Step by Step Guide to Buying a Vehicle

Whether a novice car buyer or a seasoned vehicle collector, there will always be a deluge of things to remember to check, carry out and think about when buying a vehicle. So, Motorscan wants to make what can be an anxious time stress-free and straightforward with our step-by-step guide to see you through the process of buying your next car.

Check the vehicle before you buy it

So, you’ve found your car and fallen in love with it and are ready to make an offer, but before heading straight into an oncoming nightmare, always undertake a few checks beforehand:

• Carry out your own thorough vehicle history check, which will bring to light issues such as outstanding finance, mileage discrepancies, theft and insurance write-offs.
• Check the condition of the vehicle bodywork and look for signs of previous accident damage and repairs.
• Look at the engine; even if you’re no mechanic, you can still check for obvious problems, such as leaks.
• Check the fluid levels such as oil, brake and power-steering; if they’re low, it may be an indication the car hasn’t been well maintained.
• Check the car’s electrics by trying out the windows, radio, wing mirrors, parking sensors and any other electrically operated features.

What information should I ask for from the seller?

Once you’ve handed over your payment, you should ensure you’re handed the following:

• V5C New Keeper Slip (the seller should complete section 2 of the V5C logbook, returning it to the DVLA)
• When buying privately, the seller’s details
• Service History
• Current MOT certificate
• Receipt for payment/proof of purchase

Avoid buying a cloned car

Car cloning is identity theft for vehicles and happens when criminals either steal a registration plate or have fake plates made up illegally using a registration from a different car. They then use the counterfeit plates on unroadworthy vehicles or cars that are stolen or used in illegal activities. There are a few things to look out for to ensure you’re not buying a cloned car:

• Before viewing the vehicle, ask the seller for details of the car, including registration number, make and model and mileage and run it through Motorscan’s car check to flag any issues.
• On the vehicle, check all the places the VIN number is displayed and make sure they match. It should also match the VIN number on the V5C logbook.
• Ensure the seller’s address matches the address on the V5C logbook, and avoid buying a vehicle away from the registered keeper’s address, such as in a petrol station or layby.
• Instead of paying in cash, make payment with a traceable form of payment which most criminals will want to avoid.

Arrange Car Insurance

In the UK, vehicles are grouped for car insurance purposes, with those in the lower-numbered groups generally cheaper to insure than cars in the higher groups.

• Compare insurance quotes using price comparison sites such as GoCompare and MoneySupermarket.
• Make sure the insurance quote covers everything you need it to, such as windscreen cover, no claims protection, legal cover and personal injury.
• Finally, ensure your insurance is in place in readiness to collect your new car.

Tax and register the vehicle

The dealership will typically register this for you when buying a brand-new car. However, you can register the vehicle yourself through the DVLA, if they don’t. A vehicle log book (V5C) should be issued to you within four weeks. Of course, when buying second-hand, the dealership or private seller will have the V5C logbook in readiness for the purchase.

Road tax in the UK changed back in 2014 and no longer transfers to the new car owner when a vehicle sells. Consequently, when you now buy a car, you will need to tax the vehicle before driving away. To organise this, you will need a reminder letter (V11), the vehicle log book (V5C) or the green ‘new keeper’ slip that the seller should hand you when you purchase the car.

What are your buyer’s rights for a used car?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have statutory rights giving you 30 days to reject a faulty product, as with any product you buy from a retailer. These same rights apply when purchasing a vehicle that must be as described, fit for purpose, and of satisfactory quality, with the latter considering the vehicle’s age and mileage. However, these rights do not apply when you purchase from a private seller, which is one downside to buying privately. Your rights are very restricted, with the only requirements being that the seller describes the vehicle accurately and is the legal owner. Making sure you’re happy with the car after test-driving it and thoroughly checking the vehicle is, consequently, super important.