Avoiding used vehicle fraud: How to steer clear of buying stolen vehicles in New Zealand.

New Zealand is a country of spectacular landscapes and the Kiwis love cars.
As a matter of fact, there are heaps of sellers and dealerships across the northern and southern territories.
One of the things, however, that pose a threat to buying used cars is the risk of buying stolen ones.

This is not a dead end; and one sure fire way of fighting fraud is through stolen vehicle checks.
While doing a check means time and money, it is much needed especially now during hard times.

One way is to do the checks through an agency and another is through the dealerships. IBC Japan, AutoTerminal.com and Motohound - are the best examples of used vehicle sources that do thorough stolen vehicle checks and back their vehicles 100%.

If you wish to do some checks yourself, here are some smart tips that you can follow:

DOs
• Be suspicious if the price on the vehicle is too cheap. Criminals typically make the sale exceptionally attractive to seal the deal fast.

• Buy from reputable sources/dealers. Ask around or do a background check on any dealer you’re interested to buy from. All motor vehicle traders are required to be registered under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act (MVSA).

• Go to the dealer or seller’s site where the vehicle is rather than have the vehicle delivered to your door.

• Get hold of the engine and chassis numbers and check for any alteration. Any alteration or imperfection may be an indication of an attempt to conceal vehicle’s true identity. Check if those numbers match those on the registration papers, keeping in mind that those numbers may not belong to the vehicle. A criminal wants you to make the match and be happy. Check the certificate of registration for any sign of alteration as well.

• Always get the official receipt! Inspect whether the receipt accurately shows the name, address, date and description of vehicle. Include the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), chassis number and engine number, sale price and signature of seller.

• Get current records by completing an information request form and paying a small fee at any New Zealand Post Shop when the Certificate of Registration papers are unavailable.

• Make sure that the Road User Charges have been paid up to the odometer/hubometer reading during the time of purchase. You will be liable for arrears. You may contact the RUC helpdesk on 0800 655 644 if you can’t find the current RUC license.


DON’Ts
• Don’t deal with a seller/dealer by the road side. Make sure to visit their office or yard to inspect their business processes.

• Don’t buy from a seller/dealer without the vehicle’s certificate of registration papers.

• Don’t buy without checking if the color matches with Land Transport Safety Authority records. If vehicle has been repainted, check behind door rubbers for the original color. An incorrect vehicle color may indicate a stolen vehicle with a false identity.

• Don’t buy a vehicle from a dealer/seller without the certificate of registration papers.
• Don’t buy without checking whether there is money owing on the vehicle or a security interest registered over it.
Buying a stolen vehicle or stolen vehicle parts in New Zealand is considered a serious crime and even if you purchase a stolen vehicle or part unknowingly, the rightful owner may take it back from you.
Are you likely to be at risk? Will your vehicle be the next target?

Here’s the top ten stolen vehicle list as reported by stuff.co.nz

1. Nissan Silvia
2. Subaru Impreza WRX
3. BMW 325 coupe
4. Nissan 200SX
5. Mazda Lantis
6. Subaru Legacy turbo
7. Subaru Impreza non-turbo
8. Nissan Skyline
9. Subaru Legacy non-turbo
10. Honda Prelude

by: Amalia Aviles
AutoTerminal.com