What Outstanding finance means for you
Until the last payment is made, or the final balloon payment on a PCP deal, the finance company owns the car. Buying it means taking on that debt or having it cleared first, so don't pay the seller until you know the settlement figure.
A private buyer who buys in good faith on hire purchase usually gets good title under the Hire Purchase Act 1964, but dealers and logbook loans aren't covered. Run a Finance & Stolen Check (£4.99), or a Full Check (£9.99), before you commit.