This checklist provides important steps to take when buying a used vehicle to reduce the risks of vehicle crime. It involves checking the vehicle identification number, registration number, and paperwork provided by the seller against vehicle history checks and inspection of the actual vehicle for signs of tampering. Key steps include verifying the seller's identity and ownership of the vehicle, as well as comparing details on the Vehicle Registration Certificate to spot any inconsistencies or alterations that could indicate a fraudulent sale. Following these guidelines can help buyers make an informed decision on a used purchase.

2. Checklist for buying a
Following this checklist
it will help reduce the
seller, the registration
won't guarantee that
used vehicle
you won't be a victim of vehicle crime, but
risks by making sure you know which questions to ask about the
certificate (V5C) and the identity of the vehicle. For the full details why
these checks are important see the advice at www .direct.gov.uk/buyerbeware
Before seeing the vehicle:
• Ask the seller
for the
registration number, make
date of the tax disc and
a vehicle history check
• Arrange to
see the
the MoT test number.
before arranging to see
✓ and model of the vehicle, the expiry
You can then use this
the vehicle.
information to get
vehicle in daylight at the seller's home and not in a public place. Ask
the seller if they are the registered keeper and whether you will be viewing
the V5C). If the seller is
the vehicle
at the registered keeper'
keeper, have they satisfied
• Consider
arranging
s address (shown on not the registered
you that they have the right to sell the vehicle?
a vehicle inspection by a qualified engineer.
Checking the Seller:
• Can the
seller show
provided?
you the V5C? Do the
✓ details shown on it match all documentation
• Is the seller the
register
• Have you
asked to
• Can the seller
satisfy
you that they own or have
ed keeper on the V5C?
see ID?
the right to sell the vehicle? e.g do they
have a bill of sale/receipt?
Checking the V5C:
• Is there a DVL
watermark
• If the seller
has the
(remember the V5C does not prove this).
✓ in the V5C when you hold it up to the light? There should be.
blue version of the V5C, is the serial number in the range
BG8229501 to BG9999030
If so, DON'T proceed
or BI2305501 to BI2800000?
with the sale and contact the police when it's safe
(Even if the serial number
documents.)
• Has the serial
number
If so, don't buy.
is not in this range, you still need to be careful
to do so.
of forged
been altered or tamper ed with, or is part of the V5C missing?
✓
Checking the vehicle:
• Does the vehicle
identificationshown on the V5C? Look
• Do the number
plates
number (VIN), engine number and colour match those
for signs of alteration or tampering.
match the registration number shown on the V5C?
• Is the VIN number
and/orthose on the V5C and
registration number etched on glass? If so do they match
all other etched glass on the vehicle? Check they haven't been
tampered with or cover
• Do all the
locks open
• Check that the
locks
with the same key? Is
haven't been forced or replaced.
ed by stickers.
there a spare key?
• Check the vehicle
condition.
condition of the vehicle?
Remember, its your money
to buy if you're not sur
instincts. If it seems
Does the mileage seem reasonable for the age and
and your decision whether or not to buy. Don't feel pressured
e, there will always be another vehicle. Above all - trust your
too good to be true, it probably is!
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