Buying New Car (Private Sale) Vic

[Sir Stinkalot]

I have just committed to buying a new (second hand) car for the Stinkette from a private seller. I just have some questions which somebody may be able to help me out with.

I have checked on the VicRoads website for the Vehicle Status Check.
This has confirmed that the registration is current, the vehicle has not been recorded as stolen, the vehicle has not been recorded as written off and there is no registered security interest recorded on the vehicle. So far all ticks.

The VicRoads transfer process seems simple enough with the seller providing me with a roadworthy and then we both fill in the transfer form, I pay the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty to VicRoads within 14 days.

My concerns are thus:

• What proof do I have that the seller actually owns the car?
• What proof do I have that I am the new owner of the vehicle? (the transfer seems to only be registration only not title)
• What have I missed?

I have met the seller and inspected the car last night and everything went well. The price is good, but not stupidly cheap. I have met the seller at his house, and been inside (this was a requirement of Consumer Affairs Victoria!). I left him a deposit last night and will return with a bank cheque for the balance and pick up the car on the weekend. I didn't get any written receipt for the deposit, which technically perhaps I should have, but I feel confident with the seller.

I am not expecting any problems at all but I just want to make sure that all the right steps are being taken and I am not buying something that will cause problems.

[nihilism]

The owner shoiuld have the registration renewal with their name and address on it, even if they don't they would have to put the correct name and address on the transfer papers and sign them. You could ask them for ID to prove they are who they say they are. If the car is registered in their name they are the legal owner.

[johnc]

If it is a HP contract it will be in the persons name anyway and you loose the car if it is not paid out. There is a Vicroads service that tells if there is a HP contract registered against that car. Phone and follow the prompts, its not foolproof but its reasonably reliable.

[Sir Stinkalot]

Thanks guys ....

The VicRoads Application for Transfer of Registration states that "the register records the identification details of each vehicle and the name and address of the registered operator of the vehicle". It then goes on in bold to read "It is not a register of vehicle ownership (title)".

I just cant seem to work out what needs to be done to ensure transfer of title. It would seem that you can have the registration in your name if you are the operator but the vehicle could be owned by somebody else.

I have checked the VicRoads Vehicle Securities Register and its shows no money owing.

[Sturdee]

It then goes on in bold to read "It is not a register of vehicle ownership (title)".

There can be any number of ways in which the vehicle is owned or beneficially owned by others than the registered operator.

When buying privately although you take all precautions and do all the checks available you still take the risk that what you bought is not the sellers property.

Of course when you buy from a licensed motorcar trader you get guaranteed title.

Peter.

[Waldo]

Dunno what sort of car you are looking at, but my last 2 cars have been XR6's, and a simple VIN check to Tickford/Ford FPV have shown ownership of vehicles, service history and body repairs if any - maybe you could do a similar thing.

[johnc]

Checking the securities register and Vic Roads is about as good as you will get, if you feel comfortable about the seller then go ahead, if you don't pull out.

You can only pass on clear title if you had it in the first place, buying from a car yard is not bulletproof either for the same reason, but generally if you are dealing with a mobile phone or post box run a mile. If it is someone who has a stable address and passes the smell test then the deal should be ok.

[Pagie]

It is even worse with a boat. a mate bought a boat and when he checked with Vicroads to see what he needed to do he was told that if he had the boat and paid the rego it was his.

[Sir Stinkalot]

Thanks all ....

I plan on going ahead with the sale as I have met the sellers and they seem spot on. I drove down to see the car after work on Monday. By the time I got there is was dark. The seller came out with a torch and within seconds he cast the torch over the side of the car and then said it is all good except for this small scratch caused by one of the grandkids. The scratch itself was small and would have been difficult to see in daylight so for him to point it out straight away was a winner in my book.

I have done all of the checks recommended and everything seems to be above board. I am just a little surprised that there isn't a standard from to transfer the title .... only the registration. Oh well it seems to be the standard thing so I am sure there will be no problem.