FAQ

Yes, we service all makes and models of cars at our Essex workshop, but this service is exclusively available to customers who purchase a service plan with their vehicle from LMC.  Whether you drive a Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, or any other brand, our experienced technicians can maintain your car to manufacturer standards. This ensures we provide the highest quality service to our valued customers while maintaining our commitment to excellence.

We're based in Upminster, Essex, and proudly serve motorists across the local area, including Grays, Romford, Hornchurch, Brentwood, and the wider Essex region. Our convenient location makes it easy for customers throughout the county to access professional car servicing without travelling to London.  We offer free customer parking and complimentary hot drinks while you wait - and both dogs and children are welcome at our showroom!

No, we don't currently provide MOT testing at our LMC Upminster facility. However, our comprehensive 3-year servicing plan includes regular vehicle health checks that help identify potential issues before your MOT is due.  We focus on preventative maintenance through our service plans to keep your car in peak condition year-round. If you need an MOT, we're happy to recommend trusted local testing centres near our used car dealership in Essex.

While TfL (Transport for London) has not announced immediate plans to tighten ULEZ emission standards beyond current Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel) requirements, regulations could evolve as air quality targets develop. For example, the zone has already expanded significantly from its 2019 launch.  Choosing newer ULEZ compliant vehicles with Euro 6 standards (for both petrol and diesel) or zero-emission electric vehicles provides the best protection against potential future regulatory chang...

Currently, the ULEZ zone stops at Greater London's boundaries (within the M25). Transport for London has no announced plans to expand further. However, other UK cities, including Birmingham, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Bath, have introduced Clean Air Zones (CAZ) with similar emission-based charges.  While Essex and Thurrock aren't planning similar schemes, buying a ULEZ compliant vehicle future-proofs your purchase against potential regulatory changes and maintains higher resale value....

No stickers, badges, or permits are required for ULEZ compliant vehicles. The system works entirely through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras that check your registration against the DVLA database.  When you enter the zone in a compliant vehicle, the cameras recognise that your car meets the standards and no charge applies. This automatic system means no paperwork or displays are needed - instead, your vehicle's compliance is linked to its registration number.

When buying a used ULEZ compliant car, verify compliance using the TfL checker, check the service history for regular maintenance, inspect the MOT history for recurring issues, and confirm the Euro emissions standard in the V5C logbook.  Here at LMC, every vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection, comes with a transparent history, and includes confirmed ULEZ compliance, giving you complete peace of mind with your purchase.

You can pay the ULEZ charge on the TfL website, via the TfL app, by phone, or at selected Payzone retail locations. Payment can be made up to three days before entering the zone or by midnight on the third day after.  Setting up Auto Pay automatically charges your registered payment method when your vehicle enters the zone. However, paying £12.50 daily quickly becomes expensive - investing in a ULEZ compliant used car from LMC offers better long-term value.

All pure electric vehicles (EVs) are automatically ULEZ compliant as they produce zero emissions. Most plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) registered after 2015 are also compliant. However, some older hybrid models, particularly those registered before 2012, may not meet ULEZ standards.  Self-charging hybrids and mild hybrids must meet the same Euro standards as conventional vehicles. At LMC, we stock a range of ULEZ compliant vehicles, including electric, hybrid, and modern petrol options to suit ...

Several exemptions exist, including vehicles with a disabled passenger tax class or disabled driver tax class, military vehicles, historic vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1973, and certain specialist vehicles.  Blue Badge holders do not automatically receive exemption - only vehicles with the specific disabled tax class qualify. Residents living within the original central ULEZ zone had a sunset period for exemptions, but these have now expired. Most drivers need a ULEZ compliant vehicle...

The ULEZ charge (£12.50 for most vehicles) is based on your vehicle's emissions standards and operates 24/7 across all of Greater London. The Congestion Charge (£15) applies only to Central London, Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday 12pm-6pm, regardless of your vehicle's emissions.  You may need to pay both charges if driving a non-compliant vehicle in Central London during Congestion Charge hours. Electric and ULEZ compliant vehicles still pay the Congestion Charge when applicable....

