Having Second Thoughts about My Purchase of Used Hyundai i30

vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 13:01
Last edited 29/04/2024 - 10:38 by 1 other user

So I was getting an i30 for $13k from a private seller. Dealers seem to be selling it at $16k. Seller had advertised they have full logbook and 2 keys. I checked the car - got a pre purchase inspection from a company called GPS Australia. They reported a lot of scratches and scuffs on the car but mechanically no issues except battery not taking full load. They still rated it poor as they had clicked some 15 or so pictures regarding physical aspects also stating that rear bumper has slight colour difference and may have been repainted. But when I checked the car, it didn't look so bad - since it was 7 years old I was anyway not expecting it blemish-free. And so I went ahead to buy and made the payment.

the red flags:

  • They said they are not able to find the logbook and the second key as they recently shifted. They had committed at the time of buying that they will look for it and call me up. After 3 days, I feel they have no intention of finding anything.
  • While PPSR was clean, I could see that it was previously registered to a business outside NSW. Then the registration changed to NSW.

Now I am worried although the inspection did not give any mechanical issues or engine faults. I am thinking of taking it to Hyundai authorised service centre, but am worried if this thing is a rebirthed car or something fishy. Not sure. I have their address, licence copy etc, but I don't think I can do anything to return this (I haven't still transferred rego).

Automotive Car Hyundai Motors

Comments

      • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 16:34

        I hear you. No point digging the hole of misery! I have got the earliest service appointment for next week and until then the uncertainty is killing me!

        • ProlapsedHeinous on 25/04/2024 - 08:38
          +1

          Hundai might be able to give you some service history if the vehivle has ever been serviced with them. Not sure if their database is shared among all hyundai dealers though. Ask about it when you drop it in.

          • Miss B on 25/04/2024 - 13:55

            @ProlapsedHeinous: I can go online and check my vehicle's Hyundai service history at different dealers, including before I owned it, so they should be able to.

  • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 16:39
    +9

    Why did you even pay them and take the car without log books and second key? Did the inspection service not note down the lack of any service history?

    Edit - I can't even find a car inspection business called GPS Australia, even the name sounds dodgy, how did you find them?

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 16:42

      A bit of an on spot pressure to close it out. And the fact that they committed that they will absolutely hand it to me. Just that they misplaced it while moving houses and need a day's time to find it. And I believed they really would!

      • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 16:43
        +10

        Never believe anything someone says when selling a car.

        Where did you find that car inspection company?

        • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 16:44

          This one from Google search -
          https://www.gpsvehicleinspections.com.au/

          • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 16:47
            -1

            @vsvsvs: Dodgy looking website.

            Did they mention the lack of log book and any service history in their report?

            • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 16:53
              -1

              @brendanm: Yes they did mention that they couldn't get the logbook. And I did the transaction same day. Spoke to them on call and they said mechanically it is all good. Drive is good, etc. However, they noted a lot of scratches and dings on the body. Since they said engine and drive is good, I went ahead.

              • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 16:53
                +2

                @vsvsvs: Ah well, not much you can do now. Take it as a lesson to never rush a large transaction like this, take a moment and think about it.

                • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 17:10
                  -1

                  @brendanm: If the car turns out alright, do you have any suggestions on what I could do to formalise that it is alright, so that I don't have issues in reselling it when I want to upsize in 1-2 years?

                  • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 17:38
                    +1

                    @vsvsvs: Not really, you can take the rocker cover or sump off and get a decent idea as to whether it has actually been serviced, but this won't tell you anything about any of the other things that should also be replaced. Most people want to see a log book, but if you price it low enough someone will buy it.

                    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 17:52
                      -1

                      @brendanm: Right, so I hope I reduce the loss to 2k-3k against whatever the going market price is when I sell.
                      I am thinking I haven't registered the car, should I actually just goto their doorstep and try and return as a last hail Mary! Not really sure on what to expect in that scenario.

                      • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 17:54
                        +2

                        @vsvsvs: You can sure try, but you agreed to the terms of the sale when you gave them the money.

                        • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 17:55

                          @brendanm: The only hook I have there is to tell them I don't have the log books and the key as committed by them.

                          • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 17:56

                            @vsvsvs: They will just say they never had them and never agreed to that, but you can still try. At the end of the day, you paid and accepted the car as it was.

