How do you pay for a 2nd hand van in person without them running off with your cash?

John786

So I don wan o hand over 700 pounds and have hem close he door on me and call he police pretend I didn give them the money etc.

MW123

John, I can understand why you're worried, £700 is a lot of money to hand over. Before you go to collect the van, write out a simple piece of paper with the date, the amount you are paying, the van’s registration number, and leave space for the seller’s name and signature.

Before you hand over a penny, make sure you have the logbook (called the V5C). This is the official DVLA document that shows who is the registered keeper of the van. You’ll need it to tax the vehicle, and without it, things can get tricky. You would have to apply and pay for a new logbook and wait for it to arrive before you can tax the van and legally drive it.

It’s also worth asking to see the seller’s driving licence. Check that the name and address match the logbook, and that the photo matches the person standing in front of you. You want to be sure the person selling the van is actually allowed to do so.

A genuine seller will understand that you are simply looking after yourself. If they are happy to show the logbook and ID, and you are confident they are allowed to sell the van, ask them to sign your pre-written receipt. Once that’s done and everything feels right, take the keys, and then hand over the money.

Also, take your own driving licence with you. I’m sure the seller will want to confirm your name and address too, so they can prove they sold the van to you when they notify the DVLA they are no longer the registered keeper.

John, I hope everything goes smoothly, and I wish you and your new van many happy miles travelling together in the future. xx

P.S. John, forgot to mention. If you know the van’s registration number, pop it into the DVLA website. It’s free, and it will show you the MOT history, including any past failures or advisories for work that might still need doing. It’s a quick way to get a feel for how well the van’s been looked after.

michael57

I will add just make sure you have the van insured before you drive it even if its just to your home unless someone with trade plates can pick it up for you

OverlyAnxious

I've bought and sold over 30 used cars. Vast majority for cash. I never even considered someone might do that. Perhaps I live in a safer area? Or perhaps it's just the changing times?

Problem is the seller will likely be as cautious of you as you are of them. Playing devils advocate, why should they hand over the keys or the logbook without knowing you've got the money?

As has been mentioned above, you must insure and tax the vehicle before you can drive it away now. Tax has not been transferable for the last few years. Also as you're looking at cheaper vans, you will need to make sure there is some MOT left in order to tax it.

I can't remember whether you get any PIP Mobility? If you get Enhanced Mobility you will need to change the logbook class to disabled at a Post Office, which gives you free road tax. If you get standard Mobility, then pay for the road tax as normal, but you can then request a 50% refund from DVLA afterwards. If you only get UC, no PIP, then you can ignore this paragraph.

MW123

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1082051#Comment_1082051

Fair point Michael. If John goes ahead insurance is a legal requirement but since he’s still unsure I’d go for one day temporary cover just to get the vehicle home. If you take out a year's insurance and then cancel the administration fees are astronomical.

John should be aware he can arrange temporary insurance and sort out permanent cover once the vehicle is home. Just thinking about John spending money he can ill afford if the sale doesn’t go ahead.