Hi. I am looking for a used car to buy in 1 month.
Is there any way that I can check if the car had an accident or an insurance claim?
Appreciate if someone advises on this for the cars sold in NSW.
Thanks.
How to Check if a Used Car Had an Accident or Not
3jidaddy on 03/01/2019 - 14:49
Comments
https://transact.ppsr.gov.au/ppsr/QuickVINSearch
$2
That will tell you if it's been written off.
As above, a decent vehicle inspection to look for signs of overspray etc. Easiest way, look at the bolts in the engine bay which hold the bonnet on, you'll see paint removed around the top if it's been taken off for any reason, which will only happen during repairs.
They take the bonnet off to rebuild the rear after being shunted? erm…ok…
Well can't make everyone an expert in 1 basic reply. But sure, same rule applies, check bolts holding rear bumper or boot lid.
Too much common sense?Probably.
This maybe a dumb question but I would like to ask anyway.
I ran ppsr check and found out that the car that I was interested had security on it. The car price was $28k and the owner's loan on this car was $31k.
The seller said that he will pay off the loan once I pay the $28k.
What happens if the seller doesn't pay? Does this happen?
I read that the lender can claim the asset as they are the financier. Is this true?
Made the bank cheque payable to the bank, with the loan number on it.
If the car has been written off as a 'repairable write-off' it would have had to pass a RWC after being repaired to recieve registration again. A 'statutory write-off' indicates it is not safe to be repaired as there is significant damage to the chassis, there are other scenarios that would incur a stat write off, for example burned out. You can use https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/order-vehicle-his…, also I believe there are plenty of third-party companies that do accident checks.
A 'statutory write-off' indicates it is not safe to be repaired…
This is not entirely correct. In NSW, all write offs are now classed as stat. write offs. Even if the vehicle would be ok to repair, it would still be classed as a statutory write off.
I bought a motorcycle from auctions recently as a stat. write off and the only damage on the bike was scratched fairing and a small 10c dent in the tank.
"From 31 January, 2011 vehicles assessed as a total loss are classified as statutory (non-repairable) write-offs. This means they cannot be registered and can only be used for parts or scrap metal." https://www.autorecycle.com.au/story/written-vehicle-laws-ns…
"Statutory write-offs (SWO) are damaged vehicles that are deemed unsuitable for repair, as the damage is too severe". (WA Transport Authority, https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/write-off-a-vehicl…)
all write offs are now classed as stat. write offs.
Not sure if this is the case as was on the Pickles website recently in the Salvage section and still saw a few repairable write offs, most stat written off vehicles had significant damage to them.
"Written off vehicles cannot be re-registered in NSW, except in limited circumstances, and can only be used for parts or scrap metal."https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/written-off.html
"You can re-register written-off vehicles in NSW in some specific situations. In these limited cases, the vehicle must have no non-repairable damage and must fit into an exempt category." https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-re-register…. I think this was the case for you.
I'm not sure though, these articles are what shaped my understanding. Cheers.
You can do a lot yourself OP.
Check for panels that don't line up. Run a magnet over the bodywork. This will tell if the car has been bogged up after an accident.
A Paint thickness gauge will tell if it's been resprayed or not.
A good panel beater can tell from a quick glance if the car's been in an accident or not.
What does running a magnet over the body work tell you ?
Nothing if the body is made of aluminium…
Check panel alignment and panel gaps. Check for any overspray or tape marks on edges and check seams to check for any signs of non factory welds
Why not ask the seller and get it in writing?
Great idea because sellers are always 100% truthful.
How would the seller possibly know what happened prior to their ownership?
By asking the seller and get it in writing.
What? Asking all the previous owners?
@whooah1979: Lol that's a good one. Then you just have to believe that the piece of paper the first person allegedly signed wasn't just made up by prior owners.
It's not that hard to see repaired crash damage unless it's done really well, and if it's done really well there is no issue.
have a look underneath to see if the sub-frame or chassis is bent, if so, walk away (quickly)
Thank you all for the suggestions. By the way, I saw some hybrids that I am interested. Is there anything that I should be aware of if interested in buying hybrid? I have never droven one but interested due to fuel cost saving.
Things that I can think but don't know are.
Maintenance cost. Is it higher than normal petrol?
Battery replacement?
Can I take it to normal service centre?Thank you in advance.
Cheers.
Fuel saving of hybrids is overrated. My passat diesel gets similar economy to a little Prius. Batteries in hybrids also have a limited life.
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/order-vehicle-his… will tell you if its been written off
Other than that a decent vehicle inspection should be able to tell you if the chassis has been cracked and repaired or anything.