                            • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 17:58

                              @brendanm: True, might not come to anything, but will probably give it a go.

                              • zonra on 24/04/2024 - 18:08
                                +1

                                @vsvsvs: You'd likely cause yourself more grievance going down that road, especially if the discussion argument turns violent and cops get called.
                                If you yourself ensure no threats or violence happen it'd likely go down like this:
                                * Excuse me sir/madam, where's the promised logbook and spare key?
                                * What promised logbook and spare key?
                                * But last time..
                                * P!ss off.
                                * Aight sir/madam, have a good day!

                                Just enjoy the car and only worry when/if it starts throwing fits.
                                Taking it in for a dealer service now, like others have said, will just see you spending another $600-800 on a 13k car for no reason and I can almost guarantee they'd find something "needs" fixing.

  • mskeggs on 24/04/2024 - 16:54
    +4

    So is anything actually wrong with the car?
    It seems everything is as you agreed, so I am not sure what this post is about?

    • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 17:38

      No log books and only one key.

      • mskeggs on 24/04/2024 - 18:28
        +4

        But op agreed to take the car without these.

        • brendanm on 24/04/2024 - 18:46
          +6

          Correct, it's ops own fault.

  • Sterio on 24/04/2024 - 17:17
    +2

    Please describe the person you purchased the car from and whom you were dealing with. Did this person actually own the vehicle for 3 years or are they a flipper? It wouldn’t surprise me that the seller is another party related to a dealer/wholesaler who are selling/flipping the car via a family member. Lack of spare key and log books to me is a big indicator.

    • vsvsvs on 24/04/2024 - 17:46

      It was 27-28 year lady from middle eastern side. Her husband was in the house but she did the most of the talking and her husband just counted the money. The guy definitely looked like someone that could be into flipping things - similar to some of those white goods flipping guys I have seen in the past. And at 27-28 when she said she was on pension while being physically fit, I should have run perhaps.

      Edit: and there is no way to find out if anyone else owned it before they did.

      • Toph Beifong on 24/04/2024 - 19:09
        +2

        Yes, Marketplace car dealers are becoming a thing all over Australia. Don't accept lies and excuses, you need evidence. The logbook would have told you who the original owner was and whether it was maintained properly. Any person inspecting a car could could tell you that it's got some minor chips and dents but drives alright. You need to be with the mechanic who performs the inspection to make sure they actually checked the car and were through.

        I generally also avoid dodgy and fake profiles. Scams are becoming increasingly common on all free to advertise platforms.

      • miwahni on 24/04/2024 - 21:32
        +4

        How do you know she's physically fit? Did you see her run two laps of the block or something? One of my closest friends had a heart attack in her mid thirties and was left with significant heart damage. You wouldn't know it to look at her, or see her moving about, but she can't walk very far without having to have a rest. You should hear the abuse she cops when she parks in a disabled spot, even with her sticker in full view.

        And how do you know the disability is physical anyway?

        And finally, what does a guy who flips things look like? Is there a type?

        • CommuterPolluter on 25/04/2024 - 18:23

          And how do you know the disability is physical anyway?
          Yeah my cousin gets pension for his downs syndrome. You can’t tell just from looking at somebody, not all are physical disabilities.

      • Sterio on 25/04/2024 - 08:34
        +1

        The red flags were blowing in the breeze right before your eyes.

      • xuqi on 26/04/2024 - 00:20
        +1

        Then most certainly a car flipper…

        It's a private sale so there's no recourse for you. Service and drive it, hoping all is well mechanically with it…

      • smog on 26/04/2024 - 11:40

        I remember reading a comment on reddit that mentioned his uncle had a car yard and his wife was a stay a home mother who use to bring one of the cars home to sell privately in the paper ads. Just before she meets with the buyer, she'll put on an apron and pretend to be in the middle of cooking so they'll let their guard down and won't question too much about the car. He mentions the wife actually sold more than the husband.

        They're definitely a car flipper. Had a similar occurrence when I sold my first car and a bloke who was same ethnic as you mentioned did the whole story about buying the car for his kid and was pointing out a house nearby was where his sister lived while been friendly to drop my guard down and lower my price and it did work as he listed the car back up within the next few weeks.

        You got to not let your emotions take control when buying or selling as these types of people prey on our psychological mind to drop our guards and don't question if something is amiss. If you feel somethings not right then trust your gut and walk away. Just take it as a lesson learnt.

