Bought a Written off Vehicle and Wasn’t Informed about It

L101 on 02/09/2020 - 13:08
Last edited 02/09/2020 - 13:53 by 1 other user

Hi everyone need your input on this.

I bought a vehicle recently from a private owner for Uber and the owner assured me that she was the first and only user of the vehicle and that the car had never been in an accident. The VIN number in the advert was wrong and when I checked for the car history several times I always got an error. I took the car to my mechanic after buying it only to discover that the car had been previously written off some months ago.

I contacted the lady and she said she didn’t know the car had been written off in the past and she only just bought it and thought to sell it because she needed a bigger car. I’m stuck with a car I cannot resell and cannot use for Uber the main purpose I spent all my money buying the vehicle. I don’t know what to do and I feel so bad that an adult my parents age will lie to get their way.

Automotive

Comments

  • sugarfree on 02/09/2020 - 13:08
    +247

    Your fault, should’ve found the right VIN before purchasing

    • stewy on 03/09/2020 - 11:55
      +19

      Yep, only costs a few dollars to do a PPSR check. Should have checked the VIN on the car and rego papers, not just relying on whatever was on the ad too.

    • markh on 04/09/2020 - 10:50
      +7

      I use PPSR even buying cars from car yards.
      $2 for piece of mind. Takes less than 1minute to complete.

      https://www.ppsr.gov.au/newsroom/new-ppsr-fees-start-today

    • ln28909 on 04/09/2020 - 12:07
      -5

      I want to upvote this, but 169 is such a nice number, the dilemma 🤔

      • open4highway on 04/09/2020 - 12:14
        +6

        Proud owner of 170th vote :P

    • SpotTheOzzie on 04/09/2020 - 16:07
      +2

      A car, 2nd being purchase of most people's lives, and not checking cross checking the basics.

      Silly mistake. Schools should teach people these things though.

      • Mark1159 on 07/09/2020 - 10:12
        +2

        Parents should
        Everything devolves to overworked teachers
        Diet, finance, social skills, fitness should come from home first.

        • SpotTheOzzie on 07/09/2020 - 19:49
          -2

          School's should substitute some of the irrelevant crap you never use for actual day-to-day stuff. For example how stamp duty works.

  • 87percent on 02/09/2020 - 13:10
    +95

    not doing your due diligence when purchasing a car, is like shipping a phone to someone in Texas for their "grandma"

  • Euphemistic on 02/09/2020 - 13:14
    +5

    You’re stuck with it.

    Is it registered?

    • Moneyinthebank on 02/09/2020 - 13:39
      +12

      lol

    • dvsbastard on 03/09/2020 - 15:21
      +4

      Yeah, and then go on a current affair lol

  • pao2x on 02/09/2020 - 13:20
    +10

    Buyer beware

  • mapax on 02/09/2020 - 13:20
    +3

    Was it a repairable write-off that can’t be used for Uber or a stat write-off that can’t be registered?

    • Wickz on 02/09/2020 - 14:48
      +1

      ^this!

      If its a repairable write off you might be able to on sell it a mechanic (after disclosing of course) or as a project car for someone. Statutory write off, then sorry out of luck as it can not be re-registered (if in Vic).

      • macrocephalic on 03/09/2020 - 11:55
        +6

        Stat write-offs can't be re-registered anywhere. In NSW (not sure if any others) there is no longer such thing as a repairable write-off. They say they did this to stop rebirthing but that was BS, they did this for the insurance companies.

        If the OP bought a non-registered car without checking the proper VIN then they are SOOL and probably deserve it.

        • spaceflight on 03/09/2020 - 23:28

          They say they did this to stop rebirthing but that was BS, they did this for the insurance companies.

          Wouldn't a repairable write off be better for insurance companies because they don't need to buy you a new car?

        • Euphemistic on 04/09/2020 - 07:43

          In NSW you are allowed to repair certain write offs, but there are rules, one of which is that you must be the owner for the previous 28days.

          https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/get-nsw-regist…

  • BargainCowboy on 02/09/2020 - 13:23
    +64

    Member Since
    49 min ago

    Right

    • mapax on 02/09/2020 - 13:24
      +13

      Left

      • WaterMark on 04/09/2020 - 09:54

        Y’all forgot Centre, Up, and Down

        • kickling on 04/09/2020 - 22:16
          +2

          HADOUKEN

      • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 05/09/2020 - 12:01

        Up up down down left right left right

        • godofpizza on 05/09/2020 - 13:31
          +1

          B A select start

    • websterp on 02/09/2020 - 13:26
      +1

      Of course!

    • Yummy on 02/09/2020 - 13:58
      +1

      101, from Brisbane.

    • JIMB0 on 02/09/2020 - 15:09
      +6

      Another day, another troll post.

