Motora Safety Centre

Compare the price with similar vehicles. An unusually low price, pressure to pay immediately, refusal to allow a viewing or a seller who is always abroad are reasons to stop and investigate. Do not pay to reserve a vehicle you cannot verify.

Check registration, MOT history and mileage independently. Compare documents, vehicle identification number (VIN), registration and the vehicle itself. A V5C records the registered keeper; it is not proof of ownership. Ask for evidence of the seller’s right to sell.

GOV.UK: checks when buying a used vehicle · Check MOT history.

Ask about write-offs, repairs, stolen/recovered history, outstanding finance, mileage discrepancies and imports. Missing information is not a clear history. Obtain an independent history check where needed and inspect supporting documents; a seller declaration is not a substitute.

Category A vehicles must be scrapped; Category B bodies must be crushed, although some parts may be salvaged. Category S means structural damage and Category N non-structural damage. S/N vehicles may return to use only after appropriate repair and roadworthiness requirements are met. Legacy C/D categories use older criteria. A category does not tell you the current repair quality. GOV.UK: write-off categories.

Outstanding finance can affect the seller’s right to sell. Verify any settlement directly with the finance provider using independently obtained contact details. Do not accept a screenshot as proof. Check import documents and explanations for gaps or inconsistent mileage. Stop if theft is suspected.

Meet in daylight at a suitable, verifiable location; tell someone where you are going and consider taking another person. Check the vehicle thoroughly and consider an independent mechanical inspection. Do not put yourself at risk to investigate a suspicious advert.

Agree a safe test-drive arrangement. Check the driver’s licence and appropriate insurance before a test drive; the vehicle’s usual policy may not cover the visitor. Keep control of keys and documents and avoid leaving someone alone with the vehicle.

Never share passwords, one-time codes or banking security details. Avoid gift-card, cryptocurrency, overpayment/refund and courier-payment requests. Do not follow unexpected payment links or trust a payment email or screenshot.

Verify the payment and recipient independently through your own bank or payment provider. Understand the protections and risks of your chosen method before paying. Sellers should verify receipt directly before handing over keys and documents. A deposit is not proof a vehicle or buyer is genuine.

Motora does not collect vehicle purchase payments and offers no escrow service, payment guarantee or vehicle verification fee. Be suspicious of anyone claiming otherwise.

Use current photographs of the actual vehicle and disclose known faults and history accurately. Do not hide write-off, finance, stolen/recovered, mileage or import concerns. Only advertise with the legal right to sell, and mark an advert sold when appropriate.

Check photos for documents, faces, addresses and other private details. Use the intended public contact details and a general town/city. Do not send identity documents or codes to a supposed buyer. Beware fake bank messages and buyers asking you to pay a fee to receive their money.

Motor traders must identify their business role and comply with applicable UK consumer protection obligations. A marketplace advert does not remove those duties or a buyer’s statutory rights. Private sellers must also describe vehicles honestly and have the right to sell.

Use Report Listing on the vehicle advert or Contact Motora. Include the advert reference and relevant facts, without unnecessary personal information. Reports go to the owner for review; they do not automatically remove an advert.

If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank promptly and use the police’s official reporting channels. In an immediate emergency call 999. Keep relevant evidence securely. See what Motora does and does not verify.