I had a similar question, except the car I was looking at was from a major car dealer.It did n't have a V5C, but would need to apply for a V62.

They told me that I would have to go on the computer and do apply online and then go to the post office to get it taxed. They mentioned, would get the V5 in 4 weeks..... and there is a £25 charge. I don't know if this is the same situation for you, as I would know the seller is the car dealer....

Thank you all, sounds like a painful lesson learned.

"A Cat S car is one which has sustained structural damage during a crash – think items such as chassis and suspension. While the car can safely be repaired and put back on the road, Cat S cars must be re-registered with the DVLA."

Edited by Big John on 06/05/2021 at 22:57

For anyone interested here is how this played out.

Van arrived from Action down in England via transporter (bought based on online listing only)

Needed replacement rear doors and it turned out due to minor rear passenger side dent it required to be put on a jig to pull out the dent.

Work was done within 1 week then I discovered via a call to DVLA that as long as I have insurance and Mot they would tax it for six months while my V62 process goes through.

So I was on the road about 1.5 weeks after purchase.

All is well and my proper V5 arrived today.

Runs like dream. Only issue is it is factory speed limited but hey keeps me legal :)

Edited by Mazman040 on 07/06/2021 at 17:09