What are the documents to receive when buying used car?

O

oscarlets

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2012
Messages
417
Reaction score
8
Location
Polokwane
Hi,

I will be buying a used car from a dealer or private seller very soon. I am in the final stages negotiating the final price with both.

I need information on which documents I must receive from either seller to confirm the car is mine?


I want to avoid buying a stolen car

I want to avoid buying a car that still belong to the bank

Which documents must I have in my possession after paying the seller?

I have heard of stories where the buyer is struggling to get papers from seller because previous owner didn't give the current seller all documents, I want to avoid having to deal with that.

Currently I have the number plates of the cars I am negotiating to buy one of them.

Please advice.
 
oscarlets said:
Hi,

Thanks. I am buying via finance.
Click to expand...

Ok, You won't get the car registration certificate as that would be kept by the bank until you've finished paying for the car. That is the most important document of them all.

The bank won't agree to finance the car if it's still being under finance contract with someone else.
Check the service history of the car, that the best way to trace the history of the car, a stolen car will likely have no service history, does the bank agree to finance the car? If yes, less chances of it being stolen, stay away from those cash only deals, they are likely trouble, unless there's a valid reason. If you are still unsure the only way is though a police clearance.

Check this transunion website,https://www.carvalue.co.za/#logOn it's Very helpful in verifying car history and all the details, full verification was about R100 the last time I used it. By registering and entering the VIN or plate number you get the full vehicle details, the engine number, colour, and the exact model as well as any indication in terms of it being stolen if any, you also get the repair history of all repairs claimed through the insurance.

As for documents, I can't think of any besides the license disk documents well as you offer to purchase document, the car service books as well as the manual, warranty documents if any.

The only document proving that the car is yours at this stage will be the contract between yourself and the bank bearing the details of the car. You can also request a copy of the Natis document ( car registration certificate) from the bank, it will bear your name as the owner and the bank will be the titleholder until you've paid for the car.

The stories of the buyer struggling to get papers will be a non issue since the bank will require the papers before handing over the money.
 
Last edited:
oscarlets said:
I have heard of stories where the buyer is struggling to get papers from seller because previous owner didn't give the current seller all documents, I want to avoid having to deal with that.
Click to expand...

oscarlets said:
I am buying via finance.
Click to expand...

If you're buying using finance, you won't get a cent out of the bank unless they have all the documentation that is required. They will tell you what you need, and if it's a private sale, there are quite a few hoops to jump through before they will release the money. Don't expect to complete it in a day or two.
 
thechamp said:
Ok, You won't get the car registration certificate as that would be kept by the bank until you've finished paying for the car. That is the most important document of them all.

The bank won't agree to finance the car if it's still being under finance contract with someone else.
Check the service history of the car, that the best way to trace the history of the car, a stolen car will likely have no service history, does the bank agree to finance the car? If yes, less chances of it being stolen, stay away from those cash only deals, they are likely trouble, unless there's a valid reason. If you are still unsure the only way is though a police clearance.

Check this transunion website,https://www.carvalue.co.za/#logOn it's Very helpful in verifying car history and all the details, full verification was about R100 the last time I used it. By registering and entering the VIN or plate number you get the full vehicle details, the engine number, colour, and the exact model as well as any indication in terms of it being stolen if any, you also get the repair history of all repairs claimed through the insurance.

As for documents, I can't think of any besides the license disk documents well as you offer to purchase document, the car service books as well as the manual, warranty documents if any.

The only document proving that the car is yours at this stage will be the contract between yourself and the bank bearing the details of the car. You can also request a copy of the Natis document ( car registration certificate) from the bank, it will bear your name as the owner and the bank will be the titleholder until you've paid for the car.

The stories of the buyer struggling to get papers will be a non issue since the bank will require the papers before handing over the money.
Click to expand...




Thank you very much. I will try the TransUnion for information.
 
If you are financing, presumably through a legitimate known institution like Wesbank or the like then you don't need to worry about any of this.

The bank will do all the hard work as it will be their car until you finish paying for it.

It can take only a day or two especially if all parties are in the same location.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter