Buying/Selling A Car Online – A Guide To Keeping Safe

Buying a car online has become increasingly popular. Facebook Marketplace, eBay and dealer websites all compete for our attention. As a serial car buyer, I spend more time than I should looking at cars for sale, so I thought a guide might help the less experienced to avoid a costly mistake.

There have always been risks associated with buying or selling a pre-owned vehicle online, but right now fraudsters are exploiting situations like the cost of living crisis and the limited availability of some models to attract their victims.

A Buyer’s Guide

Deposits – If a deposit is requested, tread carefully especially if buying privately. Some would say don’t pay more than you are willing to lose and ask for written confirmation that you will be refunded if you don’t buy. Requests for up-front transportation fees could spell a scam.

View The Vehicle – Whilst buying a car you have not travelled to see may be convenient, I would strongly recommend inspecting the vehicle in the metal. Fraudsters have been known to use photographs of a vehicle they don’t own. Buyers have also been persuaded to transfer money up front, being given one excuse or another. Even if you have a mobile phone number and email address, these are easily disposed of after a fraud has taken place.

Price - If the price, condition, spec, or mileage of the vehicle seem too good to be true, then it probably is. Most sellers know what their cars are worth, so bargains are increasingly rare. Use an online free valuation tool to check the market value of any proposed purchase. Question the seller if the price is low. A genuine seller will explain.

Test Drive – If you do go to view the vehicle, insist on a test drive. If the seller is reluctant, walk away. You should go to a private seller’s home address or a trader’s business premises. Never meet at a random location, no matter how plausible the reason.

History Check - I would suggest always doing a car history check. The most comprehensive I have found is with a company called Car Vertical – www.carvertical.com Money well spent to uncover a car’s potentially hidden past. You can also check a car’s MOT history by going to official www.gov.uk website. This service is free.

Rights - Check your statutory rights regarding quality and refunds before parting with any money. If you are buying privately, it is a case of buyer beware unless you have been misled.

Payment – I would never pay for a car I have not seen. Use a credit card if possible, which will give some limited protection.

Selling

Location – I would always arrange for a buyer to come to you. Never meet at the roadside. I would make sure you are not alone. Another pair of eyes and ears…

Paperwork – Have all the paperwork for the car ready. Old MOT certificates, the registration document and copies of invoices for any work carried out. Allow inspection but do not allow photocopies or pictures to be taken. This information could potentially be misused.

Identity – When inviting strangers into your home and selling them a car, it is not unreasonable to ask for some form of identity. Most people carry their driving licence with them.

Test Drive – This is a tricky one. In an ideal world you would ask a potential buyer to provide proof of insurance. Do bear in mind that you can be fined and given points on your licence if you knowingly allow someone uninsured to drive your car. If the buyer has a comprehensive insurance policy of their own, it may cover them to drive other cars. It will only be on a third-party basis and will not cover damage to your car. Be warned. Don’t leave the car with the engine running or the keys to hand. You are dealing with a stranger after all!

Payment – Never release the car until you are sure you have cleared funds in your account. Any cheque must have time to clear, the same for banker’s drafts. Cash is an option, though beware of forged notes. A direct bank to bank transfer is best, and can be done from most mobile phones these days. Again, do check with your bank that the money is safely ensconced in your account.