Red Flags When Buying a Car: When to Walk Away

Critical warning signs when viewing a used car in the UK including document issues, seller behaviour, mechanical problems, and scams to avoid.

By Car Buying Guide UK15 October 20259 min read

Knowing when to walk away from a car deal can save you thousands of pounds and serious legal problems. This guide covers every red flag to watch for, from document issues to seller behaviour, mechanical concerns to outright scams.

Document Red Flags

V5C Logbook Issues

Immediate walk-aways:

1. No V5C available

"Lost it"
"In the post"
"At home" (but not home viewing)
"Don't have it yet"

Why this matters:

Can't verify ownership
Might be stolen
Could have finance
Possible fraud
Legal complications

Never buy without seeing original V5C.

2. V5C in different name

Seller not registered keeper
No acceptable explanation
No supporting documents
Evasive about reasons

Acceptable ONLY with:

Recently purchased (V5C/2 slip shown)
Company car (letter from company)
Inherited (probate documents)
Family sale (keeper permission + ID)

3. Recently issued V5C on old car

2015 car, V5C issued 2025
No credible explanation
Seller can't explain why
Suspicious circumstances

Possible reasons (investigate):

Clocked (mileage fraud)
Stolen recovery
Import (check paperwork)
Rebuilt write-off
Cloned identity

4. Obvious V5C forgery

Poor quality paper
No watermark
Missing hologram
Photocopied appearance
Wrong fonts/colours
Handwritten alterations

5. Damaged V5C

Water damaged (obscures info)
Torn critical sections
Fire damaged
Handwritten corrections
Crossed-out details
White-out/correction fluid

6. Details don't match

Registration wrong
VIN doesn't match car
Colour incorrect
Make/model wrong
Engine size different

Seller Behaviour Red Flags

Suspicious Conduct

11. Meeting location issues

Won't meet at home address
Insists on public location
Car park meetings
Service station
"Can't meet at mine"

Why concerning:

Address doesn't match V5C
Not real owner
Stolen vehicle
Hiding something
Not registered keeper

Exception: Genuine safety concerns (single female seller), but should still verify address matches V5C.

12. Extreme pressure tactics

"Must sell today"
"Other buyer coming in hour"
"Price goes up tomorrow"
"Someone else very interested"
"Special price if buy now"

Genuine sellers:

Allow time to decide
No pressure
Comfortable with inspection
Want right buyer

13. Evasive or changing answers

Story doesn't add up
Details change
Can't remember basic facts
Contradicts earlier statements
Different from advert

Examples:

Mileage differs from advert
Ownership length changes
Service history claims vary
Accident history inconsistent

14. Won't allow inspection

Refuses mechanic check
Won't allow diagnostic tool
Can't test drive
Limited viewing time
Defensive about checks

Genuine sellers:

Welcome thorough inspection
Happy for mechanic
Encourage test drive
Transparent about condition

15. Defensive or aggressive

Angry at questions
"Don't you trust me?"
Offended by normal checks
Hostile demeanour
Threatening behaviour

Your safety:

Trust instincts
Leave if uncomfortable
Meet in public if concerned
Bring someone with you

16. Cash only insisted

Won't accept bank transfer
Refuses safer payment
Only wants cash
Pressure to get cash immediately

Why concerning:

Avoids paper trail
May be stolen
Tax avoidance
Criminal activity
Can't prove payment

Safer payment methods:

Bank transfer
Building society cheque
Cash only with receipt and witnesses

17. Selling "for a friend"

Not the registered keeper
Vague about real owner
Can't get owner present
"Helping mate out"

Questions to ask:

Why isn't owner here?
Can I meet actual owner?
Do they have authority to sell?
Where's supporting documentation?

Usually walk away unless very convincing explanation.

Vehicle Condition Red Flags

Mechanical Warning Signs

18. Won't start or starts poorly

Difficult to start
Multiple attempts
Jump start needed
Battery "just died"

Possible issues:

Battery (£80-£150)
Starter motor (£200-£400)
Alternator (£200-£500)
Deeper electrical issues
Poor maintenance

19. Excessive smoke

Blue smoke:

Burning oil
Worn piston rings
Valve seals failed
Expensive repair (£1,000-£3,000+)

White smoke:

Coolant burning
Head gasket failure
Cracked head
Very expensive (£800-£1,500+)

Black smoke:

Rich fuel mixture
Injector problems
Air filter blocked
Sensor issues

20. Noises during test drive

Grinding when braking:

Worn brake pads/discs
£150-£400 to fix
Safety issue

Knocking from suspension:

Worn bushes/joints
£200-£600 to fix
MOT failure risk

Whining noise:

Gearbox issues
Differential problems
£500-£2,000+ repair

Ticking from engine:

Low oil
Worn components
Timing chain issues
Serious concern

21. Fluid leaks visible

Oil under car
Coolant puddles
Brake fluid
Power steering fluid

Check:

