Buying from a dealer vs a private seller

Buying from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies. The vehicle must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If it is not, you have a short-term right to reject within 30 days, and further rights after that.

Buying privately, almost none of that applies. The seller must describe the vehicle accurately and must have the right to sell it — but "satisfactory quality" is not part of the deal. If it breaks the next day, that is your problem.

Most HP and PCP lenders will only fund a purchase from a registered trader, because they need an invoice and a clear title chain. For a private purchase, an unsecured personal loan is normally the route.

Every one of these is worth doing, and together they take under an hour.

1. Run a provenance check for outstanding finance, insurance write-off markers, and whether the vehicle has been stolen.
2. Check the MOT history online for mileage consistency and recurring advisories.
3. Confirm the seller is the registered keeper on the V5C, and that the address matches where you are viewing.
4. Check the V5C document reference against DVLA records — cloned documents are common.
5. View in daylight, at the seller's home, never at a neutral meeting point.
6. Take someone with you, and consider an independent inspection on anything expensive.

On an expensive or complex vehicle, the statutory protections and the availability of HP and PCP often justify the higher price. On an inexpensive runabout where you can absorb a bad outcome, a private sale carries less consequence.