When in the market for a set of wheels, most people will look in the pre-owned market. The options are more extensive, and you can choose the one that makes more sense to your pocket.
Buying from a private seller means you have to do everything manually, like a roadworthiness check, for example, as opposed to what a dealership would do on your behalf.
Buying tips to remember
It is not always possible to find out every detail about a used car’s history, but it's worth building a profile that is as complete as possible to help minimise the risk of buying a lemon. Ask the seller specific questions about the following:
Buying from a private seller means you have to do everything manually, like a roadworthiness check, for example, as opposed to what a dealership would do on your behalf.
Buying tips to remember
- Make sure you meet in an open, public setting where there is frequent foot traffic.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash on you, do the funds transfer by your online banking app.
- Have someone go with you to meet the seller. Another set of hands is better than one and also provides an added layer of protection.
It is not always possible to find out every detail about a used car’s history, but it's worth building a profile that is as complete as possible to help minimise the risk of buying a lemon. Ask the seller specific questions about the following:
- Mileage
- Age of the vehicle
- Any accident history
- Overall vehicle condition
- The service history of the car, as documented in its service manual.
Gumtree lists the documentation you (as the buyer) need to have when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from someone else:
Deed of sale
It essentially acts as proof of purchase and could protect you from possible disagreements and discrepancies. It should include the following information:
- Names, addresses, ID number, and contact details of both parties.
- Make, model, registration number, VIN number, registration number, colour, odometer reading.
- Time, date and location of the sale.
- The purchase amount.
The yellow form
Before a new owner can re-register a pre-owned or used vehicle, the seller must complete and submit a Notification of change of ownership form, complete with their signature in the various sections.
Roadworthy Certificate
Sellers will often do the roadworthiness test before a sale is agreed in principle, though it is primarily the buyer's responsibility. To get a roadworthy certificate, the buyer must visit the nearest vehicle testing station with the above documents and pay the associated fee.
Off to the traffic department
Once the above is all in order, the last step is to register the vehicle in your name at your nearest traffic department. According to the Department of Transport website, this is what you will need:
- Your ID.
- Proof of postal and residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your postal and residential address.
- A vehicle registration certificate in the seller's name.
- Valid certificate of roadworthiness.
- a valid motor vehicle licence (ensure that the licence fees for the vehicle are up to date).
- Pay the relevant costs.
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android), and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
