v5c reference number request

[uz4]

Looking to buy an advertised e86 and wanted to do my own research of car history. Gov.uk site requires 11 digit reference number for thorough check and so asked seller if he would give number. He declined. Checking out other forums it has been suggested any potential buyers who ask for such info are criminals and scammers. I don't think I am either For all I know the seller (trade) is less than legit and trying to conceal something of a dodgy past. Is it really so not PC to ask for such "sensitive" information.

[mmm-five]

What gov.uk site is requiring the V5C reference?

For MOT history on the gov.uk site - and most other companies who offer vehicle checks - the registration number will suffice.

Places like HPI will ask you to verify the VIN number to give you full cover, but you can do that when you see the car as the VIN is on display and the bottom of the passenger side windscreen.

[abar121]

Sorry, but the V5c reference number is only needed to make changes to the V5 or to it's registration status. With it, you can transfer the V5 registration.

This should never be given out by the current owner.

[bigwinn]

Sorry, but the V5c reference number is only needed to make changes to the V5 or to it's registration status. With it, you can transfer the V5 registration.

This should never be given out by the current owner.

+1 agree- fairly sensitive info

[Zulu4]

I can understand why the owner doesn't want to divulge the VIN, but I also wanted the VIN during my last search for a car so that I could look up the exact build options and service histories. Fortunately for me the trade sellers were willing.

[uz4]

What gov.uk site is requiring the V5C reference?

For MOT history on the gov.uk site - and most other companies who offer vehicle checks - the registration number will suffice.

Places like HPI will ask you to verify the VIN number to give you full cover, but you can do that when you see the car as the VIN is on display and the bottom of the passenger side windscreen.

DVSA - to view test location, certificate.
According to basic information, car has had perfect mot passes, no fails, no advisories in last 3 tests. 2006 model with 93k. Too good to be true or should I just sell the wife and kids and buy immediately?

[mmm-five]

I can understand why the owner doesn't want to divulge the VIN, but I also wanted the VIN during my last search for a car so that I could look up the exact build options and service histories. Fortunately for me the trade sellers were willing.

He's not asking about the VIN, he's asking about the V5C reference code - which can be used to change keeper details on the DVLA website...and effectively 'steal' the car.

[abar121]

The V5 reference number is not needed to do any worthwhile checks.

OP, do a HPI check based on the reg number. Then ask for and add the VIN number when the sale has been agreed (before handling over cash) and re-check the report. If all good, that's the best you can do.

[mmm-five]

What gov.uk site is requiring the V5C reference?

For MOT history on the gov.uk site - and most other companies who offer vehicle checks - the registration number will suffice.

Places like HPI will ask you to verify the VIN number to give you full cover, but you can do that when you see the car as the VIN is on display and the bottom of the passenger side windscreen.

DVSA - to view test location, certificate.
According to basic information, car has had perfect mot passes, no fails, no advisories in last 3 tests. 2006 model with 93k. Too good to be true or should I just sell the wife and kids and buy immediately?

So it's just to see the MOT centre details, as your spidey-senses are tingling?

I suppose you could see a 'perfect' history as highly-suspicious, or just proof that an owner has taken care of their vehicle?

This is my Z4MC MOT history (before it was put on SORN for an extended period):

2021-06-20_16-23-00.png (190.12 KiB) Viewed 552 times

This is my 320D MOT history:

2021-06-20_16-19-40.png (186.09 KiB) Viewed 552 times

If the owner doesn't want to give you the reference, then there's nothing much you can do about it, plus that reference may only give you the last MOT station if it's changed owners.

[abar121]

I rather know if it's been stolen or an insurance right off.

Sounds like time wasting / tyre kicking to me..

[bigwinn]

What’s the reg I can run a check?

[uz4]

bigwinn: Is this safe? lol YF56LVZ

[skelters]

Spend the money and pay for an RAC or AA check along with an Autotrader check on the car to find out just about everything. The more checks that are done then the info back should cover everything.

Also phone the licencing folk and give them the reg of the car. They should be able to tell you a good bit of info on the car like reg changes to private plates, written off, stolen etc.

If all that comes back ok then get an RAC or AA check done on the car and you'll get a list of things to be fixed along with an accurate valuation.

The online checks from RAC, AA and Autotrader and a pre purchase inspection and valuation from AA or RAC will pay for itself and is well worth the money.

After that it's up to you!

[uz4]

Many thanks for all advice and comments.

[Zulu4]

I can understand why the owner doesn't want to divulge the VIN, but I also wanted the VIN during my last search for a car so that I could look up the exact build options and service histories. Fortunately for me the trade sellers were willing.

He's not asking about the VIN, he's asking about the V5C reference code - which can be used to change keeper details on the DVLA website...and effectively 'steal' the car.

Sorry, I'll punish myself with 100 lines of "I must pay attention".