should i buy a car that has no documents?

Do a car history check on it (a paid-for one, such as from HPI, not a "free HPI check" or "cheap HPI check"), to make sure it is not stolen or has finance owing on it.

Check out the car's MOT history on the government website.

If you are happy with the results, and are happy with the condition of the car for the money, then you can buy the car and apply for a V5c registration document.

If the car has a valid MOT, you might be able to apply for a V5c and tax the car at a Post Office, so you can drive it immediately, but the government website is not clear when this is and isn't possible. If this isn't possible you'll have to get the vehicle trailered to your home, and wait until you have the new V5c before you can tax it and use it.

Does the seller have all of the LEGAL documents that your jurisdiction requires ? If so, and they are currently valid (So, an *expired* registration or license does not count), this is not a problem.

I beleive you're in the UK so the American answers are, as usual, quite wrong. You CAN buy a car without the V5C but it would be very unwise to do so. You have no idea whether it is his to sell or even if the car officially exists. If you do, you'll need to apply for a V5C logbook using a V62 application which can take 6 weeks and costs £25.

Its common for old cars to not have a log book for maintenance records or whatever.

But you should ALWAYS get a title showing legal ownership. If the person is the legal owner and simply lost the paperwork, they can get a replacement title or they can come with you to the licensing office to sign the necessary paperwork to ensure you get a clean title.

If the car is extremely old - from before the time when every car had a VIN number and governments tracked ownership via titles, then this may be an exception. But if that's the case then do your research about how to buy & sell antique vehicles.

Hey Dufus...if there's no title that matches the VIN you have no clue who'e vehicle it is or if there is a lean on it. Good way to get screwed! Tell the seller to go apply for a lost title at the DMV or better yet walk away from the shyster.

Don't buy it if there is no proof of ownership. Have the seller register it firsst.

i wanted to buy a car the guy says that he has no paper work

Unless you want it for a lawn ornament only, do not give him a cent till he gives you ALL the correct paperwork. You cannot get it, the owner has to.

It's up to the seller to supply the documents and so beware.