  • elgrande on 24/04/2024 - 19:30
    +3

    Best thing to do is to take the vehicle to the mechanic for a service and safety inspection. Its your car now, even if its a lemon.

  • eddieboy2 on 25/04/2024 - 08:13

    When serviced by a Hyundai dealer the dealer attaches a Hyundai sticker to front driver side window to say when next service is due. I have been driving several different Hyundai passenger cars for 25 years and NEVER had any problem whatsoever. I get dealer services and they always say "any problems to report? and I say NO every time. Hyundai make fantastic cars. I am not a dealer or related in any way to Hyundai.

  • Mrgreenz on 25/04/2024 - 08:18

    I hope you at least held back some $$ untill the keys and logbook are found (never/forever)?

  • Sinnerator on 25/04/2024 - 08:32
    +9

    Rule #1 when buying a car
    1. Everything the seller says is a lie UNTIL PROVEN otherwise

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 25/04/2024 - 08:40
    +2

    Go to a Hyundai dealer and see if you can pull any service history done by them.

    Plenty of reasons for a young person to be on a pension. Sadly, I’m one of them- for now at least. Shit happens.

    I feel this is a storm in a teacup. Logbook at 160+k won’t change resale, and the rest is as expected. Personally o would give them a week to find the key, then get a quote for a new one and hit them up for that, and see if you can negotiate for the missing logbook.

    I feel the car is and will be fine. Interstate regos and transfers happen all the time, it’s no issue.

  • gyrex on 25/04/2024 - 09:43
    -1

    120kms

    It's effectively brand new - didn't the other person drive it at all?

  • dubingup on 25/04/2024 - 09:43
    +2

    I can never understand people who take such actions & always find it a little odd.

    Step 1: Pay for Expertise
    Step 2: Cross reference with their own "Expertise" (Why bother Paying someone else?)
    Step 3: Become Dogmatic and go with their own "Expertise"

    Proceed to bring suffering to their own doorsteps.
    A good Seller can sell anything even a Dud, if it turns out bad take this 'L' as a Learning lesson in Life and don't repeat on another large purchase.
    In the future just call up your parents or Grandparents and have a yarn about it if you are unsure

  • TightAl on 25/04/2024 - 10:13
    +3

    Why would you still proceed when they didn't produce the second key/log books ?

    You should have told them to go find the stuff otherwise you'll rescind your offer.

    • Camelface on 25/04/2024 - 19:08

      I think OP couldn't resist.

  • 82norm on 25/04/2024 - 11:32
    -1

    Drive it to some country location with mate in tow. Dump it, set it on fire, claim insurance. Easy peasy.

  • gromit on 25/04/2024 - 11:43

    The vehicle is yours now, second thoughts are irrelevant as no warranty and it is buyer beware on a private sale beyond outright fraud. So your only avenue for second thought is to try and resell to someone else. As soon as you purchased you removed any incentive or obligation for the previous owner to do anything for you.

  • kiwimex on 25/04/2024 - 12:23
    -1

    I would tru to return as they have not supplied 1) the other key and 2) the log book history, Were they not part of the sales agreement?

  • SailorGoon on 25/04/2024 - 12:27
    +1

    They said they are not able to find the logbook and the second key as they recently shifted. They had committed at the time of buying that they will look for it and call me up. After 3 days, I feel they have no intention of finding anything and probably they never had a logbook or a service history. Nor the other key.

    Talk to a lawyer. Arguably this was an essential part of the contract of sale and if they’re unable to make good of it, the car should be returned and monies refunded

    • gyrex on 25/04/2024 - 13:42
      +1

      Agree completely. Even in a private sale of a second hand car, the seller is expected to divulge true information and still has legal responsibilities to uphold the contract.

  • CocaKoala on 25/04/2024 - 13:17
    +1

    What is the best course of action for me to ensure
    firstly that the car is solid

    The car is a bad purchase as pointed out by your professional car inspection company. So it being "solid" is practically out of the equation.

    and secondly if I resell in 2 years I can get a good resale value

    Think about it. Numerous scratches that could only increase in the time you own, rear bumper crashed into and repaired (which an inspector or a savvy buyer will notice), log book "missing". And things might generally start to deteriorate due to wear and tear in the time you own. Your ask is that someone should be willing to overlook all of these problems and also offer you a "good" price.

