Nearly New Second Hand Car - Considering Skipping Pre-Purchase Auto Inspection - Yay or Nay?

LBobbyk87 on 22/10/2023 - 07:11
Last edited 25/10/2023 - 09:09 by 1 other user

I'm going to look at a 2021 toyota that has done 41 km (that's not 41000km…it's 41km. People run further in a marathon than this car's done in it's life).

Given the low k's that it's done, would you bother with a pre-purchase inspection?

Context:
Seller is quite keen to sell, and car is priced quite well. Has one other interested buyer who needs to go via finance (whilst I have $ in the bank to pay). They've said they'd go with whoever can pay first. In an ideal world, I would want to get a prepurchase inspection, but by time I get it done, possible that car may have gone to another buyer…so considering skipping it given it's nearly new in terms of kms.

Thanks.

P.S. I am aware of this previous post (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/804330), but felt this instance of a practically new car vs car under factory warranty warrants separate post.

Update: According to comment the correct mileage is 41000km not 41km

Poll Options

  • 269
    Yes - Get a prepurchase inspection
  • 72
    No - Car so new, don't worry about it.
Automotive

Comments

        • JimmyF on 22/10/2023 - 20:36
          +1

          Those are marks from more than "41km of use".

          Agreed… It'll be when you get there, Oh the listing says 41kms? Oh its meant to be 41k…… Must be a mistake, I was 'hacked'.

      • seannami on 22/10/2023 - 22:49

        I guess the other possibility in a Rav 4 is it was in port/production so long they bought something else in the meantime and are selling on pickup (trying to get the buy price without the cancellation fee I guess?). They had 18 month minimum wait time for a long while there.

        • Euphemistic on 23/10/2023 - 02:15
          +3

          Toyota isn’t going to hold a 2021 model for 18months for you. If your order takes 18months it means the car hasn’t been built until just before you get it.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 22/10/2023 - 10:32
    +1

    Car normally need to service every year and this car is 2 years old. Is there any service history? I remember you had a free service/check at 1000 km or 3 months.

    It is unrealistic km for a 2 years old car, sound doggy.

    I would avoid.

    Check the engine oil colour, check for the tyre wear, check if there is any dirt in the car.

    • Protractor on 22/10/2023 - 10:36

      …and even if started now and then to keep the battery healthy, that's all cold starts and no driving. Yeah ,nah.No thanks

    • RockyRaccoon on 22/10/2023 - 10:49
      +3

      BIG FLAG

      If its two years old and only done 41Km. Then for warranty to be valid (5 years on Camry) it needs to be serviced according to the manufacturers specs, which is 12 months or 15K kms so it would have needed the first 1000km service plus at least the frst 12 month service.

      Strongly suggest given the kms driven its not had this 12 month service unless they are next door to a dealer. That could mean the warranty is void. This needs to be confirmed with toyota before purchase.

  • brendanm on 22/10/2023 - 10:44

    Lmao, have you not questioned why someone has a 2021 vehicle that only has delivery kms on it?

    • MS Paint on 22/10/2023 - 11:14
      +3

      I want to ask them face to face to get the vibe. FFS.

      • Brick Tamland on 22/10/2023 - 11:25
        +1

        Literally the first question that needs to be asked.

        • MS Paint on 22/10/2023 - 11:36

          You just done get the vibe over messenger though 🥴

      • brendanm on 22/10/2023 - 13:06
        +4

        Just send a $2000 deposit via payid to secure the vehicle first friend.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 22/10/2023 - 17:22

      Answer: swapped out odo or rolled back

  • Brick Tamland on 22/10/2023 - 11:04

    Maybe take some time to consider the red flags in this scenario.

    1. As other have mentioned 41KM is basically delivery KM, this car has been essentially undriven for around 2 years. A car that has been sitting for 2 years is potentially going to have issues. And curiously why? This would be my very first question.

    2. The seller saying whoever pays first is dodgy, they are trying to pressure you into the sale, it also sounds like you havent even looked at in person. Any legit seller should be willing to take a deposit and hold the car for you.

    3. Again the KM are a concern… unless it's like a HSV W1 that is basically a collectors car why is the KM so low? I dont think you could possibly proceed without a compelling answer. There could be one, I've heard of people leaving the country in COVID and their car being stuck here in basements for ages unused.

