Buying a New Car

Tips for buying a new car

Buying a new car can sometimes be a daunting prospect especially for the inexperienced. While buying a car from a dealer can reduce the risks of problems, especially if the dealer is offering a warranty, there are obviously more risks involved in a private sale. Fortunately there are various resources and tests available to car buyers that helps make the process 'safer' and less stressful. The following is a list of guidelines and checks you should consider before handing over your hard earned cash.

Revs Checks

Revs stands for Register of Encumbered Vehicles. This means that a REVs check will tell you whether there is any outstanding finance owing on the car. To conduct a Revs check you need the following information:

• Registration number,
• VIN number, and
• Engine number.

This information can usually be found on the compliance plate under the bonnet.

When buying a car from a dealer you should be supplied with a REVS certificate. However it is your own responsibility when buying privately. To get a REVS check, contact: 13 13 04

WOVR Check

WOVR stands for the written off vehicle register. This check can be done at the same time as a REVs check and will identify whether the car in question has ever been a "statuary" or "repairable" write off. This check is worth doing to ensure the car you are looking at hasn't been severely damaged in the past.

Third Party Vehicle inspection

If you don't have confidence in your own mechanical knowledge to evaluate a vehicle you should always utilize a third party inspection. This can be done by your local mechanic or motoring groups such as the RACQ or RACV. Such an inspection is a valuable tool for the inexperienced in knowing exactly the condition of the car you are buying and ensuring you have no nasty surprises after the deal is done.

Safety Certificate

Previously known as a road worthy certificate a safety certificate is another essential item needed when a sale takes place. Safety certificates are issued by registered mechanics and indicate that at the time of issue the car is safe to drive. Although it is not a guarantee the car isn't going to develop problems in the future it does mean that it was mechanically sound at the time of issue.

Registration

Before you buy a car you should always check that the person you are dealing with is the registered owner of the car and that the car is actually registered. This can be done by checking the seller's license number against the cars registration details which can be obtained from the department of transport.

Change of registration papers must be signed by both the purchaser and the seller at the time of the sale.

It is important to remember that these checks will vary state to state so ensure you check with your local authority as what is available.