    I was thinking I will start servicing it at official Hyundai and maintain logbook from today onwards

    Right, because it's a Bentley arnage as opposed to a shitbox i30 so it needs to be serviced at the dealer to keep up the value. Let's play pretend that the first 120,000 KMs don't matter though. 😂

    If you add up the inspection cost, the extra servicing and maintenance costs because you want it done at the $tealership, etc. You may as well have purchased a much better example for a slightly higher initial cost, which will have worked out better.

  • jakt70 on 25/04/2024 - 13:37

    have you checked that it's not stolen?

    • gyrex on 25/04/2024 - 13:39
      +2

      While PPSR was clean

  • Eeples on 25/04/2024 - 13:59
    +3

    Try to enjoy your new car.

  • t_c on 25/04/2024 - 15:09
    +1

    Imo logbook is worth at least 10% of the value of the car.

  • Davo1111 on 25/04/2024 - 16:25
    +1

    It's called buyer's remorse.

    Congrats on your car.

  • Davo1111 on 25/04/2024 - 16:34

    Half your red flags have legitimate reasons. The other half are 100% your fault.

    Re 3k. So what? My car is 8 years and just on 29k.

    Could have been bought as an emergency vehicle, driver died, lost licence, went overseas. Etc

  • loropy9 on 25/04/2024 - 20:38

    Op, it looks like you’ve had a close encounter with the horse traders.

  • billy72 on 25/04/2024 - 22:07
    +1

    In my experience, this seems to be a rebuilt vehicle, likely due to significant accidents that were not reported to insurance to avoid being written off. The engine is typically in good condition in these cars. However, GPS Australia appears to be an inexperienced service, as they primarily focus on reporting cosmetic issues.

  • Bob Svargis on 25/04/2024 - 23:32
    +2

    Too late, you already bought it, private sale, done and dusted. Just drive it.

  • plmko on 25/04/2024 - 23:42
    +1

    FFS it's an 8 year old Hyundai with 100k+ on the odo. It's not some rare desirable car, you've bought a beater shopping trolley. If it works it works, don't think abou the resell value just drive it till it's dead.

    Hiring inspections for this type of car is one of the dumbest things to fud yourself. They are paid to be conservative of course they will say stuff.

    Drive the car and do some serious laps around. If it works it works.

  • RolandWaites on 26/04/2024 - 00:27
    +1

    You got it for $3k less than most places are offering. The report said it's mechanically sound. You probably didn't get the great bargain you thought you were going to, but it sounds like the car itself doesn't have any major issues. Just accept it, enjoy it and move on.

  • The mikky on 26/04/2024 - 12:08

    find out where they got it serviced, if it was a dealer, you might be able to at least get a print out of all the services completed.

  • Prong on 26/04/2024 - 12:18
    +6

    Unfortunately there is a high chance that there is underlying fraud.

    The good news is that while second hand cars sales are as is, it has to match what was sold to you. No logbook (or worse) does give you an option to seek compensation.

    If they have done something dodgy, then you will likely be able to pressure them to unwind the sale and won't need to go the legal route. (I have helped a friend through this process)

    First thing - make sure you save all copies of everything said (texts etc) and any if still available, screenshot ads with details. Take photos of paperwork too.

    First up, ask them for the details of where they had it serviced. I suggest doing it in a casual way - say that while they find the logbook, you want to get it serviced at the same place (if it is nearby). If they are legit, they will be able to tell you.

    Also, call Hyundai - they should be able to tell you any service history of the car if it was serviced with them.
    Call the business in Brisbane who had it (if possible) and ask them for details, such as if they have KM records, or where it was serviced, or if it was in an accident. It may have been a repairable write off, sold interstate and repaired off the books.
    Or call a Hyundai dealership near the business and ask if they have service records. (Though likely the kms from when they had it are correct)

    The more major potential issue here is odometer fraud. Two ways this may happen - the odometer reading is updated to a lower number. Or an odometer blocker is installed, which stops the kilometers increasing while the car is being driven. It can be turned on and off so can be deactivated during registration checks etc. And then is removed before being sold.

    For example, I have heard of cars being bought, have an odometer blocker installed, then used for Uber, deliveries etc (and often with poor servicing) and then sold after a few years. That way they avoid the loss of value from racking up large kilometers.

