You can check most of what matters about a used car dealer in ten minutes online: that the company is real and active, that it is on the FCA register if it arranges finance, that the address is a genuine trading site, and that the car exists and is clear of finance. If any of those checks fail, walk away before you pay anything.

Is the dealer a real, active business?

Search the company name on Companies House. Check that:

the company is listed as active, not dissolved or in liquidation
the registered address and directors match what the dealer tells you
the name on the invoice matches the company you looked up

A sole trader will not appear on Companies House, which is not a problem in itself, but you should still be able to confirm a trading name and a physical address.

Is the dealer allowed to arrange finance?

Any dealer that arranges car finance must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority or be an appointed representative of a firm that is. Look them up on the FCA register and check the firm name, address and permissions match.

If you take finance through a firm that is not authorised, you lose important protections, including access to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Do they handle your personal data properly?

Most businesses that collect customer data, such as ID or finance details, must pay a data protection fee to the Information Commissioner's Office. You can search the ICO register by company name.

Do they have a real premises?

Look up the address on a map and check there is a site that matches the business.
Visit if you can. Be wary of a seller who will only meet in a car park or at a service station.
Be cautious of a business that only gives a mobile number and no fixed address.

Does the car actually exist, and is it clear?

Some scams advertise cars that do not exist to collect deposits. Before you pay anything:

See the car in person, or ask for a live video call showing the car and its number plate.
Check the MOT history for free on GOV.UK. The make, model, colour and mileage pattern should match the advert.
Run a history check that covers outstanding finance, write-offs and stolen markers. Our guide to checking a car's history explains what to look for.
Check the V5C log book. The guide to what a V5C shows covers the details to compare.

If the history check shows finance, ask the dealer for written confirmation that it will be settled before you take the car.

What do the reviews say?

Read reviews on more than one site. A long run of detailed reviews, including some that mention problems and how they were handled, is more convincing than a short list of vague five-star comments. Look at how the dealer replies to complaints.

Is the price too good to be true?

Compare the price with similar cars of the same age and mileage. A price well below the market can mean hidden damage, outstanding finance, a cloned car or no car at all. Our guide to spotting a cloned car covers the warning signs.

How should I pay?

Avoid paying a deposit by bank transfer to a seller you have not checked.
Paying part of the price by credit card can give extra protection under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Get a written invoice showing the dealer's full business name, address, the car's details and what you paid.

What are my rights if something goes wrong?

When you buy from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 says the car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. Our guide to used car consumer rights explains the timescales and your options.

Common questions

Can I check a dealer's FCA status myself?

Yes. The FCA register is free and public. Search by firm name or reference number and check the address matches.

Should I ever pay a deposit before seeing the car?

Only if you have checked the dealer is genuine and the car exists. Ask how the deposit is protected and whether it is refundable, and get that in writing.

What if the dealer will not show me the V5C?

Treat that as a warning sign. A genuine seller should be able to show you the log book or explain clearly where it is.

Buying from us in Barnsley

anycolourcar.com is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 946186. We are a credit broker, not a lender. Browse cars in stock, read about finance with us, or call sales on 01226 574410 with any questions about a car.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Updated October 2026.

How to Check a Used Car Dealer Is Legitimate