Am I safe buying this car?

rs1800 · 11 Jan 2010 at 19:39

I've just agreed a price for an 07 Mondeo subject to viewing. The seller has owned the car for 2 years and is 2nd owner.

Thing is it has a private plate which he is switching to his new car and he says he hasn't got the log book back as it takes 2-3 weeks. He said he will be getting a letter back by Friday or Monday that will tell him that he can swap the plates but the log book takes a bit longer. Is that right?

I wanted to get the car at the weekend so will this be possible if I get all the other paperwork and a properly signed receipt? If not would I be ok with the DVLA swap letter or only the log book.

Cheers

MOOGLEYS · 11 Jan 2010 at 20:35

I personally would not buy a car from a private seller without the logbook.. You really need to be checking the details match up etc.. It could be hiding something. When i sent my logbook off to get my original plate put back on i had it back within 4 days..

Lopéz · 11 Jan 2010 at 20:36

Up to 4 weeks for a V5 to come through.

DM · 11 Jan 2010 at 20:58

Leave him a deposit till he has all his paper work sorted, then go and complete the deal, if you really must have that particular car.

Or find another Mondeo, plenty of them about.

Jono8 · 11 Jan 2010 at 21:17

Hm, wouldnt hand over the cash without seeing a V5 to be honest.

xyphox · 11 Jan 2010 at 21:32

I have to agree, V5 is a must before any kind of payment is given. You don't want to be prosecuted for buying a stolen car even if you wasn't aware of it.

Glaucus · 11 Jan 2010 at 21:33

Just wait or find another car.

rs1800 · 11 Jan 2010 at 22:42

doh, I was quite keen on this one and it was a good price.

Sounds like I need to see the V5 then but a lot of ads show private plates saying they will not be with the car so doesn't this happen quite often?

MrFunex · 11 Jan 2010 at 23:03

If you're set on that car, then leave a deposit, but don't pay the full amount until you see the V5.

Swapping private plates is a bit of a headache when the DVLA are dragging their feet. Takes AGES to get all the paperwork in order.

rs1800 · 12 Jan 2010 at 12:07

what is the process and how long does it usually take?

cheers

Housey · 12 Jan 2010 at 12:23

What's the betting when the log book arrives you get the "Oh, actually I was the fith owner" conversation.

rs1800 · 12 Jan 2010 at 20:06

He bought the car at 6 months old, if he could prove that it probably wouldn't have had more owners?

ste_bla · 12 Jan 2010 at 21:07

I thought you could get it done within a few days or is that only if you goto the dvla offices?

rs1800 · 12 Jan 2010 at 23:23

I wish I knew

He was talking about getting a letter from them 1st which tells him he can swap the plates?

Nick1881 · 12 Jan 2010 at 23:28

Why would you agree a price without viewing it first?

I hate it when I have a car for sale and people phone up and start making offers or asking what I would take. Face to face after checking the car over is always better.

rs1800 · 12 Jan 2010 at 23:46

Its quite a way away. I specified the deal was subject to me checking it meets his description. Saved me a long trip to find out we cant even agree a price, seemed sensible to me.