What South Africans should verify before buying a used car
Buying a used car involves more than checking the bodywork and taking a test drive. The VIN, registration documents, service history, roadworthiness and ownership transfer paperwork can reveal problems before money changes hands.
South Africans buying a pre-owned vehicle must register and license it within 21 days after a change of ownership, with the seller and buyer responsible for separate parts of the transfer process. According to the South African Government, the seller must complete and submit the Notification of Change of Ownership or Sale of Motor Vehicle form and hand the registration certificate to the buyer. The buyer must complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form and submit the required documents to the relevant registering authority within the 21-day period. Failure to complete registration and licensing within the required period can result in arrears and penalties.
The documents required when registering a pre-owned vehicle include identification, proof of residential address, the vehicle registration certificate, proof of purchase and a valid motor vehicle licence with licence fees up to date. A certificate of roadworthiness is also required if the existing certificate is older than 60 days, according to government vehicle registration guidance. Buyers should establish that the vehicle details correspond with the paperwork before completing the purchase. The Automobile Association advises checking the vehicle identification number against vehicle records, checking the service history and establishing whether any police interest has been recorded against the vehicle.
A roadworthy certificate should not be mistaken for a comprehensive mechanical assessment. Western Cape Government guidancedescribes the roadworthy test as a safety examination and confirms that a certificate is legally required when ownership of a private vehicle changes. The examination assesses areas including identification and documentation, electrical systems, brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, engine, exhaust system and transmission. A vehicle can pass the prescribed safety examination without the certificate providing the broader technical assessment that a prospective buyer might want before committing to the purchase.
The Automobile Association recommends a test drive, a review of service records and an inspection of the vehicle’s mechanical condition before purchase, and offers a 125-point inspection through AA Auto Centres. Buyers can also verify vehicle information such as the VIN, engine details, make, model and vehicle type through vehicle-history services. Proof of purchase forms part of the documentation required for registration, while a registering authority can request further proof of the right to be registered as title holder, including an invoice or sales agreement. Completing the paperwork and mechanical checks before payment gives the buyer a documented basis for the purchase instead of relying on the appearance of the vehicle or the test drive alone.
Mariana Balt
Lynette Spencer
Liz Thorne
Naomi Roebert