Engine bay
Under car
After test drive
Driveway stains

Small leak = £100-£300 Major leak = £500-£2,000+

22. Warning lights on

Engine management light
ABS light
Airbag light
Oil pressure light
Any warning illuminated

Check all lights work:

Turn ignition (engine off)
All should illuminate
All should extinguish when started
Staying on = problem

Disconnected bulbs = hiding problems

23. Temperature gauge abnormal

Runs hot quickly
Fluctuates wildly
Doesn't warm up
Overheating

Indicates:

Cooling system issues
Thermostat failure
Head gasket problems
Serious engine issues

24. Clutch problems (manual)

Slips when accelerating
Biting point very high
Difficult to engage gears
Juddering when moving off

Replacement costs £400-£1,200

25. Gearbox issues

Crunching gears
Won't go into gear
Jumps out of gear
Automatic slipping/delayed

Repair costs £800-£3,000+

Body and Interior Red Flags

26. Mismatched panels

Different paint shades
Panel gaps uneven
Paint texture varies
Obvious respray

Use paint thickness gauge:

Detects filler/respray
£20-£50 to buy
Reveals hidden damage
Worth the investment

Indicates:

Accident damage
Poor repair
Undisclosed accident
Reduced value

27. Rust in critical areas

Serious rust locations:

Sills (under doors)
Wheel arches
Subframe
Suspension mounting points
Floor pan

Surface rust = cosmetic Structural rust = dangerous and expensive

28. Flood damage signs

Musty smell
Damp carpets
Water stains
Foggy lights
Corrosion in unusual places
Mud/silt in crevices

Flood damage = total loss:

Electrical issues ongoing
Corrosion problems
Safety concerns
Insurance difficulties
Walk away immediately

29. Strong air freshener smell

Masking odours
Smoke smell
Damp/mould
Pet smells
Accident aftermath

Check for:

Multiple air fresheners
Recently cleaned (suspicious timing)
Underlying smells
Stains on carpets

30. Non-original mileage

Steering wheel very worn (low mileage claimed)
Pedals heavily worn
Driver's seat collapsed
Service history doesn't match

Digital mileage can be clocked:

Check MOT history (gov.uk)
Service stamps
Old MOT certificates
Receipts with mileage

Clocking is fraud:

Criminal offence
Report to Trading Standards
Police report
Walk away

Price and Value Red Flags

31. Price too good to be true

Significantly below market
"Quick sale needed"
"Bargain price"
Much cheaper than similar

Why discounted:

Stolen
Clocked
Written-off
Major problems
Scam

Check:

Autotrader similar cars
Compare like-for-like
Understand market value
If too cheap, question why

32. Price keeps dropping

Originally £8,000
Now £6,500
"Really need to sell"
Multiple reductions

Possible reasons:

Desperate to sell (why?)
Problems emerging
Other buyers rejecting
Issues with car

Investigate thoroughly before buying.

33. "Just had £2,000 spent on it"

Major recent work
Just before sale
Significant investment
Then selling immediately

Questions:

Why spend money then sell?
Why not enjoy the repairs?
What really was wrong?
Receipts available?

Often indicates:

Deeper problems remain
Fixing to sell (not keep)
Issues not fully resolved
Cut losses situation

Finance and Legal Red Flags

34. Outstanding finance

Admits finance owing
Plans to settle "later"
Asks you to settle it
Vague about amount

Never pay until:

Finance completely settled
Written confirmation received
HPI check confirms clear
Title transfer possible

35. Previous write-off

Category S, N, C, D
Structural damage
Insurance total loss
Not disclosed in advert

Categories:

Category A: Scrap only (illegal to repair)
Category B: Parts only (illegal to repair)
Category S: Structural damage (repairable)
Category N: Non-structural (repairable)

S and N acceptable IF:

Fully disclosed
Professionally repaired
Appropriately priced
Documentation available

Hidden write-off = walk away

36. Import without documentation

Recently imported
No import paperwork
No IVA certificate
Unclear origin

Legitimate imports need:

Import documentation
IVA certificate (if applicable)
UK registration sorted
History traceable

37. No MOT

Expired months ago
"Just needs minor things"
Seller to arrange
Vague about why expired

Expired MOT suggests:

Not been used
Major failures expected
Expensive repairs needed
Been off road

Check MOT history online first

38. SORN status

Currently off-road
Not taxed
No insurance
Can't test drive

SORN acceptable IF:

Valid reason
Good condition otherwise
Price reflects no tax
Clear why SORN

Suspicious SORN:

Long period off-road
No explanation
Degraded condition
Multiple SORN periods

Scam Red Flags

39. Fake listings

Stolen photos
Can't video call to see car
Won't FaceTime
Photos don't match reality

Protect yourself:

