What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Should I buy a used car that has outstanding finance on it?

The private seller has a secured loan on the car I'm looking to buy. What's the best way to handle this? Rather than trust him to settle the loan once I've paid him, should I insist that he clears the loan first, or is it safe for me to settle his finance directly with the lender, and then pay the balance to him?

Asked on 9 October 2024 by martin tonbridge

Answered by Craig Cheetham
In all honesty, we would walk away from this one. You can't settle the loan for the vendor and if you buy the car with outstanding finance, then the finance company's interest in. the vehicle remains. It's too great a risk. We'd advise you to look elsewhere, unless the vendor settles the finance in advance and can prove it is settled.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I sold a car three months ago, which I’d bought privately two months prior as a fixer upper. I occasionally fix cars as more of a hobby than as a money maker. The car was a non-runner when I bought it....
How do I check if my car was involved in an accident?
I have found a used car that I wish to buy, however, I have become suspicious about the past financial history of the car. I think it may have been bought on finance and there are still payments to be...