Buying a used Prado from private seller

[Jaans Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jaans]

Hi all!

Disclaimer: Don't laugh but haven't bought a vehicle used from a non-dealer before, so I might have some questions. :?

I went along with a mate this past weekend to have a look at a guy selling his 2005 GXL diesel. It checked out and he has decided to buy it. So, moving on the next steps a couple of questions without answers popped up. I'm asking not only from his point of view but also for my own as a prospective used Prado buyer:

• What are the correct / legal / best practise steps when dealing with a private individual (or a dealer for that matter)? [/*:m:27zmf6dq]
• I've heard that we need a "transfer" doco from the state? Can we download it? What else do we need?[/*:m:27zmf6dq]
• We'll do a REVS check to see if all is OK. When we asked, the guy said he still owes a little to the bank. How do we best address this? Do we get a bank guaranteed cheque for the outstanding amount in the name of the lending bank and another for the owner? [/*:m:27zmf6dq]
• Would the REVS check show the lending bank ?[/*:m:27zmf6dq]
• Should we or the seller get something from the bank regarding the outstanding amount / vehicle ownership[/*:m:27zmf6dq]
• Considering the above, at what point should exchange cheques / vehicles / transfer forms change hands[/*:m:27zmf6dq]
• Also, since I'm also in the market what's the best way to deal with something like a deposit to secure the vehicle. Should I pay a deposit to "reserve" the vehicle so that I can travel to an adjoining state to inspect the vehicle. Any cross-state considerations here?[/*:m:27zmf6dq]
• What questions should I be asking here?[/*:m:27zmf6dq]

Apologies for the twenty questions (and ignorance) - It's not trusting we don't trust the seller (as he seems like a real good guy) or my future seller, but more a case of doing what's the best thing for all parties involved in a "professional" way. Practical advice is what is most desired here!

Thanks in advance
Jaans

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Re: Buying a used Prado from private seller

When buying interstate, ask the seller for the VIN, Engine number and rego and do a quick REVS check. It will tell you if the vehicle is encumbered, a statutory write off or a repairable write off. I have never done a full REVS check where you pay and get issued a certificate. Up to you which way you go. The REVS website will have more details.

As for the transfer of documents, on the back of the rego papers is a form that both parties need to fill out. One section is for the seller to return to their local transport department telling them that the ownership of the vehicle has been passed to the new owner. Any road traffic infringements is now the responsibility of the new owner. The other half is for you to keep. You then go back to your state and let the rego run out or transfer to your own state's rego. Most I think allow 3 months grace period to transfer the rego and number plates to the state of the new owner. You can also apply for a refund of the rego and CTP if you did not let the current rego run till it's due.

When doing payment, always ask the seller for the letter from the financier of the amount owing. Then you make a bank cheque to the financier and a 2nd bank cheque to the seller. You must also ask for a letter from the financier to indicate that your payments has fully paid for the loan and that the vehicle is no longer encumbered.

When you do the exchange, always pay by bank cheque and the safest way for the seller is that the 2 of you meet at the seller's bank and both of you present the cheque to the teller. When the cheque is cleared by the teller, then the seller hands the keys over to you and you drive away with the new car.

As for the deposit, you need to have something in writing to give you an out clause in case something happens. When I purchased mine, I put a deposit down subject to a satisfactory vehicle inspection. but only put a deposit down if you are really serious about buying the car. i.e. you have done your REVS checks and the car is mechanically sound to the best of your ability. You don't have to put a deposit down to buy time for a mech inspection, but you will be competing with other buyers.

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Buying a used Prado from private seller

Yup what amts said

Another thing you can do if you are friendly with your local Toyota dealer is to get them to look up it's service history. You sometimes find some interesting things here.

[Prado BB Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Prado BB]

Re: Buying a used Prado from private seller

Agreed - but ensure you do the REVS check. They were talking a national database but not sure if it has happened. Ask if this has happened, if not, do a check with each state. If there is money owing (encumbrance on REVS), then do not pay the seller - make sure you pay the financier the amount owing and balance to seller.

[Gunna Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Gunna]

Re: Buying a used Prado from private seller

Just out of interest - what was the asking price ??

[adinnhall Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close adinnhall]

Re: Buying a used Prado from private seller

If you are going for the old prado then diesel will be great for you, even I have the same and enjoying the ride. I've only driven SWB derivatives but they all ran pretty nicely in my opinion. The LWB would be a bit heavier and could be more sluggish but I don't think it's too bad.

[Jaans Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Jaans]

Re: Buying a used Prado from private seller

Andrew: Got it. Thanks for a super reply, time and input!

Gunna: I believe it's for $ 30k

I myself just put down a deposit... goodness... that was a bit quick. Anybody dealt with Clintons Toyota in Cambelltown used car sales before ?
If all goes well, I'll be sorted by next week!