Hi all,
after reading a few horror stories with buying second hand cars, what would i need to do to buy a second hand car privately to make sure i have all my boxes ticked?
thanks
Buying a second hand car (by private sale)
Comments
Doing a car history check is a must. It will find data such as:
- The past owners of the vehicle
- Any crashes or incidents involved with the vehicle
- If the vehicle is under finance
- Odometer checks to see if it's legitimate kilometres on the clock
- If the vehicle is stolen or otherwise not their's
- The car's information (Colour, Engine, Etc)
- Registered vehicle (Light vehicles in NSW no longer need the sticker on the vehicle to prove rego)
For around $30, it's a small price to pay to find out the history of a vehicle.
MustResist is 100% right. A history check is a real life saver. Last time I was car hunting I did one from my iphone on a car I was test driving, and it came back that it had been written off in a crash. The seller had tried to pass it off as being in "pristine condition" with a full service history. $27.95 well spent.
we always do a RACV or Stateroads pre-purchase check saved us from buying a lemon a couple of times.
well worth the cash they give you a full rundown of body motor written off etc Stateroads are better than Racv in my opinion.Beyond checking car condition and service history;
Google the registration plate. You might find out something of interest. One car I was going to look at had a 40,000km "haircut" after it was bought at Auction 6 months previously !!!
PPSR check for $4.00 gives you finance encumbrance and previous written off checks
If the car is on CarSales and someone has already paid for the history report, then you can view it for free.
You can check the Registration and Greenslip info on www.myrta.com
Free registration check
Enter the NSW plate number to find out:
If the registration is current, suspended or cancelled Any registration restrictions The registration expiry date Any registration concessions (additional transfer costs may apply) The Compulsory Third Party insurer and policy expiry date.Also read https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/131581
Wouldn't hurt to have a RAC/V vehicle check done also. Although they may.not pick up everything they would check the most basic things that most people, especially a novice wouldn't have the time to do so. If a seller is not happy or does not permit one of these checks then simply go no further. Ensure you receive the report and not the seller. I have paid for a check before but although it didn't pick up everything I would do so again.
If you don't know what your doing have your mechanic check it before purchase. Also dealers have some legal obligations that private sellers don't but any second hand cars can be dodgey. Just be very very careful, highly thorough and don't take any promises or their word. Have everything in writing and don't be pressured into accepting something you don't want. Go away and think
REVS CHECK REVS CHECK REVS CHECK
Some years ago, I was looking at buying a corolla for my mum. I found one that had some front end damage, but I took a panel beater neighbour to look at it and he gave me a figure (quite reasonably) to repair the vehicle to get it done.
I decided that I should REVS check it anyway, just in case. I really didnt think I needed to but did anyway.
Turns out that despite the owner assuring me everything was OK, the car had money owing on the car which worked out about 90% of its value.
Had I not done the REVS check, I would have lost the lot.
Never believe a seller, never take anybodys word for it. Assume that everybody you are dealing with is out to steal from you.
An exception here (I am almost 100% on this) is that a registered car dealer HAS TO ENSURE TITLE on the car. This means if it is stolen or has money owing, they are the responsible party, not you.Thank you all very much!! Very sound advice thank you.
I think avoid private unless you really have to. Always go with the dealer because you're protected by Australian Law. Essentially, buying private, it's a sale by inspection, meaning no matter what the seller says, s/he's not legally bound. They could say this is new, this was just replaced, nope never had a problem with it. If after you buy it, you find out internally, it's a piece of junk with thousands for repairs, then you're stuck with it and out of pocket.
If you buy from a dealer, pretty much everything with the car is covered. Everything they say is binding, and they're liable for most of the issues you have with the car. ie. replacing parts.So, the gamble here is whether or not you think you'll have any problems with the car, and whether it'll cost more to repair out of pocket, or just pay the dealer the premium and have them foot the bill.
If you're certain about a private purchase, then everyone else has answered your question :P
You're right but almost all dealers use some dirty tactics.
Here's some helpful advice, http://rac.com.au/motoring/motoring-advice/buying-a-car