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BUYING FROM A
- PRIVATE
- SELLER
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CHECK
THE PAPERWORK
Ask the seller to
show you:
- A current
certificate of registration
- A safety check
report (pink slip*) that is not more than one month old
- Proof that the
person selling the car is the owner -- such as a driving licence
and sales receipt.
Check that the
information on the certificate of registration and safety check
report matches the details of the vehicle.
You will need to
examine the vehicle and write down the:
- Vehicle
registration number
- The engine
number
- The vehicle
identification number (VIN) or chassis number
CHECK
THERE IS NO MONEY OWING ON THE VEHICLE
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.
You can check REVS
(Register of Encumbered Vehicles) on this website to determine if the vehicle is encumbered or has been reported to the
police as stolen.**
If the vehicle is
not encumbered, call REVS on 13 32 20 8:30am to 5:30pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm
weekends and public holidays to purchase a Search Certificate. The
certificate costs just $13.30 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.
If the vehicle is
encumbered, you should not purchase it until you are satisfied with
the arrangements 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.
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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 and Wollongong on 13 2213, or the local
Motor Registry.
Registration
requirements may differ between States and Territories. If you are
thinking of buying an unregistered or interstate registered vehicle
that has been significantly modified or is a specialised vehicle,
such as a high performance vehicle, you should check with the RTA as
to NSW registration requirements.
CHECK
THE VEHICLE
There is no
statutory warranty when you purchase a vehicle from a private
seller. It is 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.
TEST
DRIVE
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.
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.
TRANSFER
THE REGISTRATION
After you
purchase the vehicle, you must visit a Motor Registry within 14 days to
transfer ownership of the vehicle to your name. You will need:
- your proof of
purchase
- at least two
forms of identification
- and money to
pay the stamp duty and transfer fee.
More information
is available from the RTA's
Customer Service line on 13 2213, in Sydney or
Wollongong, or from your local Motor Registry.
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