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A trader wants to buy my car. What should I be wary of?

A trader has offered to buy my car at an acceptable price with no test drive, sight unseen, paying by bank transfer. He will trailer it away and says he is local. What should I be wary of? He said he will fill in the V5 details online when he's here.

Asked on 11 June 2021 by peter

Answered by Andrew Brady
Traders are really struggling to source good stock at the moment so this isn't surprising. There's nothing to be wary of, really – just treat it like you would any sale. Don't release the car until the funds are in your account and print off a receipt for both of you to sign (this one from the AA covers everything: www.theaa.com/car-buying/buyers-sellers-contracts). Use the DVLA's online service (between the hours of 7am and 7pm) to inform them you've sold the car into the motor trade: www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle
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