used car from a dealer or from a private seller checking all the paperwork is present and correct before you hand over any cash to avoid these potential pitfalls. But making sense of all the paperwork can be confusing, heres how to get it right.
The V5C Registration Document
The first thing to remember when buying a used car is never buy a car without a V5C Registration Certificate, sometimes called a logbook. This is the legal document that proves the seller is the rightful owner of the car, and will include the name and address of the current and any previous owners, registration (or VIN) number, chassis and engine number, make, year, model and colour. If the seller is unable to produce a V5Cyou can assume the seller is notthe lawful owner or the car is stolen and walk away from the deal. The same goes for if they only have a part of the logbook.
If the seller has a complete V5C document check that it has not been tampered with. There should be a watermark on the document, but if you are unsure check the document against your own V5C certificate.
Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches that on the document. If the car is stolen the original number-plate will have been replaced with a fake, but there are other ways to check the car is legit. Youll find stickers on door edges, boot lids and under the bonnet that should match the registration number on the V5C.The chassis number should also be stamped somewhere on the car - often around the driver's side door sill or visible through the base of the windscreen.
Even if you are confident the VINs match you should check the cars history-a HPI check willtell you if a car has outstanding finance, has been reported stolen, is an insurance write off or a clone. A dealer should have done this already so ask to see the report, if buying from a private seller it will cost around 20 for a check through hpicheck.com. Do not hand over any money until you have seen the report.
The MOT Certificate
You should also ask to see the car's MOT certificate/s.Any car over three years old has to have a valid MOT certificate, although it is not a guarantee of the cars mechanical condition it is proof of the cars roadworthiness at the time of the test. Again check the details on the MOT certificate against the car, you can find out it is genuine at www.motinfo.gov.uk.
If the car is more than four years old it is also worth checking previous certificates to see if mileage is consistent with what is shown on the cars odometer. Some dodgy sellers have been known to clock cars- wind cars' odometers back using a computer and special software -in order to claim the car has done fewer miles than it has.
The Service History& Warranties
Ask to see the cars service history documents, a stamped service book is a good sign but not everyone gets their car serviced at an authorised dealer and it is easy fake stamps. Receipts are a better guarantee as it is harder to create fake receipts! Receipts will often be the warranty for the parts that have been replaced in previous services if the services have been done by an independent garage, so they are very important. If you are buying from a dealer check the warranty policy and find out if what is left of the original warranty is transferable, make sure you get all details in writing.
Check the service records to see who has been doing the servicing, what has been done, if services have been done regularly and if there are likely to be any problems in the future. You will have to make a decision about whether any possible future costs are worth taking on.
After Sale
Once you have checked the cars history, the V5C document, MOT certificate/s and servicing history and have decided to buy the car there are a number of things that needs to be done before you can become the legal owner.
In order to become the new owner of the vehicle the V5C certificate needs to be transferred into your name. In order to do this the seller needs to complete Section 6 of the document by entering your details, whilst you will fill in Section 10 (New Keeper supplement) for you to keep, you will need this green slipin order to tax the car. Both the seller and buyer must sign the declaration at Section 8. Then it is the sellers responsibilityto send the main part of the V5C- sections 1-8- to the DVLA. Within four weeks you, as the new keeper, will be sent a certificate in your name confirming the car is now legally yours, until that time the seller is still liable for the car!
You also need to make sure you get an invoice signed by the seller, if you are paying by cash this will be the only proof that you have paid for the car in full. If you have chosen to pay on finance through a dealer make sure you thoroughly check all the paperwork, and are aware exactly how much you will pay each month.
