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Trading Post Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 16/08/2006 1:56 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 0
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Buying a car will usually be the second biggest purchase you make if not the most expensive purchase you make.
If buying privately from a person or entity who are not licensed motor vehicle dealers, then there are quite a few things you must consider.
Does the vehicle have clear title?
Check with your local Motor Registration office in regard to a Vehicle security check. This checks if any finance is owed by the current or past owners. When money is borrowed for a car, Financiers encumber the car, similar to a mortgage on a house. Sometimes a vehicle may pass ownership several times and there may be outstanding money owed from past owners. In this case the vehicle has NO CLEAR title and the person offering it for sale does not rightfully own it. You may lose your car and anything you have paid for it.
Is the vehicle what it appears to be?
There is very little you can do about this to be sure. Vehicles have VIN numbers, engine numbers, compliance plates and registration. All of these can be checked against current registration details supplied by a seller. However the vehicle may have been rebirthed, in which case the information you are checking is from a car that will pass these checks. The actual car, may have been stolen, repaired from writeoff, or replated with appropriate information. If this is the case, you can lose your car and any money you may have paid for it.
If unsure, obtain an independant inspection from an appropriate business and request that these item be checked for authenticity.
Is the Odometer true?
The only way you can be almost positive is to view the service books and any service history. Check dates and odometer readings at times of service to make a more informed assessment. IN the event that no service books or history are available, then you can almost be positive the odometer is not correct. Interstate privacy laws, prevent you from being able to obtain information about a previous owner. This is exploited by many shady individuals that buy interstate and have them registered in SA with a NEW Odometer reading.
Is the person offering the vehicle for sale the Owner?
Check the current registration papers for the persons details. Request to see their current drivers licence and make sure that both items are the same. Many professional backyard dealers (unlicensed) offer vehicles that are actually vehicles bought for the sole purpose of onselling them, without being able to provide these details. They may tell you they are selling it for somebody else. They may give you other reasons. Don't forget they can only register a few vehicles per year in their own name, or they fear being caught selling as an unlicensed dealer. Get a detailed receipt if purchasing which includes all this info.
When buying a vehicle privately you can only ever minimise the risks.
To eliminate all risks and for complete protection, buy through a licensed dealer. This means you are protected by law against loss if the vehicle is later found to be a stolen vehicle or financially encumbered.
Dealers contribute substantial amounts each year to a compensation fund for consumer protection. Even is the Dealer is no longer in business, you are still afforded protection under the legislation.
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Trading Post Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 29/08/2007 4:00 PM
Posts: 2,
Visits: 0
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The NRMA have this online service that enables you to reference check the car before you buy it. It covers stuff like valuations, REVS, recalls, what goes wrong at certain odometer readings. It esnures you dont buy a lemon!! The site is www.nrmacarwise.com.au. You should check it out!
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Trading Post Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 29/08/2007 4:00 PM
Posts: 2,
Visits: 0
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| The NRMA have this online service that enables you to reference check the car before you buy it. It covers stuff like valuations, REVS, recalls, what goes wrong at certain odometer readings. It esnures you dont buy a lemon!! The site is www.nrmacarwise.com.au. You should check it out!
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