A private sale can save you money. It also removes almost every legal safety net a dealer purchase gives you — so the checking has to happen before you pay, not after.
Outstanding finance transfers risk to you, not the seller
If the car still has finance owed on it and the seller isn't the legal owner, the finance company can, in some circumstances, reclaim the vehicle from you — even though you paid in good faith. A vehicle history check before paying is the only way to rule this out.
Stolen vehicles and "curbsiders"
Some sellers advertise as private individuals to avoid dealer obligations while effectively trading multiple cars — known as curbsiding. Signs include meeting somewhere other than the registered keeper's address, reluctance to show a V5C in their own name, or a pattern of frequent "private" sales linked to the same phone number or account.
Verifying who you're actually buying from
Check the name on the V5C matches the seller's ID, confirm the address matches or ask why not, and be wary of any pressure to complete the transaction quickly or meet somewhere unrelated to where the car is normally kept.
What to keep, in case it goes wrong
Screenshots of the advert (specification, mileage, price, any claims made), all messages with the seller, a copy of the V5C shown at the point of sale, and a signed receipt stating the sale is "as seen" or otherwise, with mileage and condition noted. This evidence is what determines whether a misrepresentation claim is even possible later.
Sources
- gov.uk — Selling or buying a vehicle: what you need to do
- MoneyHelper — Your rights if something is wrong with your car
Related Kibbo Tools
- Used Car Seller Red Flags Checklist — the seller-side warning signs to watch for.
- Used Car Purchase Inspection Pack — document the sale and the vehicle's condition properly.