I'm looking at a project donor vehicle on ebay & it looks as though it's being sold previously owned by someone deceased or something - my main concern is that it has probably not been declared SORN & wondered how much liability I might be getting myself into (i.e. 20 yrs back tax would dwarf any other possible costs).
Alternatively I could ditch all paperwork, cut out the VIN & register it afresh (as an electric car... - I still have to discover what the rules are...)
Any pertinent experience or advice welcome!
cheers
Bob

If it's not been taxed for a few years they will not have it on the records for SORN, January 1998 was the intro date. Are you looking at the Rebel?

[Edited on 9/11/06 by Peteff]

Yup - top spot that mate, still only a fiver......
cheers
Bob

A few years ago ( roughly early 2004) I sent off a log book for a car that was last on the road in 1992 after acquiring it. Obviously it was still in the previous keepers name.

I went into my local licensing centre and asked if there would be any problems or if I need to sorn it.

They said no as it was off road pre Sorn introduction 1998. It was mentioned that I might want to though just as a precaution.

I sent the logbook off, got the new one no trouble and hav'nt bothered sorning it.

EDIT: After looking at the listing you have a few choices concerning obtaining a logbook in your name. As the previous keeper is deceased and you normally want their signature on the logbook to send off your best bet will be to just apply for a new one.

A letter will go out addressed to the previous owners details and as long as they get no one contesting the sale/transfer then you'll get a nice new crisp one in your name.


HTH


Cheers

G

[Edited on 9/11/06 by Mr G]

You only become legally liable for the vehicle on change of ownership. I purchased my donor with it currently on SORN. I then had to SORN it again (!) as the DVLA said that it was my responsibility to do it, as I could technically drive it without knowing it wasn't taxed...! This is assuming I had missed the fact there was no tax disc on it...!

If the seller on eBay has power of attourney, they sign the V5 and then take it to the post office and SORN it there and get them to send it off. Otherwise you need a V820 I think...?

Cheers

Peter

I was going to say about the 'agent' signing the logbook but would that count? In the eyes of the dvla are they the legal owner or keeper? If so thrn yes go that route instead of applying for a new logbook.

Once you sorn it then you've got to remember to keep annualy declaring it which is a pain incase you forget and they try and sting you - Which is the reason I did'nt.

Edit: It's not had a tax disc since April 1988 according to dvla so it did'nt need a sorn and won't need one



[Edited on 9/11/06 by Mr G]