What documents should I get when I buy a used car?

You should leave with, or shortly receive, the following:

• V5C registration certificate — the logbook. The dealer notifies the DVLA of the change of keeper and you should receive your new V5C within a few weeks. Check the details match the car, particularly the VIN and registration.
• Service history — either a stamped book or digital records, plus any invoices for work carried out.
• MOT certificate — and you can verify the full MOT history free on the government's service.
• Sales invoice or order form — showing exactly what you bought, the price, and anything agreed such as work to be completed.
• Warranty documentation — what is covered, for how long, and how to claim.
• Finance agreement, if you are financing, including your cooling-off rights.
• Both keys where they exist, plus locking wheel nut key, handbooks and any charging cables on an electric or plug-in car.

Two things worth doing before you pay: check the V5C is in the seller's name at the seller's address, and satisfy yourself the car has no outstanding finance against it. A car with finance still owing can be repossessed from you even after you have paid for it in good faith.

Every car we sell is history checked before sale, and the paperwork is prepared for handover rather than promised afterwards.