24 replies to this topic

[alicetheauto]

I've recently bought a project car, it's a '91 neon. When I bought it, it had been totally stripped to component form. Most of the bits are there (shell with VIN plate and scuttle stamp, subframe and suspension at the front, I think there's a rotten rear one too) but it has no number plates. The previous owner has had a falling out with family members who have the log book in their possession with no sign of reconciliation soon. I know him, and saw the car years ago before it was stripped so I know it's legit and not stolen.

Question is, how can I get a log book? I don't know the reg number, which the form asks for?

[Tamworthbay]

This has been asked before and I am sure the answer was that is was very difficult if not impossible. I am sure someone will confirm one way or the other. You don't need the actual plates, you just need to know the number. Would they have picture perhaps?

[Bubblebobble]

I hate to say it , but was he actually the registered keeper , not another family member ? Even if he is they might object in some way to your statement of ownership if they receive a letter from the DVLA .

[Carlos W]

DVLA say they have no way of searching on VIN numbers (even though the Police can)

 

You really need the V5.

 

Do you know his family? Could you offer them £30 for it?

[alicetheauto]

Damn. Looks like I'm begging then. I need to sort the paperwork out before I invest in it. I don't intend to build a ringer.

[ANON]

hpi check on the chassis number will give you the reg.

[Bubblebobble]

Perhaps they will be more agreeable , seen as its yours now and not the person they dont get on with. Fingers crossed

[alicetheauto]

That's my plan. I've asked the previous owner again to have another look through his photos and see if he can find the number plate. I'm gathering the pieces needed to rebuild it, (panels, engine, bushings, gearbox and carb rebuild kits etc) but don't want to fit them if I can't legally get ownership of the car.

[Ben_O]

Do you have the glass with the car? You might find that the Reg is etched into each window.

 

Now i know it might not be the original glass but if enough of the windows have the same reg then thats a good sign.

Plus you can do a dvla check on the reg on the glass and it will tell you the colour which will narrow it down more.

 

Worth a try!

 

Ben

[The Matt]

I find it odd that the person selling it doesn't know their own car's registration number.  Surely they must know it? If not from memory, then surely from an old photo, from an old insurance document, or from something else???

[Ben_O]

I find it odd that the person selling it doesn't know their own car's registration number.  Surely they must know it? If not from memory, then surely from an old photo, from an old insurance document, or from something else???

Agreed

[The Matt]

I just find it utterly bizarre that anyone could even think it was OK to sell a car and not know the reg number, leaving the buyer to have to deal with it.  Maybe I've got a weird perspective on it, as I can remember the reg number on every car I've ever owned.

[Ben_O]

as I can remember the reg number on every car I've ever owned.

I thought i was the only one! 

[mab01uk]

As said you can use some HPI checks to get the number.

Many Car Dealers use Experian as it can give most information but there are different levels of access as with the DVLA database, so a member of the public may not get the full trade info.....unless you know a friendly car dealer who can make inquiry on your behalf.........

https://www.autocheck.uk.experian.com/

Edited by mab01uk, 14 December 2014 - 09:58 AM.

[MrBounce]

I personally wouldn't even consider buying a car where I have no idea of the VRM. There are so many potential problems it just isn't worth messing around with. If you can find the number, then it's not a problem. But without? I wouldn't touch it!!