Carvex
Sign in List a car

Buyer safety

A used car is a big purchase. These steps take minutes and avoid the most common problems.

Before you travel

  • Message the seller through Carvex so there is a record of what was promised.
  • Ask for the registration and check the MOT history on the GOV.UK service.
  • Be suspicious of prices far below the market, or sellers who will not take a call.

At the viewing

  • Meet at the seller's home or business address in daylight, and take someone with you.
  • Check the V5C logbook name and address match the seller, and the VIN matches the car.
  • Drive it from cold, test the brakes, look for mismatched paint and uneven tyre wear.
  • Consider a paid history check for finance, write-off and mileage markers.

Paying

  • Never pay a deposit to someone you have not met or a car you have not seen.
  • Reserve through the marketplace so the amount, date and status are recorded.
  • Carvex does not hold funds in escrow and does not insure private sales — pay the balance only when you are happy with the car and paperwork.

If something feels wrong

Walk away, then use the report link on the advert. You can also contact our team with the advert details.

This is a prototype marketplace. The wording on this page is a plain-English placeholder and is not legal advice; it should be reviewed by a solicitor before any real launch.