Buying a car from a private seller can be rewarding, but it also means you need to do the legwork yourself. Follow this step‑by‑step guide to make sure the vehicle is legal, road‑worthy and fairly priced.
1. Arrange a viewing and test drive
Set up a meeting in daylight at a safe, public location. Bring a friend if possible and always take a valid driving licence. During the test drive listen for unusual noises, check the brakes, steering and acceleration, and verify that all lights work.
2. Verify the vehicle’s identity
Match the registration number on the number plates with the one on the V5C registration document (log book). The V5C should show the seller’s name and address – ask to see a photo ID that matches these details.
3. Check MOT and tax status
Use the DVLA online service to view the MOT history and any upcoming expiry. A clean recent MOT is a good sign, but also look for recurring failures that could indicate hidden problems. The same service shows whether the vehicle is currently taxed.
4. Look for insurance write‑off history
Cars written off by insurers are categorised as A, B, S or N. Category A and B are total losses and should never be on the road. Category S (structural) and N (non‑structural) may be road‑worthy but could have been repaired after a serious accident. A quick registration check on motorpeek.com will reveal any write‑off category.
5. Confirm there’s no finance or stolen marker
Outstanding finance means the lender still has a legal claim to the vehicle. Use a finance check service to ensure the car is free of any hire‑purchase or PCP agreements. The PNC (Police National Computer) check will show if the car has been reported stolen or has a lost‑certificate‑of‑ownership (LCO) marker.
6. Examine mileage and condition
Compare the odometer reading with the mileage recorded on the MOT certificates and service history. Large discrepancies could indicate clocking. Look for signs of wear that don’t match the mileage – uneven tyre wear, mismatched paint, or interior wear can be red flags.
7. Complete the paperwork
Both parties must sign and date the V5C ‘new keeper’ section. The seller should give you the original V5C (or the 2‑part V5C if they’ve already sent the ‘new keeper’ part to DVLA). Keep a copy of the signed receipt, including the price, date and vehicle details.
8. Pay safely
Avoid large cash transactions. Bank transfers, standing orders or a secure escrow service give you a paper trail. Never hand over money before you have the signed V5C and a clear title.
Before you finalise the purchase, run a quick registration check on motorpeek.com to see the MOT history, any write‑off category, finance status and whether the car has a stolen marker. This extra step can save you from costly surprises later.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to check road tax when buying from a private seller?
Yes. The DVLA site shows whether the vehicle is currently taxed and when the tax expires. Untaxed cars cannot be driven on public roads, so arrange tax transfer as soon as you become the registered keeper.
How can I find out if a car has been written off?
A registration check will display any insurance write‑off category (A, B, S or N). Categories A and B mean the car should never be on the road, while S and N indicate repaired write‑offs that may still be road‑worthy but require careful inspection.
Is it safe to pay cash for a private sale?
Cash can be risky because it leaves little proof of payment. A bank transfer or a receipt signed by both parties provides a clear record and protects you if the seller later disputes the sale.