After Purchase

Within 24 hours: Ensure insurance is active before driving, notify DVLA of keeper change (online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle or post V5C/2), and tax the vehicle (required before first drive). Within 1 week: Set up insurance and tax direct debits, book first service if history unclear (£150-500), check tyre pressures and fluid levels, and register for breakdown cover (AA, RAC, or manufacturer). Within 1 month: Replace cabin air filter (£20-40 DIY), familiarize yourself with all controls and features, and read owner's manual for service intervals and requirements.

Tax online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax within 24 hours of collection. You need: V5C reference number (from new V5C or V5C/2 green slip seller gives you), MOT test number if car is over 3 years old, and debit/credit card for payment. Tax starts immediately. Cost depends on emissions (£0-600/year). Set up Direct Debit for automatic renewal - saves 5% on 12-month tax. Note: You cannot drive untaxed, even for 1 mile (£1,000 fine). If no V5C yet, call DVLA on 0300 790 6802 with V5C/2 reference to tax by phone.

Seller's responsibilities: Complete V5C/3 section of logbook (or notify online) within 24 hours, give buyer V5C/2 (green new keeper slip), provide receipt with both parties details and sale price, and hand over all keys, manuals, and service records. Buyer's responsibilities: Complete V5C/2 with your details and post to DVLA (or register online faster), insure vehicle before driving, tax vehicle immediately, and keep receipt as proof of purchase. Wait 2-5 days for new V5C. Both parties must notify DVLA - if seller doesn't, they remain responsible for fines/penalties.

Yes, if: service history is unclear or missing (budget £150-500 for full service), last service was 12+ months or 10,000+ miles ago, you don't know what oil/filters were used, car has unusual noises or warning lights, or mileage is high (80,000+ miles). Service immediately includes: oil and filter change, air filter, cabin filter, brake fluid check, coolant check, and diagnostic scan for fault codes. This £200-500 investment prevents future £1,000-3,000 repairs. If full dealer service history is verified and recent service (under 6 months/5,000 miles), you can wait until next scheduled interval.

Essential monthly direct debits: Car insurance (£50-150/month, required by law), Road tax via DVLA Direct Debit (saves 5% on annual tax, spreads cost monthly), and Breakdown cover (AA/RAC £8-15/month, optional but recommended). Optional but useful: Service plan with dealer or garage (£20-40/month covers annual service and MOT), Warranty coverage for older cars (£25-60/month for mechanical cover), and Fuel card or budgeting for fuel costs (£100-200/month average). Setting up direct debits prevents missed payments, speeding/parking fines for untaxed vehicles, and ensures continuous insurance coverage.

If MOT expires within 3 months: Book immediately - takes 2-4 weeks to get convenient appointment and allows time for any repairs needed before expiry. If 3-6 months remaining: Book 1 month before expiry. If 6+ months remaining: Check MOT history for recurring failures and address those issues early. You can MOT up to 1 month early and keep existing expiry date plus 12 months. Cost: £54.85 test fee + repairs if it fails (average £200-400). Driving without valid MOT is illegal (£1,000 fine, insurance may be void, accident claims rejected). Check MOT status free at gov.uk/check-mot-history.

First week checklist: Read owner's manual cover to cover (identifies all features and controls), locate and test all lights, wipers, climate controls while parked, find bonnet release, oil dipstick, coolant reservoir, and screen wash, check tyre pressures (info on driver door jamb), pair phone to Bluetooth, program home in navigation, and practice using parking sensors/camera in empty car park. Test all features: heated seats, cruise control, parking aids, automatic lights/wipers. Take short local drives before motorway journeys. Keep handbook in glovebox for reference.

Keep permanently: Original V5C registration certificate, purchase receipt/invoice from seller, service history and all service receipts, MOT certificates (at least most recent), and warranty documents if applicable. Keep while you own car: Insurance policy documents and certificates, road tax confirmation (if not Direct Debit), breakdown cover membership details, and owner's manual and handbook. Digital backups: Photo or scan all documents to cloud storage in case of loss. Store physical documents in glovebox or home safe. You'll need V5C to: sell car later, notify DVLA of changes, and prove registered keeper status.