A private car sale is a binding contract even without paperwork – but if there is a later dispute over mileage, faults or who owns what, a written agreement is your proof. It protects both the private seller and the buyer.
✓ Covered by the Tamgara template
Private sales: “buyer beware”
When you buy from a private seller the rule is caveat emptor – you are only entitled to expect the car to be “as described”, not that it is of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose. Those Consumer Rights Act 2015 protections apply when you buy from a trader, not a private individual.
✓ Covered by the Tamgara template
“Sold as seen” – a trader restriction, not a private one
A private seller may sell a car as it is. Traders, by contrast, must not use phrases like “sold as seen” or “no refunds” to limit your statutory rights. Either way, no seller may lie about the car – misdescription and misrepresentation remain actionable.
✓ Covered by the Tamgara template
Describe mileage, MOT and known faults honestly
Record the odometer reading, MOT status and any known faults or accident damage. A false statement (for example “no known faults” when there are) can make the seller liable for misrepresentation, whatever the contract says.
✓ Covered by the Tamgara template
V5C logbook and notifying the DVLA
Complete the V5C (logbook) transfer and tell the DVLA about the sale. Until the DVLA records the change of keeper, you can remain liable for tax and penalties – so keep your part of the V5C and confirm the handover in writing.
ℹ️ Good to know
No cooling-off period on a private sale
The 14-day right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 applies to distance sales from a trader – not to private sales. Once a private sale is agreed and completed, there is no automatic right to return the car.
✓ Covered by the Tamgara template
Secure the test drive and payment
Check the driver’s licence and insurance before a test drive. On completion, hand over the car against confirmed payment (cash or cleared/confirmed bank transfer) and record receipt of payment in the agreement.
✅ All there – and checked by hand: our template covers the points listed above. Editorially reviewed (as of July 2026). You can of course use your own template too – filling in and signing work with any PDF. Not a substitute for legal advice.
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