Documentation

You must try to get all the legal documentation relating to the vehicle you are purchasing, and as many additional documents and as much information on the vehicle as you possibly can.

There are certain vital documents that you must receive, the V5 logbook and if the car is more than 3 years old, a current MOT certificate. Don't accept photocopies, unless there is a good and valid reason such as the logbook is with the DVLA in Swansea .

Additional documents could be past MOT Certificates (these should give you a mileage check as well as other information), invoices for servicing and parts, the service record, handbooks, etc.

The service book should have been completed by the dealership with their company stamp, although some main dealers now don't fill the service book in but keep records on their, or the manufacturer's database. You should call the dealer to check this if needed.

The V5 logbook is the essential document. It provides lots of information about the vehicle and you should examine it carefully before you complete any purchase.

If the seller can't show you a V5, or the form doesn't look right, be very careful before purchasing. You can seek further advice by calling the DVLA on 0870 240 0010.

It will be deemed illegal, from October 2002, to sell any vehicle without a valid V5 document.