slow-lane-Matt
Well-known member
Things to check when buying an old VW (posted with the benefit of hindsight)
Investigate seller – google name – mobile number – take notice of negative feedback
Don’t be rushed
Take photo of their driving license
Get signed receipt with address - and proof it's the correct address - not just where they happen to invite you to view
Check MOT – you can check current MOT and history on DVLA website– for example current MOT shows no advisories – the history shows welding was done on the same date the non advisory certificate was issued.
Don’t view in wet (OK that’s bloody obvious but not easy to arrange if you've travelled far by train) - apart from not being able to see body work condition you can’t see leaking brake fluid / oil
If the yellow part of the registration doc is missing you are buying from a dealer or dealer posing as private seller - if the later be very suspicious, at very best they're trying to avoid dealer obligations so you are being disadvantaged.
New V5 registration documents were issued a few years ago make sure you use the new type –
Most important of all – don’t believe a f*king word the seller says unless backed up by something solid.
What they don’t say is far more important than what they do say
Make a list of everything to check before leaving home
Verify everything they say (f*cking lying bastards)
If in doubt walk away - no exceptions
Yeah I have just had a bad experience – and yeah reading the above it's all so f*g obvious - but it's easy to get carried away when looking
at a shiny new car !
Maybe this can help someone else...
Investigate seller – google name – mobile number – take notice of negative feedback
Don’t be rushed
Take photo of their driving license
Get signed receipt with address - and proof it's the correct address - not just where they happen to invite you to view
Check MOT – you can check current MOT and history on DVLA website– for example current MOT shows no advisories – the history shows welding was done on the same date the non advisory certificate was issued.
Don’t view in wet (OK that’s bloody obvious but not easy to arrange if you've travelled far by train) - apart from not being able to see body work condition you can’t see leaking brake fluid / oil
If the yellow part of the registration doc is missing you are buying from a dealer or dealer posing as private seller - if the later be very suspicious, at very best they're trying to avoid dealer obligations so you are being disadvantaged.
New V5 registration documents were issued a few years ago make sure you use the new type –
Most important of all – don’t believe a f*king word the seller says unless backed up by something solid.
What they don’t say is far more important than what they do say
Make a list of everything to check before leaving home
Verify everything they say (f*cking lying bastards)
If in doubt walk away - no exceptions
Yeah I have just had a bad experience – and yeah reading the above it's all so f*g obvious - but it's easy to get carried away when looking
at a shiny new car !
Maybe this can help someone else...