Buying a SORN car

All you need to do is to tax it as you normally would and that'll remove the SORN. Might need to do it at local DVLA office with it being a change of keeper.

You need to have proof of insurance and MOT with you (Policy or cover note) and the green "new keepers" part from the log book filled in then simply go to a post office and tax it. I believe most Post Offices can check these electronically anyway these days, however the last one I did at a PO could not.

Mike P

I think you can still do it at a PO with the new keepers slip as long as you have the other docs or the insurance./MOT can be checked on relevant databases. I would say in this case to take the docs to the PO as the Insurance database (IME) can be slow to update if you've just got insurance within the last couple of days.

Mike P

"bruce snipped-for-privacy@my-deja.com" gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying:

You need to tax it. No more, no less. You can do it at the PO using the "New keeper" slip, insurance, MOT.

If you don't, you need to re-SORN it.

AFAIK there is no difference in the paperwork between buying a SORNed car than one that isn't SORNed. Once it's registered in your name, and insured, it can be taxed online, by telephoning the DVLA or via a PO.

Best advice if you are doubtful of your own abilities, is to go with someone who 'knows' cars. Mike.

Without a renewal notice you'll need to fill in a V10 form (download available from the dvla web). The green new keepers slip is valid for 2 months to get tax. Need insurance in your own name. Or if the previous keeper is still insured bung him/her the money and ask if they can tax it.

Agree who's responsible if you're pulled for (test-)driving a SORNed car on the road? It could happen ...

Ian

Thanks for the replies. But it's all academic now. I was the first to ring in about the car, at 1 PM. And I arranged a visit for 5:30 PM. But someone (probably a trader) bought it at about 4 PM. Unfortunately, I have to work until 5 PM. Any small Jap car with good MPG seems to be gone in 60 seconds nowadays! I thought with the credit crunch that cars would stay on the market for a while... Bruce

It is always the driver. There are no extenuating circumstances, or get out clauses.

I suspect the keeper would get a bollocking too, having made the SORN declaration. This is why anyone _selling_ a SORNed car needs to make sure they get the paperwork right. Except that, AIUI, means not releasing the car until the DVLA have the change of ownership form, which is impractical.

There is no change of ownership form to send. There is a change of keeper form, but that is entirely legally distinct to the owner.

A car on hire purchase is legally owned by the finance company until the last payment and any other charges are paid, but the V5 is in the name of the person who is usually the driver.

Not small jap cars they don't break and sip petrol, mainly large european and american 4x4s, followed by large japanese 4x4s and european saloons in that order are the ones not selling.

It means as long as you factor in the running costs, you can make a bargain on the purchase.

Thanks for putting me right on that one. Does it make any difference to what I was saying? Nope.

Dead right, as I have just done it, and you do not have to fill in any forms at the PO.