Checklist for buying a Following this checklist it will help reduce the

seller, the registration

won't guarantee that

used vehicle you won't be a victim of vehicle crime, but

risks by making sure you know which questions to ask about the

certificate (V5C) and the identity of the vehicle. For the full details why

these checks are important see the advice at www .direct.gov.uk/buyerbeware

Before seeing the vehicle:

•     Ask the seller for the

registration number, make

date of the tax disc and

a vehicle history check

•     Arrange to see the

the MoT test number.

before arranging to see

✓ and model of the vehicle, the expiry

You can then use this

the vehicle.

information to get

vehicle in daylight at the seller's home and not in a public place. Ask

the seller if they are the registered keeper and whether you will be viewing

the V5C). If the seller is

the vehicle

at the registered keeper' keeper, have they satisfied

•     Consider arranging

s address (shown on not the registered

you that they have the right to sell the vehicle?

a vehicle inspection by a qualified engineer.

Checking the Seller: •     Can the seller show

provided?

you the V5C? Do the ✓ details shown on it match all documentation

•     Is the seller the register •     Have you asked to •     Can the seller satisfy

you that they own or have

ed keeper on the V5C?

see ID?

the right to sell the vehicle? e.g do they

have a bill of sale/receipt?

Checking the V5C: •     Is there a DVL

watermark •     If the seller has the

(remember the V5C does not prove this).

✓ in the V5C when you hold it up to the light? There should be.

blue version of the V5C, is the serial number in the range

BG8229501 to BG9999030

If so, DON'T proceed

or BI2305501 to BI2800000?

with the sale and contact the police when it's safe

(Even if the serial number documents.)

•     Has the serial number

If so, don't buy.

is not in this range, you still need to be careful

to do so. of forged

been altered or tamper ed with, or is part of the V5C missing?

✓ Checking the vehicle: •     Does the vehicle

identification shown on the V5C? Look

•     Do the number plates

number (VIN), engine number and colour match those

for signs of alteration or tampering.

match the registration number shown on the V5C?

•     Is the VIN number and/or those on the V5C and

registration number etched on glass? If so do they match

all other etched glass on the vehicle? Check they haven't been

tampered with or cover

•     Do all the locks open

•     Check that

the locks

with the same key? Is

haven't been forced or replaced.

ed by stickers.

there a spare key?

•     Check the vehicle condition.

condition of the vehicle?

Remember, its your money to buy if you're not sur instincts. If it seems

Does the mileage seem reasonable for the age and

and your decision whether or not to buy. Don't feel pressured

e, there will always be another vehicle. Above all - trust your

too good to be true, it probably is!

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