Bought a car online or at auction? How to get it home
Collecting a car you've bought at a distance: what to check, what to arrange and why carrying it can beat driving it.
Updated 12 October 2026 · 4 minute read
Before you pay for the transport
- Check the seller has the logbook (V5C) and a way to give you the keys.
- Ask for the pickup address and times, and whether the car runs.
- Take photos or ask the seller for them, so there is a record of its condition.
Why not drive it home?
A car you've never driven can have faults. You also need insurance and a valid MOT and tax before it is driven on the road. Having it carried avoids the risk and the long drive back.
On the day
The driver takes time-stamped photos at pickup. Make sure someone is at the delivery address, and check the car against the photos before you sign off the job.