CHECK THE VEHICLE
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, NRMA or inspection station.
CHECK THE PAPERWORK
Ask the seller to show you:
- A current certificate of registration
- 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 any mechanical report matches the details of the vehicle.
CHECK THERE IS NO MONEY OWING ON THE VEHICLE
You can do an online REVS check in the CARFAIR office or call REVS directly. Before contacting REVS you will need the following information about the vehicle:
- Vehicle registration number
- The engine number
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number
If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller who has an outstanding loan attached to the vehicle, this is called an encumbrance. Arrangements need to be made with the current owner to repay the debt so that you will have clear title to the vehicle. A divided payment system is often used with the purchaser paying in the form of two bank cheques - one made out to the finance company for the amount owing and another cheque for the balance of the purchase to the owner of the vehicle.
REVS (Register of Encumbered Vehicles) contact info is:
TRANSFER THE REGISTRATION
After you purchase the vehicle, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Registry or Shopfront 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
- to pay the stamp duty tax and transfer fee
- In the ACT vehicles over 6 year old require a "passed fit" inspection report from an authorised ACT Government inspection station. Please confirm other requirements in your state of residence.