Buying second hand cars in oz - how to ensure that the car is likely to last?

Hi,

I am interested in buying a second hand car perhaps as opposed to
renting purly for the fact that we would save lots of money for long
trips. However, Im not very mechanically minded and would like to
lessen the odds of being ripped of by knowing what things to check for
should we decide to do this. Obviously Im not going to be able to lift
up the hood and by looking at the engine, tell what kind of conidtion
it is in but things to ask, such as service history and the like.

Also, what things do I need over here to ensure I can drive my old
banger on australian roads. Ofcourse I have a valid UK driving licence
but is all else I need just road tax and insurance?

Alternatively, if anyone can offer any argument to suggest why this is
perhaps a bad idea and renting, although more expensive, is better or
even any tips it would also be much appreciated. Thanks

Burnsy

In whatever state you're in - get an Auto Club check. They're impartial,
thorough - and for what they do - cheap. (NSW - NRMA. Qld - RACQ. Vic - RACV
etc). Otherwise get a mechanic to check the vehicle - compression tests etc.
A visual inspection, such as you are proposing, is useless unless you're
'supermech'!

You need a valid UK licence.

You need to obtain from the seller - a valid transfer of Registration and
CTP (Compulsory Third Party Insurance). These will require the seller to
submit a valid, current Certificate of Safety (or Roadworthiness) -
depending on the State of registration. I'd also take out third party
property insurance, perhaps also fire and theft. They're fairly cheap, and
cover you if you clip Mr Richo's Mercedes. Fire and theft are self
explanatory.

You should also obtain yourself before passing over any cash - a REVS
Certificate (in most states available over the phone for a small charge - on
your credit card) which guarantees that the vehicle is indeed the property
of the person selling.

Have Fun!!

Oh! And be aware that used car salesmen in Australia are - to a man
(person?) - ars**oles (as I suspect they are everywhere!!)!





<bissatch.uk> wrote in message
news:1165018324.520307.265390@j44g2000cwa. o...
> Hi,
>
> I am interested in buying a second hand car perhaps as opposed to
> renting purly for the fact that we would save lots of money for long
> trips. However, Im not very mechanically minded and would like to
> lessen the odds of being ripped of by knowing what things to check for
> should we decide to do this. Obviously Im not going to be able to lift
> up the hood and by looking at the engine, tell what kind of conidtion
> it is in but things to ask, such as service history and the like.
>
> Also, what things do I need over here to ensure I can drive my old
> banger on australian roads. Ofcourse I have a valid UK driving licence
> but is all else I need just road tax and insurance?
>
> Alternatively, if anyone can offer any argument to suggest why this is
> perhaps a bad idea and renting, although more expensive, is better or
> even any tips it would also be much appreciated. Thanks
>
> Burnsy
>

> Australian second hand vehicles have always seemed very
> expensive to me,

Cars here and elsewhere are sold at whatever price the local
market can afford to pay, I was looking at the price of a Holden
built by GM in Spain and sold in Germany (Opel) and here. The
German car with less features was more expensive by about $1500Au.

When you see what some developing countries pay for basic Jap
vehicles........ah those were the days - engine, 4 wheels, wooden
bench seat!!!