Legal

Essential documents: V5C registration certificate (logbook) with seller details matching ID, valid MOT certificate for cars over 3 years old (or proof of exemption), service history (book or receipts) if claimed, proof of sale receipt with buyer and seller details and sale price, and valid insurance before driving (required by law). Optional but recommended: HPI check report, private sale contract, vehicle handbook, and spare keys. Never buy without V5C or if seller isn't named on it - likely stolen or finance complications.

The V5C (registration certificate or logbook) is the official DVLA document proving registered keeper status (not ownership). It contains: vehicle details (make, model, VIN), current keeper information, previous keeper count, and vehicle tax status. You need it to: tax the vehicle, notify DVLA of keeper change, sell the car later, and prove you're the registered keeper. Red flags: seller doesn't have V5C ("lost in post"), name doesn't match seller ID, or recent V5C issue date on old car (potential cloning). Don't buy without genuine V5C.

Dealer purchases: Protected by Consumer Rights Act 2015 - car must be as described, fit for purpose, and of satisfactory quality. You can reject faulty cars within 30 days for full refund, or within 6 months with fault assumed to exist at purchase. Dealers must fix faults at their cost. Private sales: Caveat emptor (buyer beware) - car only needs to match description. No right to refund for faults unless seller lied about condition. You have legal recourse for misrepresentation but must prove it. This is why dealer cars cost 10-20% more.

Yes, you must tell DVLA you're the new keeper immediately. Process: Seller gives you V5C/2 (green "new keeper supplement"), you fill in your details and send to DVLA within 14 days, or register online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle (faster, 2-5 days). Wait for new V5C before taxing (you'll need reference number). Seller must also notify DVLA they've sold (via V5C/3 section or online). Failure to register means: seller still gets speeding tickets sent to them, you can't tax the vehicle, and DVLA may fine you. Always register within 2 weeks.

Legal minimum: Third Party insurance covering damage to other people, vehicles, and property. However, most buyers choose: Third Party, Fire and Theft (adds theft and fire damage cover), or Fully Comprehensive (covers your car damage too, often only £50-100 more). You MUST have insurance before driving the car away - it's illegal to drive uninsured (6-8 penalty points, £300 fine, or unlimited fine if court prosecuted). Get quotes before buying to ensure insurance is affordable. Young drivers can face £1,500-3,000 annual premiums.

Manufacturer warranty: New cars come with 3-7 year warranties (depending on brand). These transfer to new owners if car sold within warranty period. Dealer warranty: Used car dealers often include 3-12 month warranties covering major components (engine, gearbox). Read terms - many exclude wear items and require dealer-only servicing. Extended warranties: Can be purchased for £300-800/year but read exclusions carefully - often don't cover common faults. Private sales: No warranty unless seller offers one. Consumer Rights Act gives 6 months to claim faults but must prove fault existed at purchase.

Road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) is required to drive on public roads. Cost depends on: car's CO2 emissions (£0-600/year for standard rate), first year rate (higher for new cars), and vehicle age (pre-2017 cars use different CO2 bands). Check tax cost at gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-tables before buying - high-emission cars cost £300-600/year. Pay tax online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax using: V5C reference number or V5C/2 new keeper supplement. You cannot drive even 1 mile untaxed (£1,000 fine, car clamped/impounded). Tax is no longer transferable between keepers.

If you buy a car with outstanding finance and didn't know, the finance company legally owns it and can repossess it - you lose both car and money paid. This affects 7% of used car transactions. Protection: Always run HPI check (£20-40) before buying to reveal finance. If finance is outstanding: seller must settle it before transfer, you can pay finance company directly and deduct from price, or walk away. If you discover finance after purchase: contact finance company immediately, you may have legal recourse against seller for misrepresentation, and keep all documentation. This is why HPI checks are essential.