Buying a car

If you want to buy a second-hand car, it's worth spending a little extra and getting DEKRA (www.dekra-assured.com) to check the car's mechanics first.  They currently offer an inspection service costing from £140 (yeah, I know it sounds expensive, but it could save you from buying a complete lemon!)

If a DEKRA inspection is something you're not willing to pay for, then at the very least, follow these commonsense rules:

1. Arrange to view a car during daylight, preferably at the seller's home.
2. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the VIN on the registration certificate.
3. Check the bodywork for signs of damage, rust and repair/welding.
4. Check the lights, alarm, horn and windscreen wipers are working.
5. Check the mileage.
6. Ask to see the service history.
7. Take the car for a test drive and make sure the drive is long enough to actually test the car's steering, brakes and clutch. Ideally, choose a route with a variety of road conditions and listen for odd noises.

REMEMBER, once you have bought a car, it must be registered, insured and taxed before you start driving it.

Important: If you are unfortunate enough to purchase a car, which is later identified as stolen, you have no right to keep the vehicle.  The car will be returned to its registered owner and your only option is to try and recover the money you paid for the car from the seller.

Vehicle Registration
When you buy a car, ask the seller for the Vehicle Registration form (V5).  A V5 states the car's registration and the name and address of the registered keeper of the car.  By law, you must complete the buyer's portion of the V5 and send it to the DVLA.  You will then be issued with a new registration document which will have your name listed as the registered keeper.

MOT
All cars in the UK must hold a valid MOT certificate.  Such a certificate ensures that a vehicle reaches the roadworthiness and environmental standards required by the UK Government.  An MOT certificate lasts for one year and costs £44.15.  Any work needed to make the vehicle roadworthy will cost extra.

Important: Driving a vehicle without an MOT can result in a fine and/or prosecution.

Tax
Every car in the UK, must display on its windscreen a Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) disc.  This is commonly referred to as a 'tax disc'.

You can buy a 'tax disc' from the Post Office.  You need to complete form V10 and take it to a Post Office along with your V5, a valid certificate of insurance, a current MOT certificate and the fee - the cost of a VED disc differs according to the age and engine size of the vehicle.  More information can be found on the DVLA website (www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/vehlicnc.htm).

Important: Failure to display a valid 'tax disc' on the windscreen of your vehicle can result in your vehicle being clamped or impounded.

Insurance
If you wish to drive in the UK, you must have insurance.  Polices range from third party to fully comprehensive and prices differ greatly between companies, so shop around!

Important: Driving without car insurance is a criminal offence.

Selling your car
When you sell your car, make sure you notify the DVLA that you are no longer the registered owner (you do this by completing the relevant part of the V5 form). Failure to notify the DVLA of a vehicle transfer is a criminal offence.