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Private
sales | Information needed when buying privately |
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The
visual check of the vehicle.
Walk
all round the car , bending down to observe for any lower
body and under car damage as well, are there any oil leaks?
Is there any rust showing , usually found on lower parts
of car and bottoms of doors also look for bubbles under
the paintwork in other areas as well. Check for fading or
cracking paintwork, are there any colour variations showing
? What about the interior are you going to be happy looking
at cracked dashboards, torn door and seat trims, missing
knobs and window winders.
Try
all the major controls clutch, accelerator, trafficators
and automatic gear levers do they function properly. Are
the seat belts fastening efficiently? Turn on the lights
are globes working, trafficators indicating and hazzard
light functioning? Turn on the sound system check volume
and sound quality. Open the boot is it tidy? Check spare
tyre for ware are tools in place is there any rust showing
in the compartment?
Look
to see where car is usually parked , is there oil showing
on the ground ,a simle test. Looking under the bonnet check
for leaks oil water or seepage from hoses or clamps. See
what condition the radiator apears in and after openiing
the cap what is the coolant colour like if not bright and
clean green could indicate future problems.Warning never
open a warm or hot radiator you will be scalded .
Walk
around the car bend down low and inspect the tyres are they
worn evenly. If not this may be an indication of future
problems. Check spare it may indicate future problems if
the car is fitted with new tyres the worn spare may indicate
future repairs. This is a useful tip. Bounce the car up
and down there should be a firmness if not an indication
of repacement shock absorbers being needed..
Test
driving the vehicle.
A
test drive is important, but BE
WARNED, you run the risk
of substantial claims being made against you if you have
an accident. Check to see if the vehicle is covered by comprehensive
insurance before you go for a test drive
Start
the car does it start immediatly? are there any strange
noises? Can you hear any undue exhaust noise. Move the steering
wheel do you feel a slackness? if yes maybe excess ware
is indicated. Begin your test drive check brake pedal travel
is it escessive? Are there any rattles or squeeks? Any grinding
noises? When changing gears is the action smooth any grating
indicates worn syncromeshes (expensive to repair) . When
changing gears do you feel slippage when the clutch is engaged.
Can indicate a clutch needing to be replaced . If its an
automatic the car should move off imediately when selecting
drive, reverse or neutral. The automatic should change smoothly
between gears and under gentle or moderate acceleration
the gear change should be virtually undetectable.
Watch
the rear for smoke from the exhaust , especially when going
downhill to check back off the accelerator you will see
smoke if there is a problem, Try braking , does the car
pull up smoothly and evenly without pulling to one side.
Try the handbrake does it secure the car at rest? Keep an
eye on the gauges are they giving a true indication of their
function?
If
you are not an expert and the car appears value but you
have detected some future or present repairs requiring attention
please have an expert check the car to confirm before buying,
do not hand over any money until you are completely happy
and all repairs are completed to your satisfaction. Rember
there is always another car.
Buyer
warning
There
is no statutory warranty when you purchase a vehicle from
a private seller. Its
your responsibility to check the vehicle thoroughly for
any mechanical, exterior or interior damage or defects.
If you are not an expert, you should seriously consider
having the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic
or inspection service like the NRMA.
When
you are ready to buy ask to se this paperwork.
1
A current certificate of registration
2 A safety check report (pink
slip*) that is not more than one month old
3 Proof that the person selling
the car is the owner --such as a driving licence and sales
receipt.
4 Check that the information
on the certificate of registration and safety check report
matches the details of the vehicle.
With
this information verify by inspection of the vehicle.
1
Vehice registration number
2 The Engine number
3 The vehicle identification
number (VIN) or chassis number
If
you purchase a vehicle from a private seller who has an outstanding
loan attached
to the vehicle (this is called an encumbrance), the vehicle
could be repossessed
and you could lose your money.
To
determine this do a REVS check. Call
REVS on (02) 9633 6333 or 1800
424 988 (toll free in regional NSW 9am to Spm 7 days to purchase
a Search Certificate). The
certificate costs just $10 (faxed -$12)
and is the simplest way
to prevent repossession by a financier if someone else still
owes money on the vehicle. The certificate will protect you
from repossession as long as you own the vehicle.
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Do
your REVS check now
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If
the vehicle is encumbered, you should not purchase it until
you are satisfied with the arrangernents made by the current
owner to repay the debt. You need to be sure that the registration,
engine and Vehicle identification (VIN/Chassis) numbers on
the registration papers are identical to those on the vehicle
If there are any discrepancies, it would be wise to seek an
identification check at an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle
Inspection Station (AUVIS), available for a small fee.
* A white slip is issued if
there are repairs needed, which means the vehicle is not fit
for registration
** No liability can be accepted
on the accuracy of police stolen vehicle information
CHECK
THE REGISTRATION
To check if
the registration is still valid, call the RTA in Sydney on
13 2213
PROOF
OF PURCHASE
Check that
the registration papers relate to the person selling the vehicle
and the selling address. If you decide to purchase the vehicle,
ask
for a receipt.
When you
want to transfer registration.
You will need
visit a Motor Registry within 14 days to transfer
ownership of the vehicle to your name or you will incurr a
penalty.
Take
these forms with you to the motor registry .
1 your proof
of purchase
2 at least
two forms of identification and money to pay the stamp duty
and transfer fee.
3 A current
roadworthy no older than 30 days.
Confusus
says.
"Remember
never be pressured into buying and do not pay over deposits
unless you have in writing all your you requests noted and
signed .There is always another car ".
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