    If this is the case, it has been unused, you would need to probably drop the petrol tank and have the fuel system flushed out. I 100% wouldn't be rushing into this purchase. Could be ok but you need to be careful

  • apple2016 on 22/10/2023 - 11:35

    If serviced according to toyota, and if warranty is transferrable, i dont see any issue as you have seen the car. Go for it!

    • MS Paint on 22/10/2023 - 11:38

      and if warranty is transferrable

      I see you've never purchased a second hand car under factory warranty before.

      • WreckTangle on 22/10/2023 - 13:55
        +1

        @Muzeeb

        What you mean by this…is this an issue?

        • MS Paint on 22/10/2023 - 14:04

          Not an issue. Warranty goes with the car, not the owner.

  • El cheepo on 22/10/2023 - 13:21
    +2

    I think you should arrange for a vibe check before even thinking about a pre inspection.

    Make sure to only use certified vibe checkers though or you could get tricked.

  • Protractor on 22/10/2023 - 16:49

    Poll is missing 2 other options;
    Come in Spinner
    and
    Avoid,avoid,avoid

    • Wiser on 23/10/2023 - 13:06
      +1

      Also
      Trolling
      Scam thread

  • coffeeinmyveins on 22/10/2023 - 17:16
    +2

    41km in at least two years?

    Who on earth buys a brand new car and doesn't drive it for two years?

    You're being scammed bro. Somehow.

    Have you checked for finance owing? Was it a write-off and repaired? I would one hundred percent get an inspection

    A question no one is asking is why is the seller suddenly so keen to sell after having it for two years and not driving it?

    Stolen?

    Run away dude

    My guess is that the odometer has been rolled back

    Edit: looking at the ad someone else posted If it's that one then it's DEFINITELY been rolled back or swapped out.

    Look at the scuff marks on the passenger side where your right foot would go. Look at the boot liner. Look at the passenger seat.

    Run away!

    • Protractor on 22/10/2023 - 17:54
      +1

      Honestly if running away is not the instinctual reaction of OP by now, I seriously think they need to pay bfor a broker to get a car for them. Especially given they did not ask 'why so low kms from the getgo.
      Someone needs to do the looking for car / buying on behalf of OP
      Even the tyres look worn a few thou km at least

      • coffeeinmyveins on 22/10/2023 - 20:07

        this car has 100% done more than 42km. there's no doubt about that, the question is how does this particular scam work. simply wound back ODO?

        • Protractor on 22/10/2023 - 21:09

          Odo jammed and later fixed? Some sort of electronic hack. Who knows. Inside job?
          But this whole car is in the middle of the giant Lake "Sounds to Good to be True".
          I'd be paddling straight past it.

          • coffeeinmyveins on 22/10/2023 - 21:09

            @Protractor: TBH someone else in the replies said something that is making more sense. When OP turns up they say "oh 42km? That was meant to be 42k km, typo!"

    • JimmyF on 22/10/2023 - 19:19

      A question no one is asking is why is the seller suddenly so keen to sell after having it for two years and not driving it?

      I think everyone including the OP is asking this…. Just the OP hasn't asked the seller yet!

      • coffeeinmyveins on 22/10/2023 - 20:02

        I guess the OP wants to meet them for a general vibe check hahahaha

  • Tomhaigh1 on 22/10/2023 - 18:01
    +2

    99.9% scam, they create FOMO so you make mistakes like these, there are so many scenarios I can think of.
    Pre purchase inspection should be mandatory.

  • hasher22 on 22/10/2023 - 18:50

    "2021 toyota that has done 41 km"

    Yeah, I am running, I ain't gonna buy that, scam for sure. If not, there's something wrong with it.

    That's literally like a new car off the port KMs.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 22/10/2023 - 20:02

      yeah exactly, who buys a brand new car and lets it sit there for several years? they don't. The clock has been wound back or something.

  • aliam on 22/10/2023 - 20:26
    +2

    This is close to the dumbest thread I've seen here.

    Basically a unicorn is for sale, and there's a poll here asking whether it needs to be inspected before buying. Instead of asking the seller where the magical unicorn came from.

    • randomusername2017 on 22/10/2023 - 20:45

      Not even close🤣

    • coffeeinmyveins on 22/10/2023 - 21:06

      This is close to the dumbest thread I've seen here.

      I dno man, if OZB threads are anything to go by I reckon we're getting dumber by the day. The number of Googleable things that are posted every day is astounding.

