Where to buy a vehicle
There are a number of places where you can buy a vehicle. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
Buying from a dealer
Buying a vehicle from a licensed motor vehicle dealer is the safest way and provides some real advantages.
The dealer is obliged by law to guarantee that there is no money owing on the vehicle and depending on the type of vehicle, how old it is and how many kilometres it has done, the dealer may be obliged by the law to provide a warranty.
You also have the opportunity to trade in your old vehicle. However, you may not get as much money trading-in your vehicle as you would selling it privately.
You are likely to get to test drive the vehicle and make sure it has the requirements and features you want. Finance is also usually offered through most licensed vehicle dealers.
Visit as many dealers as possible and satisfy yourself that you are getting the best deal.
Buying at an auction
You may pick up a good bargain by buying a vehicle at auction.
You may be able to negotiate a contract to buy the vehicle, or buy the vehicle on the 'fall of the hammer'.
In the event that an auction house will not allow a test drive, you should make a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Auctioneers have to have a dealers licence if they regularly sell vehicles, so be careful to check which vehicles have a warranty and those which do not.
Buying a vehicle privately
Buying a vehicle privately means caveat emptor (Latin for 'let the buyer beware').
There is no warranty applicable.
The vehicle may have money owing on it or may even be stolen.
You should arrange a vehicle inspection, which is at your own cost. You should also check that the vehicle is not encumbered by doing a PPS check.
You should check the following information:
- date and year of manufacture is the same as the date on the vehicle identification plate;
- the number plate matches that stated on the licence papers;
- the vehicle identification number or chassis number in the engine bay matches that stated on the licence registration papers;
- the vehicle is licensed, and when the licence expires;
- proof that the person selling the car is the owner, i.e. they have the vehicle licence papers, a sales receipt or driver's licence to help identify who they are.
Buying from a car market
A car market is a market offering second-hand vehicles for sale.
If you buy from a car market, you are considered to be buying 'privately' and therefore you need to beware of what you are intending to buy.
There are normally no guarantees of title or warranties supplied. However, a car market operator has to ensure sellers display forms which tell you whether the title is guaranteed.