    With oedometer blockers, the correct kilometers might still be saved in the ECU. I can't see a definitive answer online. I would suggest that when you call Hyundai (you will want to be speaking to someone in the service department) tell them you are concerned about oedometer fraud, and ask them if they have a way of checking the correct kilometers.

    Another thing to check is or any signs of damage or marks around the instrument cluster, like it has been removed. I am not 100% sure for the i30, but the blocker modules appear to plug in behind the speedo so if not done carefully, there might be signs.

    If you can get any sort of proof of odometer fraud, then it will be very easy to pressure the seller into unwinding the sale. Make sure you report them afterwards though.

    Even if it comes down to them not being able to supply the logbook (or they supply one that looks faked or can't be verified) then you might be able to pressure them into undoing the sale. The main thing is to act fast, as the more time that passes the harder everything becomes.

    Or, hopefully, they find the logbook, you can verify the servicing and kms, and all is good.

    • Camelface on 26/04/2024 - 12:46
      +5

      If there's an award for the best contribution to a discussion, I would vote for this reply

      • grimo82 on 26/04/2024 - 14:44
        -1

        I wouldnt, why would a private seller give a dam or a third party previous business owner for that matter? They arent a licenced motor dealer, what regulatory body is going to go after them even if anyone can prove it on a 10k car.

        This amounts to shaking an angry fist at the clouds….

        • Prong on 26/04/2024 - 15:09
          +1

          The seller will care if they committed odometer fraud, because having that uncovered can have serious ramifications.

          OPs job here is to uncover the true situation, and then if they are unhappy with it, convince the seller it is easier to reverse the sale than deal with the potential ramifications. That may be very easy, or very hard.

          If the seller only lied about having the logbooks then it may be harder to get them to care. OP might have to lodge in small claims, and seek appropriate compensation to adjust the contract as needed to account for the lie.

          I suspect there is more than just a lie about the log books. It might just be that the car was bought as a repairable right off from Brisbane, and this was not disclosed.

          In which case, OP needs enough evidence to show the seller it will be easier to take the car back, than fight it.

          The previous business may decline to comment. But in my experience, people are generally happy to help, when they have not done anything wrong themselves. There's no downside to the business if they tell OP, yep, that car was in an accident, and the insurance took it and paid us out. Or whatever the truth is. This distances the business from anything dodgy that has happened since.

          OP needs to do some detective work and try and uncover if anything dodgy has gone on. Then decide what to do based on what they find. They may find Hyundai has records of the car being properly serviced up to 120K kms, no evidence of odometer fraud, and decide the missing key and logbook is not worth fighting for. Or they might ask the seller for a partial refund, and get it. Or choose to lodge in small claims court.

          Or maybe Hyundai can read the kilometers from the ECU, giving OP evidence of odometer fraud, who can use that to get a refund, then report the seller to Fair Trading for the fraud so they don't do it to someone else.

          • garage sale on 27/04/2024 - 21:50

            @Prong: not sure of i30, but even my BMW stores the KM in the ecu, and the ecu also stores the VIN and the ecu has to match the imboliser … the dark odometer is just a display of what is in the ecu hopefully hyundai is similar to 22 yrs old bmw in what ecu stores.

  • fgfash on 26/04/2024 - 12:53
    -1

    and that is why I would never buy a car from a private dealer.. too much to worry about..

    • Davo1111 on 26/04/2024 - 13:00
      +1

      implying a 2nd hand car yard is some mecca of honesty.

      If you bought my car you'd get a lifetime of invoice history and logbook services done on a yearly basis. No smoking, no drinking in my car. Very low kms. No fines or demerit points.

      Heck. I have a spreadsheet of every fuel stop and odo reading you can have

      • TooSerious2 on 26/04/2024 - 14:44
        +2

        PM me when you're thinking of selling 😊

        • serpserpserp on 26/04/2024 - 19:53

          It is likely a lease that they'll roll over into a new car.

          • Davo1111 on 27/04/2024 - 00:22

            @serpserpserp: Nah, personal car bought myself.

            I'm just crazy :)

            • serpserpserp on 27/04/2024 - 13:46

              @Davo1111: Why keep a spreadsheet for petrol? Work claim?

              • Davo1111 on 27/04/2024 - 15:01
                +1

                @serpserpserp: I wanted to track the difference between fuel types, kms, and compare with cost.

