Too late, but bear in mind that the majority of "cheapish" vehicle checks over the phone or via SMS messages DO NOT include HP information. Here's one picked at random.

With (name removed) you can check the details of any mainland GB registered vehicle, including whether it is written-off, accident damaged, scrapped, stolen, number of keepers, colour change, date first registered and of course make, model and vehicle identity.

trust me next car i buy will get an all singing and dancing check done, lesson learnt.. i just hope its not a 30K lesson :(

A private seller making representations as to "No Finance" offer little weight. There is almost no consumer protection afforded in a private sale. It is up to you to undertake "due diligence" and you need to use either Experian or HPI.

Being in possession of the V5 does not confer ownership of the vehicle - it merely designates you as the keeper. It is almost impossible to develop better title to the goods that that of the previous owner.

The one exception is under Section 27 of the Hire Purchase Act 1964 (embodied as s22 of schedule 4 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974) which states that the "first innocent purchaser" of a vehicle which is subject to a hire purchase agreement will develop good title. Please note that this applies to a hire purchase - the same rules to do not apply to a leased car or contract purchase.

The chances are you are going to need detailed legal and insurance help with this and further discussion should not take place in an open forum. Please contact me via asklucy@honestjohn.co.uk with a telephone number and I will advise you in detail as to how to proceed further.