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

Buying used Japanese vehicles in New Zealand

Looking for a cheaper deal? Whether for personal use or business, new vehicles mean more money and during hard times it’s practical to set aside luxury for necessity.

There are lots of ways to get a better bargain. Used Japanese vehicles are a safe bet, since most used vehicles from Japan are fairly in good condition. Buying used Japanese vehicles could be the cheaper and best alternative and here are a few smart tips on how to start.

1. Do your home work.
Search used japanese vehicles in your local trade magazines, publications or online.
Motohound.co.nz, for instance, is a trusted source of used Japanese vehicles with an extensive inventory to choose from online. You get to search the inventory and also get to choose the dealer depending on your location without worrying about shipping.
Some online and offline publications by Auto Trader, have classified ads of used Japanese imports as well.
If those options still don’t work for you, you may check out IBC Japan. IBC Japan is the leading vehicle exporter in Japan with a wide-ranging vehicle inventory. You can also access their online auction service-iDirect and get to bid daily and purchase vehicles from more than 100 auctions held weekly in Japan, with over 150,000 units to choose from.

2. Review your notes.
Take time to see which vehicles and dealers work better for you while taking into consideration the Freight on board (FOB) and Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) fees as they may add up to roughly 10% of the total price.
Skim through and check the pictures and vehicle specifications for further reference.
Avoid dealers who do not provide condition reports, stolen vehicle checks ,odometer certifications and accident histories.

There could be better sources just around the corner and some local dealers might just have the right models and services you are looking for.
Some online sources include shipping costs on the price of their vehicles but make sure you carefully read and understand the trade terms.
A test drive is a must and if you can’t do a test drive on the vehicle you are about to purchase, make sure to buy only from a reputable source.

3. Stock the docs. (pre import)
Before you import, it is pertinent that you check and stock the important documents.
Be sure to secure vehicle registration documents and previous ownership records.
Light and heavy vehicles previously registered in Japan must have an original deregistration certificate or export certificate issued by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT)
Make sure to also provide certified translations of all the non-English documents. (eg, bills of sale, purchase receipts etc).

4. Ship wisely. (pre import)
After ordering your vehicle, see to it that you understand the shipping details and options. Containerization could be a better alternative to Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and be sure the company handling this follows the best practices and safety procedures. You wouldn’t want your vehicle to arrive with scratches and dents .

5. Immigrant? For immigrants who want to import a preregistered vehicle in New Zealand, read here or log on to www.ltsa.govt.nz for other queries.

by: Amalia Aviles
AutoTerminal.com New Zealand