This page will be regularly updated with the latest security and report scams in the automotive industry.
Every car on Motors.co.uk has had a basic history check which promises that it isn’t recorded by the police on industry databases as stolen, or that the DVLA has it down as fit only for scrapping. To read full details of our history check service, see here.
Motors.co.uk is a vehicle advertising company and are not involved directly in the sale of vehicles or any of the finances surrounding a sale. Motors.co.uk would not act as a third party in any sale negotiations, or shipping arrangements.
If you are planning to buy or sell a car here is a guide to help you through the process.
Buying Guide
Documents
Every car needs to have a V5 vehicle registration document. The seller should be the registered keeper shown on the log book (v5) or registration document. Do the VIN number, engine number and colour match what’s on the V5. The VIN numbers can often be found etched onto the glass, or on a plate under the bonnet.
Test Drive If you would like to take a test drive, you will need a valid driving license and insurance to drive the vehicle legally. The test drive is your chance to check the car is running as advertised and to the standard you would expect. Please bear in mind a newer car would have better breaks and be quieter than an older model.
Things to consider on the test drive are the brakes ok or does it take a lot of effort to stop? Are there any unusual noises and is the steering working perfectly? Does the car pull to one side, especially at higher speeds?
Payment When agreeing the price with the seller, you should take into consideration your initial research, your findings from the vehicle search and the outcome from the test drive. You can get a car valuation via our mobile valuation service here. There are different ways you can pay for a vehicle cash, cheque, bank transfer or via an online payment solution such as paypal. At the end of the day you should choose the method that works best for you and the seller. Please have a consideration for the seller at this time and they may want to meet you at a bank or have the funds cleared before handing you the keys. If you plan to pay by cash this has many risks with it and you should avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you at any time. Remember, it is best to view / pay for the car at the seller’s address and if possible get a home phone number. You shouldn’t meet someone on a street corner or large open area such as a car park. If you are dealing with cash, then you need to have a receipt both for you and the seller with the sellers address and contact details on. This is required in the event of any issues later with the car.
For information about buying a car, please see our buying guide.
Selling Guide
Price
Look on motors.co.uk for cars that are exactly like, or as close to, your own. If you want a quick result you’ll need to advertise yours a little more cheaply. But if there’s no rush, you can ask a little more. There’s a price for every car dependent on its age and type. You can get a car valuation via our mobile valuation service here. Remember, that dealers can charge more for their cars because there is usually some form of warranty included in the price.
Imagery
Pictures will help to sell your car. Cars without an image receive a large decrease in calls and emails, so be sure to include atleast one image in your advert. You don’t need special skills to take great car photos – just get the basics right. That means your car must be clean inside and out. If you can’t find an attractive backdrop – say, the local park or riverside – park it next to a plain wall or fence.
Check your Advert
Check that it is accurate and is listed correctly beside other cars of that make and model. You can correct any mistakes in the admin system.
How to deal with potential Buyers
Keep dealings with would-be buyers polite and friendly and answer their questions freely. But if someone says they’ll buy without first seeing and driving the car, be suspicious – particularly if they agree to the full asking price. They could be genuine but it is better to be vigilant. Never give your personal details as this could be used to create their own fake ‘cloned’ ad. If they’re a genuine buyer, they will come and check the vehicle, do not disclose VIN and other identification numbers until the potential buyer is with you and the vehicle. Similarly, be wary of any company that calls and promises that they have buyers waiting for your car and all you have to do is pay a one-off fee. Once you meet a potential buyer, it is normal for them to inspect the documents but you shouldn’t let them make copies or take photos of them.
Test Drive
If your potential buyer would like a test drive, then they need a valid driving license and insurance to drive your vehicle legally. You should never let the buyer go on a test drive alone as there is always a chance that they may not come back
Payment
There are different ways people can pay for a vehicle cash, cheque, bank transfer or via an online payment solution such as paypal. At the end of the day you should choose the method that works best for you. If your buyer is paying by cash, it could be counterfeit so double check it. If accepting cash, consider meeting the buyer at your bank and paying the money straight in to your account. Cheques and banker’s drafts can be forged or counterfeit and you may not find this out until after your car has gone, so it is best to wait until the funds have cleared in your bank before releasing the keys to your buyer. An immediate bank transfer can be made using the CHAPS system for a nominal fee, (£20-£30). CHAPS payments are irrevocable. Consider meeting the buyer at their bank and completing the transaction there. For information about selling a car, please see our selling guide.
More Information
For more great car buying or selling advice we recommend visiting :
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