      My favourite ones are from people who own houses posted the dumbest things.

      • Protractor on 22/10/2023 - 21:10
        +1

        Yeah. Like the inability, to talk to dealer,seller,neighbour. Inability to phone,email or google. Inability to read a PDS. Just surprised they are not on assisted breathing in ICU.

    • JafferMoney on 24/10/2023 - 09:25
      +1

      There are A LOT of dumb threads on here, it's getting worse…

      OzDUMB.

  • randomusername2017 on 22/10/2023 - 20:46
    +2

    @Bobbyk87

  • eddyah on 22/10/2023 - 21:01
    +1

    Check the logbook - if they have one and it's empty that's a good sign that the car was literally purchased but never used (who knows why)

    If they don't have stay away (they probably threw it away to justify that it is new and never serviced).

    I'm leaning towards saying it's a scam but you never know. Due diligence etc.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 22/10/2023 - 21:11

      Let's pretend for a minute that it really has only done 42km and is brand new (which it isn't, even from the pics you can tell this).

      But anyway, let's pretend, and an empty logbook means it hasn't been serviced so:

      1) Warranty probably void
      2) All consumables including fuel need to be replaced
      3) Engines and cars in general aren't made to just "sit" unused for years and would need a full service
      4) Tyres would be rubbish and have flat spots

    • Protractor on 22/10/2023 - 21:12

      Even that's not proof.
      Just run "as fast as ya legs can carry ya".

  • Flying Ace on 22/10/2023 - 21:49
    +3

    I don't understand how the whole situation about the other buyer having finance they need to sort out and the seller wanting to sell to whomever pays first has come up, but not "why does it have only 41kms on it" didn't? That would be my opening line to the buyer!

    I get wanting to "get a vibe", but wouldn't you at least want to see what they say??

  • [Deactivated] on 22/10/2023 - 22:10
    +1

    Absolutely do it!

    I bought a car within warranty, and the credit union did a VIN check….they failed to mention it was a repairable write off.

    The car had a lot of issues, If I had done a pre-inspection interstate it would have picked up all the issues or the owner probably wouldn't have returned my calls!

    Don't skip anything!

    • MS Paint on 22/10/2023 - 22:40
      +4

      Why didn't you to your own $2 PPSR to find out it was on the WOVR?

      • [Deactivated] on 24/10/2023 - 12:47

        The credit union told me they were doing it, but failed to mention they only care if finance was owing.

        • MS Paint on 24/10/2023 - 12:55

          I'm surprised they didn't mention it because it changes the value of the car dramatically and I'm guessing they were holding the car as security for your loan.

  • Logical on 22/10/2023 - 22:29

    Gauge cluster has been replaced/ km's rolled back. Known Scam. Go for it if you you are prepared to loose your money.

  • Aerith-Waifu on 22/10/2023 - 23:53

    It's out of warranty already as it would not have had it's first service.

    It would been sold already if all is roses.

    We bought a Renault 3 years ago, although I work from home and my partner only does school runs with this car, it still got 13000km on it in 3 years.

    41km? Not possible

    • Bobbyk87 on 24/10/2023 - 19:36
      -4

      I had a chat with them later in the day (I don't tend to call people at 7am). Some internet sleuth's with copious free time have gone deep and probably get all the info from them.

      I find this thread a bit overwhelming now tbh. Yep, I asked a dumb question - but I'm happy to get some great people's opinions on it - thanks go out to them - it was useful getting your insight.

      P.S. replying only to you, because you said please - gives me a good vibe, ya know. 😉

      • Protractor on 25/10/2023 - 09:30

        Do yourself a favour. Let someone else do your shopping.

  • 82norm on 23/10/2023 - 07:44

    If it’s too good to be true……. get the car, so we can have a follow-up question in another post. “I’ve been scammed, how do I…..”

  • kiitos on 23/10/2023 - 08:06
    +1

    Seems odd to wind back an odo to such an unbelievable amount rather than believable but low.

    And maybe it has been serviced regularly, by mobile mechanics?

