I came across this site today which has some really good advice for anyone buying or selling a car, whether online or otherwise.
https://www.getsafeonline.org/shoppi...ling-vehicles/
Here is an excerpt:
Safe Buying
Pay for the vehicle when you physically collect it from the seller. Never send money abroad or to a payment protection service.
If the vehicle is being offered at a much cheaper price, it could be the sign of a scam. Always check the market value by getting a valuation or comparing the price on Auto Trader or similar sites.
Physically check the vehicle (preferably in daylight) and its documentation V5C document (also known as the logbook, service history and MOT certificates before handing over any money.
Check the mileage appearing on the milometer matches its service history and old MOT certificates. On analogue milometers, ensure the numbered barrels line up. Check the general condition matches its age and supposed mileage.
Check or have an expert check that the vehicle is not a cut and shut (two or more vehicles welded together).
Check that the V5C is authentic, with a DVLA watermark. Check the serial number in the top right-hand corner if it falls into the following range it could be stolen and the police should be informed: BG8229501 to BG9999030, and BI2305501 to BI2800000.
View the vehicle at the sellers home and check the address is the same as the one listed on the registration document (V5C). Ensure that the seller is the recorded keeper, otherwise they may not be legally entitled to sell the vehicle.
Check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the same as that on the V5C. This number is commonly found on the chassis, on the windscreen or on the floor by the drivers seat. Check that this has not been tampered with.
Get a car history check to find out whether the vehicle has been recorded as stolen, written off, scrapped or is subject to outstanding finance. You can check online to find out what information the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) holds about a vehicle. Other organisations including Auto Trader offer car history checks.
https://www.getsafeonline.org/shoppi...ling-vehicles/
Here is an excerpt:
Safe Buying
Pay for the vehicle when you physically collect it from the seller. Never send money abroad or to a payment protection service.
If the vehicle is being offered at a much cheaper price, it could be the sign of a scam. Always check the market value by getting a valuation or comparing the price on Auto Trader or similar sites.
Physically check the vehicle (preferably in daylight) and its documentation V5C document (also known as the logbook, service history and MOT certificates before handing over any money.
Check the mileage appearing on the milometer matches its service history and old MOT certificates. On analogue milometers, ensure the numbered barrels line up. Check the general condition matches its age and supposed mileage.
Check or have an expert check that the vehicle is not a cut and shut (two or more vehicles welded together).
Check that the V5C is authentic, with a DVLA watermark. Check the serial number in the top right-hand corner if it falls into the following range it could be stolen and the police should be informed: BG8229501 to BG9999030, and BI2305501 to BI2800000.
View the vehicle at the sellers home and check the address is the same as the one listed on the registration document (V5C). Ensure that the seller is the recorded keeper, otherwise they may not be legally entitled to sell the vehicle.
Check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the same as that on the V5C. This number is commonly found on the chassis, on the windscreen or on the floor by the drivers seat. Check that this has not been tampered with.
Get a car history check to find out whether the vehicle has been recorded as stolen, written off, scrapped or is subject to outstanding finance. You can check online to find out what information the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) holds about a vehicle. Other organisations including Auto Trader offer car history checks.