Most used car problems start with a question that sounds simple: can I buy this? Can I sell that? This page gives the short answer first, then links to a full guide for each situation.
These guides explain how things generally work in the UK. They are not legal or financial advice, and individual lenders and insurers set their own rules.
Yes, if it has been properly repaired and you check it carefully
Yes, but non-structural does not mean trouble-free
Can I insure a Cat S car?
Usually yes, but you must declare it and some insurers decline
Can I insure a Cat S car?
Can I finance a Cat N car?
Sometimes, it depends on the lender
Can I finance a Cat N car?
Can I sell a written-off car?
Cat S and Cat N yes, if you tell the buyer. Cat A and B no
Can I sell a written-off car?
Can I buy a car with outstanding finance?
You can, but you should not
Buying a car with outstanding finance
Can I sell a car with outstanding finance?
Yes, once the finance is settled
Selling a car with outstanding finance
Can I buy a car with no V5C?
It is not recommended, and you should not hand over money without it
Can I buy a car without an MOT?
Yes, but you generally cannot drive it away on the road
Buying a car without an MOT
Can I drive without an MOT?
No, except to a pre-booked test or to a repair
Can I drive without road tax?
No, and tax does not transfer when you buy a car
To look up a car’s MOT or tax status, use the free MOT check and tax check, or read how to check MOT history before buying and check road tax.
Check the car before you decide
Almost every answer above comes down to the same thing: what is the car’s real history? A vehicle history check shows whether a car has outstanding finance, has been written off, or is recorded as stolen, and whether its mileage adds up.
•
Start with a free check of the registration at carverified.co.uk
•
See the write-off check and finance check for what each report covers
•
Use our free used car checklist when you go to see a car