How to check if a used car is legit - AllCarIndex

How to check if a used car is legit

Feb 10, 2025

Buying a used car is exciting, but it’s not without its risks. The last thing you want is to hand over your money, drive off, and later discover the vehicle has a dodgy past. Some sellers don’t tell you everything; or worse, they deliberately hide crucial details. 

The good news? A little due diligence now can save you from costly mistakes later. With the right checks, you can buy with confidence, knowing exactly what you’re getting. 

Inspect the V5C

The vehicle logbook (V5C) proves who the registered keeper is, so ensure that the seller’s name and address match what’s on the logbook. A private seller should always be the registered keeper.

Missing paperwork is a serious red flag. If a seller claims they’ve lost the V5C or recently applied for a new one, be cautious. Stolen and cloned cars often come with fake or non-existent logbooks. 

It’s also worth checking the issue number. A recently reissued document may indicate the original was ‘lost’ under suspicious circumstances.

Verify the VIN

Every car has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), usually found in multiple places, such as under the bonnet and inside the driver’s door frame. These should all match the VIN recorded on the V5C.

If they don’t, the car might have been stolen, cloned or even made up of parts from multiple vehicles. Some sellers try to disguise a car’s true identity, and if you buy one of these, you could lose the vehicle completely when the authorities catch up with it. 

Look closely for signs of tampering. If a VIN plate looks like it’s been scratched or re-stamped, walk away.

Get a history check

Even if a car looks perfect on the surface, it might be hiding serious issues. Some sellers also fail to mention if a vehicle was previously written off and repaired, which is something you’d want to know before parting with your cash.

Outstanding finance is another common problem. If a previous owner still owes money on the car, it legally belongs to the finance company, not the seller. That means you could buy the vehicle, only for it to be repossessed later.

A proper background check can reveal whether a car has any of these problems. Running an HPI Check tells you the vehicle’s full history, so you’re not just relying on the seller’s word.

Examine the car’s condition

Once you confirm the paperwork, take a good look at the car itself. A fresh polish and clean interior can make any vehicle look appealing, but what really matters is what’s under the surface. 

Check for inconsistent panel gaps, mismatched paint or signs of overspray – all classic clues that the vehicle has been in a crash. Then, start the engine from cold and listen. A smooth, even idle is what you want; excessive smoke or rattling noises aren’t good signs. 

On the test drive, pay attention to how the car handles. Does the clutch feel stiff? Do the brakes squeal or grind? If the steering pulls to one side, you may be looking at expensive repairs down the line.

Leave a paper trail

A genuine seller will have no problem providing a written receipt. If they’re pushing for a cash deal with no paperwork, ask yourself why. Scammers hate leaving a traceable record.

Always get a signed receipt with both your details and the seller’s, including the date, price and the car’s registration number. 

Paying by bank transfer or card offers extra protection, so if possible, avoid handing over large amounts of cash. A legitimate seller should be happy to do things properly – if they seem reluctant, that’s a warning sign.

Final thoughts

Buying a used car doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right checks, you can make a smart, safe purchase and avoid any nasty surprises. Trust your gut; if something doesn’t feel right, walk away. 

A real seller will answer your questions and provide the correct documents, without pressuring you into a rushed sale. Do your research, take your time and drive away with confidence.