How to buy a used car from a private seller
Buying from a private seller can save money and get you a car with a known history, but there's no dealer to fall back on if something's wrong, so the checking is up to you. Here's what to do, in order.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Official rules change, so use the GOV.UK links for the latest.
1. Know your rights (and their limits)
When you buy from a private seller, the car must match how it was described, and the seller must have the right to sell it. But the stronger consumer protections that apply when you buy from a business generally don't apply to private sales, so a car sold "as seen" is largely down to what you check before you pay.
2. Check the car's history before you go
- MOT history: look up the registration free on GOV.UK. Check that the mileage at each MOT rises sensibly and see what advisories and failures were recorded.
- Tax and MOT status can also be checked on GOV.UK. Note that a car's tax doesn't transfer to you when you buy it, so you'll need to tax it yourself before driving it.
- A paid vehicle history check can tell you if the car has outstanding finance, has been recorded as stolen, or has been written off. It's a small cost compared with buying a problem. See our write-off guide for what the categories mean.
3. Ask the seller the right questions
- How long have they owned it, and why are they selling?
- Is there any outstanding finance?
- Has it ever been in an accident or written off?
- Is there a full service history, and how many keys are there?
On Browse Cars you can ask all of this in the chat before you arrange to visit.
4. Look at the paperwork in person
- The V5C logbook: the seller's name and address should match who you're meeting, and the registration and VIN (chassis number) on the document must match the car itself. Be careful of a seller who "doesn't have it with them".
- Service history and receipts, and the MOT certificate if there is one.
- Be wary if the seller isn't the registered keeper, or the story about why doesn't add up.
5. Inspect the car
- View it in daylight and dry weather. Rain and darkness hide dents, scratches and leaks.
- Walk around it: uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint, rust, tyre wear, cracks in the windscreen.
- Check under the bonnet for leaks and look at the oil. Check all the lights, windows, locks, air conditioning and warning lights on the dashboard.
- If you're not confident, take someone who knows cars, or pay for an independent inspection.
6. Test drive it
Check that your own insurance covers you to drive another person's car (often called "driving other cars" cover) — and note that most policies only provide this if the car itself already has its own valid insurance, so ask the seller to confirm theirs is still active. Check the seller is happy with it too. Listen for unusual noises, check the brakes, steering and gearbox, and drive it on a road with some speed as well as around town. If anything feels wrong, walk away.
7. Negotiate calmly
Use what you found, such as tyres that need replacing or a missing service, to negotiate a fair price. Be ready to walk away. There's always another car.
8. Pay safely
- Never pay a deposit, or any money, before you've seen the car in person.
- A bank transfer leaves a record, which is safer than cash. If you do use cash, make the exchange at a bank.
- Only pay once you're sure the car and paperwork match, and don't be rushed by "someone else is on their way to buy it".
- Get a signed receipt showing the date, price, car details and both people's names and addresses.
9. Get it on the road properly
- Take the keys, the V5C's new keeper slip, and any service history with you.
- Make sure the seller tells the DVLA they've sold it. The DVLA then sends you a new V5C in your name. There's more on GOV.UK.
- Tax and insure the car before you drive it away.
Warning signs
A price far below similar cars, a seller who pushes you to pay quickly or before viewing, a missing V5C, or a reluctance to meet in person are all reasons to stop. Our guide to used car scams covers the common ones.