FAQ
The practical questions about how buying and selling here actually works.
How do I pay for a car?
Buyers and sellers arrange payment directly. OpenHood never holds funds. Once you have arranged a viewing and are happy, you pay the seller directly, the same way you would with any private sale. We recommend meeting in person, an inspection or test drive, and paying by bank transfer once you have seen the car and the paperwork.
How are viewings arranged?
Message the seller directly through OpenHood (use "Message seller" on the listing, or the enquiry form if you are not signed in) to agree a time and place. We do not arrange viewings on your behalf.
What if a car is misdescribed?
Every listing is checked against the seller's V5C and MOT before it goes live, and known faults are a mandatory declaration, not optional. If you find something the listing did not disclose, tell us and we investigate and it affects whether that seller can list again. We are not a party to the sale itself, so we cannot reverse a completed transaction, which is exactly why we push sellers hard on disclosure up front.
Who do I contact for support?
Use the contact details on the Privacy page, or message us directly if you are signed in. A human reads every message.
Is there a deposit or holding-fee system?
Not yet. Right now, reserving a car is a direct arrangement between buyer and seller. A proper deposit system is planned for later.
What OpenHood actually checks
What we check: That the registered keeper matches the seller, insurance write-off status checked and disclosed, and that the mileage is consistent with the full MOT history.
What we do not check: We have not driven or inspected this car. Condition is the seller's disclosure and your own inspection.
Want a professional opinion before you buy? Arrange an independent inspection. You contract and pay the inspector directly; OpenHood takes no commission and carries no liability for the inspection itself.