Driving a ULEZ compliant car saves £12.50 every day you enter the zone. For someone commuting into London five days per week, this amounts to £3,250 annually. Over three years, you'd save £9,750 in ULEZ charges alone, not counting the better fuel efficiency most compliant vehicles offer.  When purchasing a used car at LMC, choosing ULEZ compliant vehicles is a financially smart decision that quickly pays for any additional upfront cost through daily savings.

You can check any vehicle's ULEZ compliance using the official TfL vehicle checker tool at tfl.gov.uk by entering the registration number. At LMC, all our ULEZ compliant vehicles are clearly marked, and our sales team can verify compliance before purchase.  We recommend checking compliance for any used car before committing to buy, especially if you'll be driving in London regularly. The vehicle's V5C logbook will show the Euro emissions standard, which determines ULEZ compliance.

Since 29th August 2023, the ULEZ zone covers all areas within Greater London, extending to the M25 motorway boundaries. This expansion means the zone now affects approximately 9 million people across all London boroughs.  While Essex and Thurrock are not currently within the ULEZ, residents frequently travel into the zone for work, shopping, or leisure. If you live near the M25 or regularly drive into London, choosing a ULEZ compliant vehicle from LMC can save you thousands of pounds annually....

If you drive a non-compliant vehicle in the ULEZ without paying the £12.50 daily charge, you'll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. The charge applies every day you enter the zone, including weekends and bank holidays (except Christmas Day).  Cameras automatically read number plates at zone entry points, and fines are sent to the registered keeper's address. Repeated non-payment can result in increased penalties and debt collection action....

ULEZ compliant means a vehicle meets the minimum emission standards set by Transport for London's (TfL's) Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). For petrol cars, this means meeting Euro 4 standards (typically registered after 2005). Diesel vehicles must meet the stricter Euro 6 standards (typically registered after September 2015).  ULEZ compliant vehicles can drive in the expanded London zone without paying the daily £12.50 charge, making them essential for anyone regularly travelling into or through...

Yes! If you've got a cherished registration you want to keep or transfer to another car, you'll need to fill in a V317 form (available on the Government website) and send it to the DVLA along with a fee (currently £80).  This needs to be done before you sell the car to us. We can still buy your car during this process, but just give us a heads up so we know you're transferring the plate off. The car will then be given an age-related registration.

Yes, we'd prefer you to be there. It makes the whole process smoother and means we can ask you questions about the car's history and condition. Plus, you'll be able to see exactly what we're looking at and understand how we've reached our valuation.

Before you've signed the paperwork and we've transferred ownership, you can change your mind - that's fine. Once everything's signed and ownership has been transferred, it becomes more complicated. The best thing to do is make sure you're certain before you sign on the dotted line. Take your time, ask questions, and only proceed when you're completely happy.

If there's extra damage we weren't expecting, higher mileage than stated, or the condition isn't quite what you described, we'll need to adjust our offer. We'll explain exactly why and show you how we've calculated the new price. You're under no obligation to accept it - if you're not happy, no hard feelings, and you can take your car elsewhere. We'd rather be upfront than have anyone feel misled.

Insurance: Cancel it as soon as the sale's complete. If you don't, you could be held responsible for any claims or accidents involving the car after you've sold it. Your insurance company should refund you for any unused months. Give them a call on the same day you sell. Road tax: The good news is you'll automatically get a refund for any full months of tax remaining. The DVLA will send you a cheque. The bad news is the tax doesn't transfer to the new owner - but that's our problem, not yours! ...

Lots of things, really. Here are the main ones: Make and model - some cars are just more desirable than others Age - newer cars are generally worth more Mileage - lower mileage usually means better value Condition - bodywork, interior, and mechanical condition all matter Service history - full service history adds value MOT length - more months left on the MOT helps Number of previous owners - fewer is generally better Colour - yes, really! Silver, black, white, and grey tend to be mor...

You don't have to, but it definitely doesn't hurt! We're going to assess your car based on its actual condition, regardless, but presenting a clean car shows you've looked after it and helps us see the true condition of the paintwork and interior. A quick wash and hoover is plenty - no need to go mad with professional valets. 

