Buying a car privately can save you money compared to buying from a dealer, but it also comes with more risks. Here are the red flags that should make you walk away.
1. No V5C Logbook
The excuse: "It's in the post from DVLA" or "I lost it"
The reality: This is one of the biggest red flags. Without the V5C, you can't verify the seller is the registered keeper, and the car could be stolen or have outstanding finance.
What to do: Never buy without the V5C in hand. Walk away.
2. Price Too Good to Be True
The excuse: "Need a quick sale" or "moving abroad"
The reality: Scammers price cars below market value to attract buyers quickly. Stolen cars, clocked cars, and cars with hidden damage are often sold cheaply.
What to do: Check similar cars on AutoTrader. If it's significantly cheaper, be very suspicious.
3. Seller Won't Meet at Their Home
The excuse: "I'm renting" or "Easier to meet at the supermarket"
The reality: The V5C has an address. If the seller won't let you view the car there, they may not be the real keeper.
What to do: Insist on viewing at the V5C address. If they refuse, walk away.
4. Rushing the Sale
The excuse: "I have other buyers coming today" or "Can only do today"
The reality: Scammers create urgency to prevent you from doing proper checks. Legitimate sellers will give you time.
What to do: Take your time. If they won't wait, they have something to hide.
5. Cash Only, No Paperwork
The excuse: "Bank transfer takes too long" or "Prefer cash"
The reality: Cash leaves no trail. If something's wrong, you have no proof of purchase.
What to do: Always pay by bank transfer for a record. Get a signed receipt with details.
6. Won't Allow Independent Inspection
The excuse: "It's fine, trust me" or "Don't have time"
The reality: Honest sellers have nothing to hide. Refusing inspection suggests hidden problems.
What to do: Insist on an AA/RAC inspection, or have your own mechanic check it.
7. Missing Service History
The excuse: "Previous owner lost it" or "Did my own servicing"
The reality: Service history proves maintenance and supports mileage. Missing records could indicate clocking or neglect.
What to do: Verify mileage through MOT history. Be cautious without service records.
8. Seller Doesn't Know Basic Details
Signs: Can't answer questions about service history, when they bought it, or what work has been done.
The reality: A genuine owner knows their car. Someone who can't answer basic questions may not be the real owner.
What to do: Ask detailed questions. Vague answers are a red flag.
9. VIN Doesn't Match or Shows Tampering
Signs: VIN plate looks different, signs of removal/replacement, numbers don't match V5C.
The reality: Tampered VINs indicate a cloned or stolen car.
What to do: Check VIN matches V5C exactly. Look for rivets that have been replaced. Walk away if suspicious.
10. Only One Key
The excuse: "Lost the spare"
The reality: All new cars come with at least two keys. A single key might indicate theft, or you'll face £200+ to get a spare programmed.
What to do: Factor key replacement cost into your offer, or be suspicious of the car's history.
Run a Vehicle Check Before Viewing
Many of these red flags can be identified before you even view the car. A vehicle history check reveals:
- Outstanding finance
- Stolen status
- Write-off history
- Mileage discrepancies
For £9.99, you can avoid wasting time on problem cars. Check any car now.