    (Just kidding, it does sound suss)

  • Desmond out on 23/10/2023 - 08:45

    There r devices available to wind the odometer back this happened to a stolen Corolla where the thieves wound the digital odometer back when vehicle recovered

  • thebossmel on 23/10/2023 - 09:40
    +1

    Double check if it is the Odometer reading 41KM or its the last trip reading 41KM in the odometer? :-)

  • Mysterious Laptop on 23/10/2023 - 09:53

    There's heaps of scams going around with underpriced cars. They won't let you see it, creating some sort of fake FOMO and request a deposit first, once you send it they're never to be seen again… be careful

  • drprox on 23/10/2023 - 10:56

    Usually I'd say no but this sounds like a scam so yes or just don't bother buying it at all.

  • fakefilo on 23/10/2023 - 11:03

    The only way this is a car with only 41 genuine kms is that the owner had a warranty replacement. It's possible to have a brand new car sit in the factory or dealership for years after delivery but then the concerns with a car sitting around for years applies.

  • LFO on 23/10/2023 - 11:06
    +1

    If such a precious jewel is FOR SALE there must be a very good reason why.

    Sellers are not stupid.

  • Smol Cat on 23/10/2023 - 11:48
    +4

    Why do we get all these posts about these stupid af issues and then zero follow up answers? Why even post if you aren't going to provide some feedback to the questions??

    So many troll posts around.

  • Drakesy on 23/10/2023 - 11:55
    -1

    As long as warranty is still valid i don't see why you'd need one.

    Whats the actual pricing compared to the rest of the market.

    • MS Paint on 23/10/2023 - 12:08

      We will never know. Another great ozbargain unsolved mystery.

      Just like the dude who was going to be interviewed by a car insurance investigator.

      Just like the Deon Hong saga.

      Just like the [insert random post and ghost forum thread here]

    • kerfuffle on 24/10/2023 - 08:49
      +1

      Warranty requires servicing. Safe to say that this car has not received two yearly services, or even the complimentary one you need to do at 1000km.

      • Drakesy on 24/10/2023 - 09:11

        *as long as the warranty is still valid

        Which would imply its been serviced on time
        If it hasn't then yep would need a second opinion

  • randomusername2017 on 23/10/2023 - 12:13

    Damn.. thought there might have been an update with all this activity….

    /unsub

  • SteveD on 23/10/2023 - 13:03
    +2

    With no follow up update, I have feeling that OP might be the scammer who is trying to sell the car. OP is trying to find out all the questions that a potential buying might ask when he/she is buying the car, so OP will be able to get the right vibe and attitude to sell the car, so OP does not get caught. Has anyone given thought on this angle?? Hmmm.

  • Sterio on 23/10/2023 - 14:52
    +23

    Curiosity got the better of me so I called Georgia about her RAV4.

    Said 41,000km. Apparently full service history (she mentioned capped priced servicing), has log books, rego recently renewed.

    She is leaving the country this week and if not sold will put it in a garage (didn’t mention whose), though she did mention her dad was a mechanic. Her bottom dollar is $44k. Has had plenty of dealers call her.

    As I am in Sydney she quickly lost interest as we wouldn’t be able to finalise sale before she left. Also asked whether I was the person who looked at the car on Saturday.

    In summary, she sounded legit. With the so called Toyota dealers calling her, and no doubt low balling her, it doesn’t appear she’ll get what she wants. As to how much it’s worth, I don’t know. Perhaps there are some RAV4 lovers out there who know the market value of said vehicle.

    • ShortyX on 23/10/2023 - 20:27
      +5

      Thank you for your service.

    • randomusername2017 on 23/10/2023 - 21:35

      Toyota dealers calling her, and no doubt low balling

      Might have had a few enquiries from here too…

      Nice if the OP confirmed this was the vehicle in question.

    • JimmyF on 24/10/2023 - 08:09

      Thanks for taking one for the team. So it ws the old bait and switch on the kms :)

      Not 41kms but 41k…..

    • Protractor on 24/10/2023 - 10:29

      Her old man probs did the services. And because he has a tool box, she calls him a mechanic.
      Good work for doing the Ops job.The mission now is to find another bucket for OP to throw their disposable money into.

      Leaving the country ,eh? LOL

    • donny donny on 24/10/2023 - 17:02

      Jeez, you just burst the bubblling hope of OP in securing bargain of the century :D

  • joelmuzz on 23/10/2023 - 16:05

    Yes you should get an inspection due to the claimed km being suspect. A decent inspector should be able to tell you in minutes if the claims of being delivery km are true or a fraud, plus if it is a crash repair.

