buying a car

[miscy]

What is the protocol for buying a car in the UK. Does one need a UK license? Where should one look for a used vehicle?

[bbp07]

Yeah, I'm tring to figure this out too. My plan is to go talk to a car insurance agent. But as far as having an UK license, it depends on what country your from. I'm from the US and so I can drive on my US license for up to a year, but then I have to get an UK license. You could probably go to the police station and find out more details.

[orudge]

I don't believe you actually need a licence to own a car. All you need to do is fill out the new owner supplement in the registration document, and send that off to the DVLA, who will update the logbook (the V5C) and send it back to you. You'll need to do this in order to be able to tax the car or get an MOT. You'll also need a valid insurance certificate before you can tax the car - be warned, insurance can be very expensive for young drivers! Not sure if you can get insurance without a UK licence, either - you'd have to look into that.

More information on the direct.gov.uk site here.

[sushiguru]

I don't believe you actually need a licence to own a car. All you need to do is fill out the new owner supplement in the registration document, and send that off to the DVLA, who will update the logbook (the V5C) and send it back to you. You'll need to do this in order to be able to tax the car or get an MOT. You'll also need a valid insurance certificate before you can tax the car - be warned, insurance can be very expensive for young drivers! Not sure if you can get insurance without a UK licence, either - you'd have to look into that.

More information on the direct.gov.uk site here.

IIRC, you can get insurance without a licence as this is essential even if the car is never driven, but it is parked on a public road. As for what to look for:

• High mileage/low mileage that doesn't agree with the wear and tear of the car
• Dodgy sounds (from engine, not stereo)
• Smoke/blue exhaust
• Check all four wheels for tyre wear, condition of shocks and springs
• Check VIN matches body and engine, and V5...
• ...and that plates, colour and description match V5...
• ...and owner on V5 is the person you're buying from
• Check MOT certificate against V5 - can also check MOT cert for mileage and VIN
• Never buy a car in a public place - go to the owner's home (but not alone).
• Check bodywork for dodgy/bad paint repairs, welding, paint overspray etc. Lift carpets in boot and check body in there (good place for evidence of a bad rear-end shunt repair).
• Take it for a test drive - insist on this. Drive for 20-30 mins on all types of road (get it to the dual at the Tay Bridgehead and give it a blast) and back. Check exhaust colour, guages etc after it's had a decent run. How did it handle?
• Check the brakes when you're out.

If in doubt - take along someone who knows more than you do

G.

[sushiguru]

I also forgot; if your US licence is for driving an automatic car, that's all you'll be licenced for in the UK too. Automatics are often more expensive to buy as they are fewer and further between, and are mostly owned by old people who wee in the seats.

Tip: when you sit your UK test, sit it in a manual...