Google reverse image search
Request live photos with note
Video call before viewing
Verify address exists

40. Escrow/third-party payment

Insists on escrow service
"Safe payment system"
Third party involved
Must pay upfront

Common scam:

Fake escrow site
Money goes to scammer
No car exists
Never see money again

Only use:

Direct bank transfer (in person)
Building society cheque
Cash with receipt
Never wire transfers to unknown parties

41. Shipping/delivery scam

Car located far away
Must pay for delivery
Can't view first
Send deposit

Classic scam:

No car exists
Just want deposit
Disappear after payment
Never use this approach

Never buy without viewing

42. Cloned vehicle

VIN doesn't match V5C
Plates look new
Different VIN locations don't match
Suspiciously cheap

Check VIN:

Dashboard visible through windscreen
Driver door pillar
Under bonnet
Boot floor
All should match exactly
Should match V5C

Cloned cars:

Stolen vehicle
Identity from legitimate car
Criminal activity
You'll lose car AND money

43. Fake seller identity

Won't show ID
Name doesn't match anything
Address fake
Phone number unverifiable

Always verify:

Compare ID to V5C
Check address exists
Google the person
Trust your instincts

High-Risk Situations

44. Viewing after dark

Can't see condition properly
Hard to spot problems
Deliberately chosen time
Safety concerns

Always view in daylight:

Full inspection possible
Safer environment
Better photos
See true condition

45. Rushed viewing

"Only have 10 minutes"
Hurrying you
Other appointment soon
Can't wait

Red flag because:

Don't want thorough check
Hiding problems
Pressure tactic
Not genuine sale

Take your time:

Thorough inspection essential
30-45 minutes minimum
Walk away if rushed
Other cars available

46. Sold "as seen, no warranty"

Dealer selling
Trade seller
"No returns"
"No comeback"

Important:

Dealers MUST provide consumer rights
Can't contract out of legal obligations
Consumer Rights Act applies
"As seen" doesn't remove rights

Private sellers:

Can sell "as seen"
Minimal legal protection
Your inspection critical
Professional inspection essential

47. Collection only, no delivery

Must collect immediately
Can't arrange delivery
No flexibility
Today only

Why this matters:

Wants quick transaction
Avoids paper trail
Pressure tactic
Limits your options

48. Phone won't connect

Number fake
Doesn't answer
Different numbers
Unverifiable

Verify seller:

Landline better than mobile
Check number exists
Matches address location
Consistent contact

When to Immediately Walk Away

Absolute deal-breakers:

No V5C available
Obvious forgery
Seller aggressive/threatening
Car is stolen (check status)
Outstanding finance not settling
Hidden Category A/B write-off
Cloned vehicle
Flood damage
Major accident damage (undisclosed)
Your gut says no

Trust your instincts:

If it feels wrong, it probably is
Don't ignore red flags
Other cars available
Your money and safety matter

What to Do When You Spot Red Flags

Document Everything

Take photos of:

All documents
The car
Seller's behaviour (if safe)
Location
Number plates

Note:

Date and time
What was said
Concerns raised
Inconsistencies

Report Suspicious Activity

Who to contact:

Police (101 or 999 if immediate danger):

Suspected stolen vehicle
Fraudulent activity
Threatening behaviour
Criminal activity

Action Fraud (0300 123 2040):

Scams
Fraud attempts
Fake sellers
Cloning

Trading Standards:

Dealer misconduct
False advertising
Consumer rights violations
Misleading descriptions

DVLA:

V5C fraud
Registration issues
Suspected cloning
Document problems

Protect Others

Share experience:

Online forums
Review sites
Social media warnings
Report listings

Help prevent others losing money.

Summary

Major red flags:

Documents:

No V5C
Forgery
Recent issue (old car)
Details don't match

Seller behaviour:

Won't meet at home
Extreme pressure
Evasive answers
Defensive/aggressive
Cash only

Vehicle condition:

Won't start properly
Excessive smoke
Major mechanical noises
Warning lights on
Mismatched panels
Flood damage signs
Clocked mileage

Price and value:

Too cheap
Recent major expenses
Keeps dropping

Finance/legal:

Outstanding finance
Hidden write-off
No MOT
Import issues

Scams:

Fake listings
Escrow schemes
Cloned vehicles
Fake identity

When to walk away:

Any absolute deal-breaker
Multiple red flags
Gut feeling says no
Pressure to decide
Seller won't allow checks

Most important:

Your safety first
Trust your instincts
Don't ignore warnings
Other cars exist
Never feel pressured

Better to:

Walk away from good deal with red flags
Than buy problem car
Lose money
Face legal issues
Risk your safety

Recognizing red flags and having the courage to walk away protects your money, your safety, and your legal position. There will always be another car, but you can't undo buying a stolen, dangerous, or fraudulent vehicle. When in doubt, walk away.