Once we've agreed on the price and all the paperwork's sorted, we'll pay you by bank transfer directly into your account (this can take 3 to 5 working days in some cases). We don't do cash payments, and we don't charge any sneaky admin fees either - what we agree is what you get.

Selling your car to us means you just get the money (or we clear your finance if you have any), and then you're done. You can use that money for whatever you like. Part exchange means you trade your current car in against one of our used cars. The value of your car goes towards the cost of your next one, so you'd pay less (or need less finance) for your replacement vehicle. The big advantage is you're not left without a car during the process. Both options start the same way - we value your ca...

A full service history (FSH) definitely helps your car's value, but not having one doesn't mean we won't buy it. We'll still give you a fair price based on the car's overall condition. If you've had the car serviced but don't have the stamps in the book, any receipts will help. Even if you've got nothing, we'll still have a look - we judge each car on its own merits.

Yes, absolutely! Loads of our customers sell cars that still have outstanding finance. Here's how it works: Get a settlement figure from your finance company (this tells you exactly how much you still owe) Bring this settlement letter with you to your appointment - it needs to show the final amount and your finance company's bank details We'll handle the rest - we can pay off your finance company directly, and you'll get the remaining amount (if there's any equity left) Important bit: If...

Don't panic - it happens! You can apply for a replacement V5C from the DVLA, which costs £25. It usually takes about 5 to 7 working days to arrive. We'd recommend waiting for the replacement before selling, as it makes the whole process much smoother and helps prove you're the legal owner. If you're in a rush, give us a call and we'll see what we can do.

If your car is over 3 years old, yes, you'll need a valid MOT certificate. The good news is your car doesn't need to have just passed its MOT - as long as it's still valid (not expired), that's fine. If your MOT has expired, you'll need to get it MOT'd before we can buy it. You can check your MOT history and status on the Government website if you're not sure.

Once you've got your online valuation and booked an appointment, the actual selling process at our showroom typically takes about an hour. We'll inspect your car to make sure it matches what you've told us online, sort out all the paperwork, and arrange payment. If you're in a rush, give us a call beforehand and we'll do our best to speed things along.

Here's what you'll need to bring to your appointment: V5C logbook (the car's registration document) with your name on it as the registered keeper MOT certificate (if your car is over 3 years old) Service history (if you have it - really helps with the valuation) All keys, including any spares Photo ID (driving licence or passport) Proof of address (bank statement or utility bill from the last 3 months) User manual and any accessories that came with the car (locking wheel nut key, memory...

Not at all! Our valuations are completely free, and there's no obligation to sell your car to us. We're not going to pressure you or make you feel awkward if you decide not to go ahead. Have a look at what we're offering, compare it with other options if you want, and only sell to us if you're genuinely happy with the deal.

It's really simple - just pop your vehicle registration number into the box at the top of this page and we'll give you a free, no-obligation valuation. Our valuations are based on current market data, your car's age, mileage, and condition.  There's no commitment, and it literally takes about 30 seconds. If you're happy with the valuation, we'll arrange a time for you to bring the car to our LMC Cars showroom in Upminster, Essex, so we can have a proper look and confirm the price.

We'll guarantee your online valuation for 7 days when you book an appointment with us. This gives you time to think about it without feeling rushed. Just remember, the final offer will depend on your car matching the condition you've described online when we see it in person. If there's anything different - such as extra scratches, higher mileage than stated, or missing service history - we'll need to adjust the price accordingly.

Subject to status and lender approval, yes. All the cars in our Essex showroom and online stock can potentially be financed with zero deposit. Whether you're after a compact hatchback for city driving, a spacious family SUV, or something with a bit more oomph, we'll work with our lenders to see what's possible.  The final decision is down to the lender and will depend on factors like the car's value, your credit situation, and affordability. But we'll always do our best to make it happen!...

Yes, you can! Most finance agreements allow you to settle the balance early if you want to. This is called an "early settlement." You'll need to contact your lender who will provide you with a settlement figure – this is the total amount outstanding including any early repayment fees that may apply. Paying off your finance early can save you money on interest, but do check your agreement for any early repayment charges. If you're thinking about settling early, give us or your lender a ring and ...