What PCP (personal contract purchase) means for you
Monthly PCP payments are followed by a final balloon payment, which you pay to keep the car. Until then the finance company is the legal owner, so you can't sell it without settling the finance first. Before buying a used PCP car, check for outstanding finance; the Finance & Stolen Check costs £4.99.
If you're buying privately, the Hire Purchase Act 1964 usually protects a buyer acting in good faith, but it doesn't cover dealers or logbook loans, so get proof the finance is cleared. Check the V5C and VIN match the car and seller.