What to do next
When someone buys a car on hire purchase (and some other forms of credit), they don’t own the car until they’ve paid off the money. This means they can’t legally sell the car but that doesn’t stop people trying.
If you buy a vehicle with an outstanding loan or hire purchase agreement, the finance company retains a legal interest in it until the money is repaid in full. The company may repossess the vehicle unless you prove that you were what’s called an innocent purchaser.
Proving this is an extremely difficult and lengthy process.
Do not buy this vehicle until you have checked with the finance company shown. Ask if the agreement has been fully repaid. If so, ask for written confirmation and only consider buying the vehicle once you have it.