Answer first: before paying a deposit, record who is selling, match the vehicle identity across the documents and vehicle, ask the history questions in writing, and keep any independent mechanical assessment. A checklist exposes missing evidence; it does not decide whether a camper is a good purchase.
Record the sellerās capacity
Write down whether the person says they are selling as a trader or privately, the name used in the advert or correspondence, and the contact and collection address provided. Keep a dated copy of the description and material representations. The CCPC explains that consumer rights differ when buying from a business and a private individual, so establish the capacity rather than inferring it from the setting.
Match the vehicle identity
| Check | Record | If unclear |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Plate and the registration shown on documents | Pause and ask for an explanation. |
| VIN or chassis number | Full number and where it was observed | Do not guess obscured characters. |
| VRC | Name/details shown and document viewed | Ask why it is unavailable or inconsistent. |
| Make, model and conversion | Document description and seller description | Record the difference without resolving it yourself. |
Use a photo or written transcription where appropriate, while storing personal information securely. Do not publish a full VIN or a sellerās private documents.
Put the history questions in writing
- Is there outstanding finance, and what evidence is offered?
- Has the vehicle been written off, seriously damaged or subject to major repair?
- What service, repair, restoration and conversion records are available?
- Are there known faults, warning lights, leaks or unfinished jobs?
- Which keys, manuals, certificates, receipts and accessories are included?
Keep answers with the advert and date them. A sellerās answer is evidence of what was represented; it is not independent verification. A restoration project record pack may help you assess whether work has a traceable chronology.
Record an independent assessment separately
If you commission an assessment, identify the vehicle, date, scope, person or business, areas not inspected and the actual report supplied. Do not convert a limited visual check into a broader statement. Keep road-test permission, diagnostic results, photographs and estimates as separate records. The buyer remains responsible for deciding what further expertise is needed.
Create a short decision record
List the evidence received, missing items, questions still open, expiry dates relevant at the time, proposed purchase terms and any condition attached to a deposit. Mark each statement as seller-provided, independently checked or not checked. Never write āverifiedā unless you can identify what was checked, by whom, against which source and on what date.
If modifications are visible or described, capture them as questions and use the vehicle modification document map to organise the paperwork. Do not infer approval, registration status or insurance acceptability from the presence of an invoice or test document.
Checked 25 July 2026 against the CCPCās current buying-a-car guidance. This checklist is general information, not a recommendation of a vehicle, listing or seller, and not legal, financial, mechanical or safety advice. Verify current requirements and obtain appropriate professional help.