Yes , your relative is not here they can pay for the car,It requires someone to go and order the car, pay a deposit agreed with the dealer, and the rest can be paid by bank transfer, but note that not everyone would accept this, the problems now come from some banks refusing to honour transfers which are then withdrawn, HJ deals with these issues in his advice section.

In geneva we had a client from Germany (who was british) (smell any rats here?) order a range rover tax-free, perfectly legal, but who was surprised when we would not release the car to him until the transfer had fully cleared.

The easiest way is if your relative gives your wife the money and she then pays for the car, easy! If your relative is here they can go with your wife but if they pay in cash the dealer might want to see someones id, regarding money laundering laws, but I have often paid in cash, and a photo driving licence or passport is usually good. If in doubt ask the garage!

Problems arise when handing over goods, bec ownership is transferred, then becomes civil matter not criminal, because of all the people who do try it on! Maybe someone knows better, but we NEVER released a car before complete payment, be it purchase or repairs.

Edited by OldRoverboy on 24/08/2011 at 21:42