Buying and selling cars in Slough: a guide to used cars, vans and motorbikes

Buying your first car, swapping the family car for something bigger, or selling a van you no longer need? Buying and selling vehicles locally means you can see the car in person, take it for a test drive and meet the owner. Here’s a practical guide to buying and selling cars and vehicles in Slough and nearby, and the checks that help you avoid costly mistakes.

What you’ll find on Benta

• CarsSmall runarounds, family cars, hybrids and electric cars.
• VansSmall vans, panel vans and work vans for trades and removals.
• Motorbikes and scootersCommuter scooters, learner bikes and motorbikes.
• Campervans and caravansFor weekends away and holidays.
• Car partsWheels, tyres, lights and spares.
• AccessoriesRoof boxes, child seats, bike racks and more.

Part 1: Buying a used car

1. Set your total budget

The price of the car is only the start. Allow for insurance, road tax, fuel, servicing and any repairs. Get insurance quotes for the models you like before you start viewing, as they vary a lot, especially for younger drivers.

2. Check the car’s history online

• MOT history: enter the registration on GOV.UK to see past MOT results, failures, advisories and the mileage at each test. It’s free. If the mileage goes down, or jumps oddly, ask why.
• Vehicle details: check that the make, model, colour and engine size on GOV.UK match the car in the ad.
• History check: a paid history check can show whether the car has outstanding finance, has been reported stolen or has been written off. If there’s finance still owed, the car may belong to the finance company, not the seller.

3. View it in daylight

• Arrange to see the car at the seller’s home address, in daylight, and take someone with you.
• Ask to see the V5C logbook. Check the name and address match the seller and where you’re viewing, and that the VIN on the logbook matches the one on the car, usually at the bottom of the windscreen.
• Look for uneven gaps between panels, mismatched paint, rust, worn tyres and warning lights on the dashboard.
• Ask for the service history, receipts and both sets of keys.
• If you’re not confident, ask a mechanic friend to come with you or pay for an independent inspection.

4. Take a test drive

Make sure you’re insured to drive it first. Start the engine from cold if you can, then try different speeds, the brakes, the steering, the gears and the air conditioning. Listen for unusual noises and watch for smoke from the exhaust.

5. Think about where you’ll drive

If you’ll drive into London, check whether the vehicle meets the ULEZ emission standards using the checker on the Transport for London website. Non-compliant vehicles pay a daily charge.

6. Pay safely

• Never pay a deposit for a car you haven’t seen in person.
• Be wary if the price is much lower than similar cars, or the seller says they’re abroad and the car will be delivered.
• Pay by bank transfer at the handover, and get a written receipt with the car’s details, the price, the date and both names.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

7. After you buy

Road tax isn’t passed on with the car, so you must tax it before you drive it away, which you can do online on GOV.UK using the new keeper slip from the V5C. You’ll also need insurance in place before you drive.

Buying from a private seller or a dealer?

When you buy from a dealer, you have stronger legal rights: the car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. When you buy privately, the car only has to be as described and the seller must have the right to sell it. That’s why the checks above matter so much. Ads on Benta show whether they’re from a private seller or a car dealer.

Part 2: Selling your car or vehicle

1. Get it ready

Wash it inside and out, remove personal items, and gather the V5C logbook, service history, MOT certificates, spare keys and the locking wheel nut. A full tank of fuel isn’t needed, but enough for a test drive is.

2. Price it fairly

Look at similar vehicles for sale nearby, with the same age, mileage and condition. Price a little above the lowest amount you’d accept if you’re happy to negotiate.

3. Write an ad that sells

Include the make, model, year, mileage, fuel type, gearbox, MOT expiry, service history, number of owners and any faults. Be honest: buyers will check the MOT history anyway. Add clear photos of the front, back, both sides, the interior, the dashboard with the mileage showing, and any damage. Benta allows up to 8 photos.

Ready? Post your vehicle on Benta. Choose A car or vehicle, add the details and photos, and your ad goes live straight away. It’s free.

4. Stay safe during viewings

• Keep your chat on Benta until you’re ready to arrange a viewing.
• Have someone with you, and don’t leave the buyer alone with the keys.
• Before a test drive, check the buyer’s driving licence and that they’re insured to drive your car. Go with them.
• Don’t hand over the car or the keys until the money has actually arrived in your bank account. Payment screenshots and “confirmation” emails can be faked.

5. Tell the DVLA

Once it’s sold, tell the DVLA straight away. You can do it online on GOV.UK. Give the buyer the new keeper slip from the V5C. Any full months of road tax left will be refunded to you automatically. If you have a private number plate you want to keep, apply to take it off the car before you sell.

Buying or selling a car, van or motorbike? Browse vehicles in Slough or post your vehicle for free, and chat directly with people nearby on Benta.

Read more in our guide to buying and selling safely.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK or speak to an adviser about your situation.