    I would give it high odds that the seller will say it is sold as soon as you go to confirm an inspection time with a real inspector.

    While the situation could be real, it is also very sus and the seller needs a good story to explain why it has as-new delivery km on it.

  • Nitrollparty on 23/10/2023 - 16:07
    +2

    you can also check the dates of the tyres to confirm the low km's

  • The Value on 23/10/2023 - 18:14
    +3

    lmao.
    41km was a typo.
    /facepalm.

    • Brick Tamland on 23/10/2023 - 23:01
      +3

      Important to get the vibe on that typo

    • jaffar on 24/10/2023 - 18:10

      Hooked OP in. Didn't take a pic of the dash as further bait. Same shit as sellers who write $1 so that their ads will show up first but obviously are not priced that cheap.

  • TimApple on 23/10/2023 - 18:31

    I was going to vote skip inspection because I never do that and has bought multiple cars before. But 41km really sounds like a red flag.

  • jrvb42 on 23/10/2023 - 20:06

    You have of course asked the seller why they are selling, and how come the low kms, yes? But you didn't share this information - even though it may not be accurate.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 24/10/2023 - 08:06
    +1

    Lmfao a typo.

    I have seen this twice tho.

    1. Mate drove his new ute out of the dealership and got T boned. Got it fixed under insurance (he was mega mad it wasn't written off) and promptly sold with the ad saying "waited a year for delivery but now have a baby on the way"

    2. Elderly family member bought a new car, fell Ill the next week, went into hospital/care and never came home.

    • rumblytangara on 25/10/2023 - 08:58

      Mate drove his new ute out of the dealership and got T boned. Got it fixed under insurance (he was mega mad it wasn't written off) and promptly sold with the ad saying "waited a year for delivery but now have a baby on the way"

      And you still call this person a mate? Or are you using that in the loosest sense possible?

  • BartholemewH on 24/10/2023 - 09:19
    +1

    OP isn't answering anything because they've likely rung the seller, who said outright it's a typo.

  • JafferMoney on 24/10/2023 - 09:22

    You're kidding right? It's not new at all…it's 2 years old with a heap of kms on it…

  • Protractor on 24/10/2023 - 10:24
    +1

    Another trolling thread bites the dust, with the OP now looking to create a new ID

  • Gros21 on 24/10/2023 - 10:56

    Pay deposit get RACQ or someone to view it.

    I've purchased a Harley sight unseen. But vivid black Harley found his FB and legit saw he was going through divorce.

    Purchased a XC gs coupe interstate again sight unseen no real issues.

    Purchased a hot rod sight unseen no real issues.

    I mean it's a risk but just do some due diligence. Plus paya deposit and then go for it.

    My vehicles were more toys then Dailies so it's common for them to get seood when time comes.

  • surg3on on 24/10/2023 - 12:17

    Something smells. Get title check and inspection. Good luck!

  • Zetrox2k on 24/10/2023 - 15:05

    Somethings suspicious op…

    41km….

    Lets make some assumptions:

    • The distance to drive it home from dealership.
    • First service would be within 30 days as per most new cars.
    • Second service 3 months later
    • Follow up servicing every 6 months or approx 12000km
    • Approx minimum of 3-4 services.

    Unless the bloke live next to both the dealership, as well as the service centre, i cant see how he drove it home, had it serviced 3-4 times, and only have 41km on the clock.

    • singlemalt72 on 24/10/2023 - 15:12
      +4

      A member called and found out it is 41,000km

      • will05 on 24/10/2023 - 17:22

        sounds genuine then
        still go ahead with pre purchase inspection for the peace of mind.

        • Protractor on 24/10/2023 - 18:52

          The OP has gone to ground through sheer humiliation. Fancy starting this thread pre the primary question.

  • will05 on 24/10/2023 - 17:17

    ®scam- stay away

  • Cave Fire on 25/10/2023 - 00:03

    Could be a dealer doing a private sale to get rid of "old" stock. They sometimes get used for parts or have been sitting. You can note this from weird wear patterns in the interior. Also check the panels and paint if they were swapped. Tell them in person you want it tested and see how they respond. Bunch of scams going as well.

    • Protractor on 25/10/2023 - 09:32

      Nah, it's already been found out OP counted their chickens. It's an average car with average kms. Nothing like the fairy tale thread he/she started

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join