Kent Car Buyer

Kent Car Buyer: a mobile car-buying service in Kent

Kent Car Buyer is a vehicle-buying service that operates across Kent and presents itself as a local alternative to branch-based buyers. Rather than asking sellers to drive to a depot, the company arranges collection from the customer's home or workplace and pays on collection. Its stated scope covers any make, model or condition, including non-runners, and it works with a valuation process based on the details supplied by the seller rather than an automated quote.

How the selling process works

The company describes a four-step route from enquiry to payment:

• Entering vehicle details through an online form, including registration, mileage, condition, service history and optional photographs.
• Receiving a cash offer from the company.
• A viewing and inspection of the vehicle.
• Payment into the seller's bank account or in hand.

The online valuation form asks for the registration number, mileage, a condition rating (clean, average or poor), service history level, confirmation that the vehicle is in good running order and free of major faults, plus any known faults. Photographs are optional but are described as helping to assess condition and produce a more accurate price. The form also requests name, contact number, collection postcode and email.

Coverage and collection area

The service is built around the Kent area. The site states that it does not normally operate outside the DA, BR, CT, ME, TN and SE postcode areas, although enquiries from outside that zone are considered case by case. Collection is offered seven days a week at a time chosen by the seller, from home or workplace. The company lists Ashford, Canterbury, Chatham, Dartford, Gillingham, Gravesend, Maidstone, Margate, Rochester and Royal Tunbridge Wells among the places where it buys cars.

Valuation approach and vehicles purchased

Kent Car Buyer states that it does not rely on generic, computer-generated quotes. Instead it combines the information supplied by the seller with real-time market data, what it describes as more than 30 years of experience and its trade network. Because the company travels to the vehicle, it presents the offer as researched upfront so that the price is not revised on inspection.

On the types of vehicle accepted, the company says it buys most makes and models regardless of age, mileage or condition, from nearly-new hatchbacks to high-mileage estates, diesel workhorses and non-runners. It names Ford, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Mercedes, Vauxhall and Nissan among the manufacturers it handles.

Payment methods

Payment is made on collection using cleared funds. Sellers can choose between a bank transfer and a banker's draft, both described as secure and traceable; the company argues against cash on risk grounds. The site states that money reaches the seller's account before the buyer leaves.

Paperwork and outstanding finance

The V5C logbook is required for a purchase, as proof of registered keeper and to transfer ownership. If the document has been lost, the site points to a V62 application to the DVLA, available at a Post Office or from the DVLA website, and notes that an express replacement may be available where the vehicle is registered in the seller's name.

Vehicles with outstanding finance can be sold, provided the balance is settled before ownership transfers. Two routes are offered: the seller settles directly with the finance company and provides written confirmation of full and final payment before or at collection, or Kent Car Buyer settles on the seller's behalf. In the second case the seller obtains a settlement figure from the lender, sends written confirmation of the amount, and the figure is deducted from the valuation and paid directly to the finance company. Where the outstanding finance exceeds the car's value, the seller covers the difference, either by paying the lender directly and providing confirmation at collection or by banker's draft made payable to the finance provider.

Positioning against branch-based buyers

The company contrasts its model with Webuyanycar, arguing that it travels to the customer instead of requiring a branch visit, applies manual rather than computer-generated valuations, and charges no admin fees. It also states that the offered price is the price paid, with no reductions at inspection, and that payment is same-day. Customer comments published on the site describe collection visits, payment within the hour and offers higher than those of competitors; these are individual accounts rather than aggregate ratings.