                Ie if 98 Ron gets me 8% more km but costs 10% more, it's not worth it.

                • Prong on 27/04/2024 - 15:03

                  @Davo1111: Don't leave us hanging! What was the result?

                  • Davo1111 on 27/04/2024 - 15:20
                    +1

                    @Prong: I get 15% improvement in fuel economy, for a 12% increase in price.

                    On a price to performance ratio 98 > 91 > 95. But fuel usage per 100km 98 > 95 > 91. So basically 95 is priced too high for its value.

                    The thing is im not regularly swapping fuel types, so I think the results are not perfect and doesn't take into account other factors.

                    If I'm really keen I can feed the fuel price in prior to see the value, but havent seen any major change for a while.

                    • Prong on 27/04/2024 - 15:34

                      @Davo1111: Yeah nice! What model car?

                      Years and years back I tried to do a similar comparison with my wife's 90s Corolla. But it didn't get much more from the higher octane fuel, which was not a huge surprise considering the lower end compression ratio.

                      • Davo1111 on 27/04/2024 - 15:39

                        @Prong: Kia Rio.

                        Given I do <5k km a year, i think my lifestyle changes has some influence in the results.

      • megaclix on 27/04/2024 - 00:46

        That's the dilemma. It used to be pay a few k's premium to get from a car yard for the protections that come with it. Now everyone thinks their car is special, and is worth more than a car yard can sell it for. When you sell, will you give me a 3 month warranty?

        • Davo1111 on 27/04/2024 - 01:39

          What exactly is the car yard providing for their 3 month "warranty"?

          Just get a pre purchase inspection, and take the advice on said inspection. OR just do what OP did and ignore it

  • dontboopthesnoot on 26/04/2024 - 13:22

    Probably not much you can do now since you have paid and taken the car. Its a small price and lesson to pay so you should know what to look out for next time. In the meantime you could try and resell it if it bothers you.

  • grimo82 on 26/04/2024 - 14:39
    +1

    God dam your overthtinking this. Its a 10K car, who cares - drive it until it stops in another 150000kms.

    You accepted terms when you handed over cash, probably wasnt a bad deal if only cosmetic issues. Move on with your life. The patheticness of stories …and advice on here somtimes astounds me.

  • surg3on on 26/04/2024 - 14:42
    -1

    You have made the payment. Nothing you can do now. Its a life lesson that could have gone worse.

  • Tiredman on 26/04/2024 - 17:05

    Why would you make the payment before getting the logbook or extra keys anyway? Promises mean shit in this world right now. Logbooks in particular are important and will greatly affect your resale.

    • serpserpserp on 26/04/2024 - 19:52
      -2

      Not really. If he owns it for 2 years and takes good car of it, keeps all receipts etc. the next buyer wants to know what the problems are now with the car, not what they were 10+ years ago.

  • pandadude on 26/04/2024 - 19:20

    To be honest a missing log book isn't a big deal for a vehicle outside of warranty.

    However, you should have review the the last few services receipt and check what was included in the service and if there was any suggested repairs. Also review the vehicle was regularly serviced.

    What is more of a concern is the missing spare keys.

    • billy72 on 26/04/2024 - 19:38

      In VIC, logbook is also used to verify the authenticity of the odometer.

  • serpserpserp on 26/04/2024 - 19:50
    +3

    OP literally swam through a sea of red flags to buy this car. They would not be denied.

  • megaclix on 26/04/2024 - 20:50

    The 2nd hand car market is still hard at the moment. I'm looking for a similar sized car (first car) for my son in the 10k to 13k range, but now having to consider higher.

    I'm surprised at the price vs level of quality. Pretty much everything has a ding, and way too many are on Wovi (lots saying light panel damage, but on a $15K car?).

    I think you bought well at that price point, so you could consider that the key/missing log book is built into the price you paid. For me, I will not buy a car without a log book, so I get that you may be concerned for sell time. But as others have mentioned, this does become less important as the k's tick over and recent receipts will help.

    That aside, this does go to explain what I am seeing on Marketplace. It is flooded with multiple ads for the same cars under multiple profiles. Typically they are aged profiles with no history.

    On car sales, there is more trust, but the Car Sales vs Redbook guide prices are way different. But after watching for a while, I can spot a well priced car vs dreamers, and am ready to pounce soon.

