Car Buying Tips
This post is a continuation of yesterdays tips for purchasing a used car...
Obviously, you don't want to hand over a stack of money for a secondhand auto and find out that the vehicle is stolen and subject to repossesion. In this scenario the vehicle will be taken from you and you'll be left to chase down any individuals and money owed on the repossessed stolen car. The likely event is that you wont be seeing the money again any time soon. There are ways to protect yourself from this even occuring.
Apart from following the steps outlined in yesterdays post for determining the title and clear record of the car you can usually also purchase a certificte issued by the state registry office which confirms the clear record of the vehicle. This certificate offers protection against the vehicle getting repossessed by someone who is financing the vehicle if it hasn't been purchased out-right by the previous owner. The certificate will also confirm whether the vehicle has been recorded as stolen or written-off. Obtaining a relevant certificate from a registry office usually costs around $10 so it isn't a huge price to pay for peace of mind.
If a vehicle securities register certificate or associated Information Package states that there's a clear title on your newly purchased used vehicle, but you find later that money is actually still owing, the certificate protects you against claims by a credit provider. Although you can get preliminary title details by phone, you must get a certificate before you've got some protection against repossession by a credit provider. So whilst phoning the registry office is a great first step in establishing a successful purchase, it is definately advisable to get a certificate as written confirmation and a legally valid document. No matter what you claim was told to you over the phone, it will not hold any credit according to the law.
If there is money owing on the vehicle, or it is listed as stolen or as a wreck, be very careful. You will need to make extensive enquiries before purchasing the vehicle. If there is finance owing, you will need to contact the credit provider and arrange for it to be paid. If the vehicle is listed as stolen, you shouldn't buy it prior to the police noting its recovery.
If you are buying a secondhand car from a licensed used car dealer, checking up on the status of the vehicle before purchase isn't as important. A licensed motor car trader is legally required to ensure that a car has clear title, namely, it is not stolen and does not have money owing on it. Nevertheless, it still might pay to get a vehicle information pack from the registry office as this will provide a good deal of background information about the car you are purchasing and its automotive history.
Obviously, you don't want to hand over a stack of money for a secondhand auto and find out that the vehicle is stolen and subject to repossesion. In this scenario the vehicle will be taken from you and you'll be left to chase down any individuals and money owed on the repossessed stolen car. The likely event is that you wont be seeing the money again any time soon. There are ways to protect yourself from this even occuring.
Apart from following the steps outlined in yesterdays post for determining the title and clear record of the car you can usually also purchase a certificte issued by the state registry office which confirms the clear record of the vehicle. This certificate offers protection against the vehicle getting repossessed by someone who is financing the vehicle if it hasn't been purchased out-right by the previous owner. The certificate will also confirm whether the vehicle has been recorded as stolen or written-off. Obtaining a relevant certificate from a registry office usually costs around $10 so it isn't a huge price to pay for peace of mind.
If a vehicle securities register certificate or associated Information Package states that there's a clear title on your newly purchased used vehicle, but you find later that money is actually still owing, the certificate protects you against claims by a credit provider. Although you can get preliminary title details by phone, you must get a certificate before you've got some protection against repossession by a credit provider. So whilst phoning the registry office is a great first step in establishing a successful purchase, it is definately advisable to get a certificate as written confirmation and a legally valid document. No matter what you claim was told to you over the phone, it will not hold any credit according to the law.
If there is money owing on the vehicle, or it is listed as stolen or as a wreck, be very careful. You will need to make extensive enquiries before purchasing the vehicle. If there is finance owing, you will need to contact the credit provider and arrange for it to be paid. If the vehicle is listed as stolen, you shouldn't buy it prior to the police noting its recovery.
If you are buying a secondhand car from a licensed used car dealer, checking up on the status of the vehicle before purchase isn't as important. A licensed motor car trader is legally required to ensure that a car has clear title, namely, it is not stolen and does not have money owing on it. Nevertheless, it still might pay to get a vehicle information pack from the registry office as this will provide a good deal of background information about the car you are purchasing and its automotive history.
