bernstable

Hi all,

Finally made it to Perth and slowly getting all the basics sorted out. Next on the agenda is a car. Planning on buying secondhand and will most likely buy private i.e. not through a dealer. What paperwork should I be looking out for / what do I need etc etc.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Bernie

Kingseat

You don't have an mot every year so if buying private check the date on the rego and may be take an inspector from the RAC with you or certainly book one for an inspection. We bought from a dealer so not really overly sure/

bernstable

Forgive my ignorance but whats a rego (I'm suspecting its the registration doc of some sort) and what does the date signify?

Bernie

Kingseat

Yep, you pay registration....same as a tax disc but it also includes 3rd party fire and theft. Not sure what the cost is - ours is due in December but worth making sure there is at least a couple of months worth before you need to pay.

When the vehicle changes hands you will also pay a transfer fee. Ours was around $500 for a $17,000 ford focus. Some people say if you buy from a dealer you should haggle over this when buying....unfrotunately, we didn't know about it until the bill arrives!

nickyjohnt

Please correct me if i'm wrong but i'm sure the rego only covers you for third party only (injurys) not vehicle damages. A lot of people get caught out with this insurance especially the younger drivers & "P" platers driving high powered cars. I know of people still paying for prangs they have had 5 years after they have written theirs and someone elses off. I would only insure fully comprehensive. Seeing the way they drive here also its the only way to go.
Good luck

John

king kong

you can buy my landcruiser ,rego till may ,good nick ,diesel ,im off in 4-5 weeks

rockpeblar

Check out www.governmentauctions.com.au
They have a auction site very close to the domestic airport and you can view all day tomorrow - auction is held on Wed am. Know a few people who have purchased vehicles from there without any problems. Lots of dealers buy from there as well. Should give you a good idea of what's available on your budget.

dave99

Be prepared for a shock, second hand cars are very expensive in WA. I remeber picking up a fairly decent car in the UK for 500 pounds so was quite suprised when I got to WA and found the cheapest decent one I could get was $6500, anything below that was very old, no air con and falling apart.

Theres a few big areas that have groups of dealers all bunched up, try down near victoria park theres a few there

NeilP

I'd recommend getting one privately if going for a cheaper secondhand one, you'll get a better car for the money. Try looking in the quokka (Perth free ads paper - out on a Thursday, also online) and be prepared to look at quite a few. As stated above rego only covers you for third party person insurance so whilst you can legally drive on it you'd be taking a risk if you did cause an accident.
As there is no MOT equivalent an RAC inspection might be a good idea and also look for some sort of service record.
You don't need anything to purchase a car, but you do need to provide an address to go on the papers. Also you will have to pay stamp duty on the purchase price (it's fairly common, but illegal to under declare the price to pay less duty).

Have you decided on what make and model you are looking for?

bernstable

Got two kids (2 & 3 years) and one on the way so need one big enough for three car seats. Might look at a people carrier like the Kia Carnival or similar.

Is that a 7 seater? How much you looking for etc? maybe pm me the details

Kingseat

Don't go with the Kia Carnival. Google it and you will see the forums where hundreds of people have complained about engine failure. We nearly bought one too. Lost a couple of hundred as a deposit but there is no way I'd buy one after I read what I did.

lapin_windstar

Kia Carnivals have a terrible reputation in Australia. My mum rented one from Europcar and it died by the side of the road - electronics just "stopped". I realise that's not a scientific survey or anything and that even Toyotas break down occasionally, but still...

Perhaps there's something to be said for the Ford Falcon wagon in your position: they're relatively cheap, plentiful at ex-government auctions, spacious in the back...not the most fuel-efficient car, of course. You can also buy little "jump seats" that are bolted into the boot for kids once they get a bit older - remember what the old Volvo and Merc estates used to have?

Look at www.redbook.com.au for prices.

bernstable

Wow - had a Kia Sedona (think thats the same as the Carnival) in the UK. OH loved it over there.

Will defo steer clear of them at this side of the planet though.

lapin_windstar

Wikipedia says that it's exactly the same car built in the same factory!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Carnival That same article suggests reliability/build quality was rated above average in the US and UK but the worst going in Germany (??? Am I reading it wrong?).

Also, the rest of the range seems to be rated quite highly, it's just the Carnival that seems to cop it. I quite like the look of the Rio and the Soul looks cool too. My friend loves his Kia Sportage (although a petrol V6 fourby must be thirsty around town).

Genevieve

If buying a car in WA from a private dealer, make sure you get a REVS check - here's the site:
https://bizline.commerce.wa.gov.au/revs/