rsjonny

iTrader: (1)

I have a question on where I stand legally on buying a car which the log book has not arrived for yet. I ask this as I put a small deposit down on a car on monday with a view to paying the rest of the cash when the log book arrived. The owner is basically selling the car straight on again as he bought it for his girlfriend and she doesnt like it. Now I have had constant communication with the owner he seems a genuine bloke he has history with the car such as previous MOT's etc. Ive done a HPI check on the car and its all clear and says mileage is accurate no hidden finance no previous insurance claims etc. When I gave a deposit he gave me a full written receipt signed by himself. Now he says if I want I can come pay for the car and take it away and he will forward the log book on. Where would I stand legally if I got a receipt from him for full sale of the car but didnt have the log book? Im asking as I could really do with the car as I start a new job next week.

Rick Astley

Possession of a logbook does not make you the legal owner of a car.

dojj

iTrader: (3)

do a hpi check on it
do one of them logbook loan checks on it
call the dvla and check with them

nothing like desperation for loosing money when the car turns out to be a bit suspect

rsjonny

iTrader: (1)

Ive done a HPI check its come up clear I just need to put the VIN number in really which ill get off of him.

Calling the DVLA is a good idea ill do that.

I just want to know that if the lad turns round and says you I dont own the car and trys to get it back that I have some kind of legal get out with a signed receipt of purchase.

AGAR-COSWORTH

Out of interest, you say you've done an HPI check - if so, then I take it you haven't been able to enter the log book number during the check? If this is the case, HPI will not offer you their usual guarantee.

Thought I'd mention it just in case you weren't aware of this.

rsjonny

iTrader: (1)

No I didnt just entered the reg. Thanks for that the log book no. should be on the MOT Cert. shouldnt it. Also is the number on the tear away slip you take as proof of new ownership? Just wondering if I send him a txt asking for the number if it is used anywhere else but the log book??

AGAR-COSWORTH

I'm not sure i'm afraid - I don't think its on the MOT cert. Doesn't appear to be on my MOT anyway.

Looking at my logbook the number is on the green slip, and the date that the current log book has been issued on is also on the slip. Come to think of it you'll need both of these for the HPI guarantee.

Just be aware that the date isn't the date upon which the log book was first issued (ie its not the date of first registration), but the date of the last update of the logbook (ie last change of owner, change of tax status on the car for a disabled owner etc). You can also find this date on the bottom of page two of the log book in the "Office Use Only" section to the top left of the barcode.

Hope this helps you out a bit. Sounds like a tricky situation.

rsjonny

iTrader: (1)

Cheers mate thats great ill send a txt over asking for the information and see what happens.

vaughant

iTrader: (1)

If he's got the green slip you'll be fine.he sounds genuine enough as he's obviously sent the logbook off himself and you've done the usual checks I can't see really where you can go wrong.again phone the Dvla and it is correct that you need full logbook number and chassis to get their guarantee.Get a full written reciept where you BOTH sign it and if poss get it witnessed.if the guys genuine then he won't mind but explain that you've been caught before,just helps lighten the situation a bit.

rsjonny

iTrader: (1)

hmmmm just read this from autotrader website....

If you’re buying a vehicle privately and it’s later identified as stolen you may have no right in law to its ownership. Follow out tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of car crime.

View the vehicle at the address shown on the registration document
Ask the seller for proof of identity - make sure the person selling the vehicle has the right to do so
***Never buy a vehicle without a registration document even if the seller says it has been sent to the DVLA for changes***
Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) corresponds with the number on the registration document. This number can usually be found on a metal plate under the bonnet
If the VIN plate has been removed, ask why
Ensure you get a landline number – not just a mobile number
Check the locks on the car and make sure they do not differ (thieves often change locks they have damaged)
Check the mileage reading corresponds with the service history and past owners

Not sure what to do now seems a dodgy area this does.

rsjonny

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for that he does indeed seem genuine Ive asked for more info so will add that to the HPI check and see what it comes up with. Ill call the DVLA as well to make sure its not reported stolen or anything.

rsjonny

iTrader: (1)

Im sure it will all end up being fine but its hard to trust anyone these days

Anouther thing the lad has offered to pay for the HPI check which is good

vaughant

iTrader: (1)

Sure is,my mate just bought a car and found out it's financed up,bastard!!!!it looks to me like your doing your homework and by phoning the Dvla with the details I think you've covered yourself well.

vaughant

iTrader: (1)

Chassis number will be on the mot as well so should be easy to check.I'd imagine he had the green slip but not everyone does as they tend to send the whole lot off in one,again probably proves he's not a fly by night.

arch

I recently sold a car, and I wasn't in possession of the log book for it. I'd sent the green slip away months ago, and never had the log book back. I assumed I had so advertised it.
Wifey reminds me, so I went to local DVLA office to apply for the book (cost £25) and got a receipt for the same. Bloke came to my house, took the car away and a few weeks later the log book came, so I signed it and forwarded it to the new owner.
I suppose it's all a matter of trust.

vaughant

iTrader: (1)

Sure is mate,you've answered my earlier post there as your not meant to send the green slip off under any circumstances as it's your only proof with the Dvla that you own the vehicle,but as I said it's really common for that to happen.as you said,Dvla local office,£25,job done.also,if the cars in your name and you lose the v5 they'll send you a new one within 3-4 days,their pretty good like that.

dojj

iTrader: (3)

if you've got the green slip you can also check to see if it's been clocked through it's mots or not

rsjonny

iTrader: (1)

Ive spoke to the lad again hes been really helpfull and managed to get me the vin and date of issue of the log book just couldnt provide me with the log book serial number so I couldnt complete the HPI check. Ive decided to play it safe and wait even though the lad seems really geniune.