  • The Value on 26/04/2024 - 21:10

    Not related to the car but an immigrant can be on a veteran concession. We have arrangements with former and current allies.

  • Commander Shepard on 27/04/2024 - 02:09
    +1

    If the car inspected fine. Keep the car for a couple of years. And when you get it serviced yourself. Take it to a place that does a quality service and write up. And perhaps considering changing all fluids and make sure everything is up to date. That may help increasing buyer confidence when it comes to selling time.

    You got a car under its normal value. But not low enough where the cost saving is justified for the cosmetic damage and missing logbooks.
    A patient person who is willing to miss out will ensure they get the best market value. If your rushing to purchase you might overlook some things and pay more.
    Thats buying used cars for you. Your probably only down maybe $2000 bucks.

    I got a 190,000 2017 Renault Megane GT for about the same price. I have no doubt I overpaid. And it may take some time to sell when I eventually sell it..
    But I wanted a newer car at a lower price. For that you need to take some compromises.

  • yokel on 27/04/2024 - 08:34

    Just get the sludge flushed out of it and just drive it into the ground. Enjoy not having to worry about doors opening on the car in shopping centre car parks.

  • imrichkid on 27/04/2024 - 10:44
    -4

    A typical troubled issue poor people run into.. yes, I came in for a laugh.. thanks for the story I'll never face with a Hyundai i30.

  • AuQld on 27/04/2024 - 11:20
    +4

    Although maybe seen as racist, experience with cars, auctions, scrapyards and Facebook marketplace, I don't waste my time on certain ethnic groups after so much disappointment, lies and time wasted. All you have to do is go to written off auction to see who's buying and selling. They usually post as a woman so you think it's a lady owner when you go visit it will be a different story and the rego will be in someone else's name, temp or business.

    Something will usually be off, if it is walk away.

  • xiaoli on 27/04/2024 - 13:51

    If it works it works. Who cares? It is a cheap car anyway, and you said you will not keep it long.

  • Illyria on 27/04/2024 - 13:56
    -2

    At least you didn't buy a Tesla. You'd really be kicking yourself now.

  • payless69 on 27/04/2024 - 17:29

    You sound like an ex Hardly Normal customer.

  • garage sale on 27/04/2024 - 21:57

    make sure to get a second key , some cars use rolling codes and have a chip, many places can cut keys buy not all can code the chip, and some cars only factory can code, BMW its factory as keys are coded and change code after each time you start the car. you don’t want to chase a 2nd key when you need it.

  • dachosenone on 27/04/2024 - 22:09
    +4

    the story sounds familiar. middle eastern husband wouldn't come out of the house and sent his wife to do deal in punchbowl/lakemba, despite the car in his name. She went inside to give money to man to count. Person i know got a call from consumer affairs a while later that odometer had been wound back. He had also wound back another 20 or so cars according to fair trading.

    • vsvsvs on 28/04/2024 - 14:08

      Hey, is there any way to find out their details? I can DM you. This was the scariest comment on this thread so far. Did he get his mone back?

      • dachosenone on 29/04/2024 - 00:04
        +1

        This happened maybe 15 years ago and would be no use today, Its quite simply what they do and not uncommon. There was no money back, it was a call and a letter from fair trading and they talked about going to tribunal, but this was a year after purchase when they caught on.

        They prey on people who buy based on price and think they're getting a bargain. There's no bargains 99.5% of the time, just buying someones problems.

        Im at a place in life where i only buy new/demos from manufacturers , but when i was younger, i saw the reality. I would never buy a car from certain areas or ethnic groups. Fake names/wife names on ads/rego papers, lying about the area and meeting you in classier area, shoddy repairs or patched engine/driveline good enough until you drive off, and blatant lies with a straight face. I saw a bmw that had 3 different coloured panels on it if you looked close enough.This was surprise surprise in south west sydney

        Spend the extra money and sleep like a baby.

  • Tiredman on 28/04/2024 - 07:19

    to be fair it's a Korean car so most likely fairly reliable. get it serviced by a reputable mechanic from now and learn some DIY. too late for regrets

  • BlahBlahBlaah on 28/04/2024 - 11:27

    Was the seller Indian, or Arab??

    • vsvsvs on 28/04/2024 - 14:08
      +2

      Middle East / Arab

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