Trying to Buy a Used Car

[rumred]

Hello just want to see if I'm being unreasonable /dense or if it's the garage selling the car.

I test drove a car I like twice last week and was ready to do a deal including a part exchange. The salesman couldn't produce a log book /v5 or any information on previous owners. Having been burnt before by not checking documents I was keen to look at the car's owner history. They told me it's all electronic now so I'll have to call again to view documents on their system (they seem to be using gdpr to explain everything).

I've paid for a vehicle check which covers mot history etc but not number of owners (lesson learned). I'm loathe to pay more given I'm concerned this business is inept. Reading through reviews the branch I'm dealing with gets a slating.

Am I in the wrong wanting to see a physical logbook?

We buy any car have a free car check that tells you the number of former keepers. You just need the car's number plate to run it

Also, not much use now but for future reference, you can get mot history including advisories, mileage etc using an app called vehicle smart 😊 it's free unless you're looking to check for further details like outstanding finance

Don't go near it. I've spent months looking for a used car and after scams galore finally got a decent one. If there is no lig book don't touch it. It's easy enough for the person selling it to get a replacement log book and also you can phone the D.V.L.A with the reg of the car and they will look into it's history for you

The safest way to buy a used car is by buying an approved used one direct from dealerships. You may pay a bit more that you could get the same age and model etc from a private seller or backstreet seller, but it's worth it for the warranty, history, service and having somewhere reputable to go back to if any problems might arise

Thanks for the comments.
@HansBanans I used a similar check recommended on Honest John, it just lacked a few things.
@jenmagiciansgir it's a legit car sales company called Carsa. Unfortunately the people I've dealt with seem pretty clueless and patronising. I'm not going to buy from them.
@Kamek they are a car sales company. Just not a very good one( in my area at least) . I'll keep looking for the car I want and definitely buy from a dealership.
The car I'm hoping to buy isn't 10 a penny but patience is a must after this recent experience.

If it hasn't got a V5C how are you supposed to reregister it into your name? The dealership should get a replacement from DVLA.

It just sounds a bit dodgy TBH. No V5C suggests it may have come from auction which could be absolutely fine or it could’ve been put through auction for a reason. The fact that the dealer hasn’t sourced a new one and is being cagy around the rest of the history doesn’t fill me with confidence. Imagine what they’ll be like if you have any issues if they can’t even be arsed to present you with the paperwork?

@Shade17 that's exactly what I was thinking. My experience plus people who've left reviews made me walk away. They banged on about electronic v5 updating and thus not needing the actual document. Didn't fill me with confidence.

They can register it to you online, the only issue is you need the current V5C in order to do that 🤣. They sound like utter clowns, you did the right thing.

You don't need an app, you can do it on the government website here https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/
It also shows advisories etc

@Usernamesarenoteasy every day is a school day, didn't know you could do that! Thanks ☺️

I think you are being wise not to buy. They sound as if they are not professional. The log book as to what they said gives them away. x