      • Jono05 on 03/09/2020 - 12:56

        That’s what I thought.

    • gram on 03/09/2020 - 19:44
      +2

      Well you can't post without making an account can ya?

  • 87percent on 02/09/2020 - 13:28
    +1

    But in all seriousness, could you sell it to a dealership? They take all sorts of cars and do who knows what with it. Or, try and sell it privately and cut your losses

    • Euphemistic on 02/09/2020 - 13:44
      +14

      … And list it with the wrong VIN and claim to be there first owner?

      • 87percent on 02/09/2020 - 13:50
        +3

        as long as he writes in the ad "car was definately not a write off", he should be covered

        OR

        first lady owner, only drove to church on sundays

    • k-rokfm on 02/09/2020 - 13:44

      Nah they would have processes in place to ensure that its registered / not written off. Also car would not be on OPs name as he cant transfer papers

  • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 13:40
    +31

    she was the first

    Thats what they all say

  • Bid Sniper on 02/09/2020 - 13:46
    +10

    $2 to save this happening to you

    https://transact.ppsr.gov.au/ppsr/Home?li=False&si=4&wsi=290…

      • SnoozeAndLose on 02/09/2020 - 13:51
        +40

        why you still proceed when such important information is not aligning with the car. is the car much cheaper than the car in similar?

      • Bid Sniper on 02/09/2020 - 13:53
        +10

        thats even more red flags, rego paper will have it

      • Quantumcat on 02/09/2020 - 14:04
        +25

        That should have been your warning flag to back out of the sale

      • No ONE on 03/09/2020 - 15:23
        +1

        That was a red flag already.

      • cadwalader on 03/09/2020 - 22:53
        +1

        Did you check the VIN number on the car chasis when you inspected it?

      • brad1-8tsi on 04/09/2020 - 12:50

        she had a wrong VIN number so I didn’t get any information

        But you do it onsite and transcribe the number off the car. Don't tell me you didn't inspect it either? Bought sight unseen.

        Go and talk to a solicitor. You might get some traction with a strongly worded solicitors letter but it will cost you some money.

        The woman definitely knew what she was doing.

        At this point your options are to sell to a wrecker or scrap it out yourself.

        You might want to get some revenge but that's a dish best served cold.

        Expensive lesson.

    • bongom on 02/09/2020 - 14:44
      +12

      5x Free PPSR Car History Checks (Save $2) Australian Mobile Number Required @ Budget Direct
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/558759

  • SnoozeAndLose on 02/09/2020 - 13:49
    +23

    Firstly, wrong VIN is the alarm bell, should get the real VIn and do a check on it first.

    Secondly, why didn't you take the car to the mechanic prior to paying?

    If the car is clear, the seller shouldn't have an issue with it, inexperience if the seller not agrees to do so is when they are hiding up.

    I think you can only use this as a lesson learn, private sell is as is, and mid your own risk. When you want to take the risk the above mentioned is to protect you not getting a lemon.

    You should come here before you pay if you are not familiar with the process and possible issue like this, not after.

    What you have done is done, you can fix the car and resell it.

    • Marty131 on 03/09/2020 - 23:23
      +1

      Secondly, why didn't you take the car to the mechanic prior to paying?

      Is it normal to take a car to your mechanic BEFORE paying a private seller?

      I had a mechanic come to inspect the car on site for my last purchase, never occurred to me the seller would allow me to take car away for a long period to my mechanic, I guess anything is negotiable.

      • SnoozeAndLose on 03/09/2020 - 23:33
        +4

        you can find any mechanic, I normally just find one near where the seller locate, no need to be 'your' mechanic.

        Bought around 10 second-hand cars and only 1 seller refused and I walked away.

        • TEER3X on 04/09/2020 - 21:02

          ^ this

      • tinyorca on 04/09/2020 - 00:38

        Or use Redbook. They give you a detailed inspection and will do it at the seller's home.

      • MrFunSocks on 04/09/2020 - 10:08

        I either get a mobile mechanic or arrange for the seller to take the car to a mechanic of my choosing.

      • kiitos on 04/09/2020 - 11:01

        Do the mechanics only look at the mechanics of the car or do they also pick up on body repairs that might not have been disclosed?

        • Euphemistic on 04/09/2020 - 11:58
          +1

          Depends on the mechanic.

        • vinni9284 on 04/09/2020 - 12:09
          +1

          You can pay for external inspection (mobile mechanics) to pre-purchase inspection at the sellers' vehicle location.
          However the comprehensive inspection is around short of $400.
          They check mechanical, paint, body, suspension condition etc.

          Also, they pug in a OBD2 scanner (cars that have the port) to check VIN and error codes. Furthermore, even if the codes have been previously erased as some sellers may mask the issues.

          The scanners they use are very expensive (e.g Snap-On) so can pick up many problems and scans many different brand & model of vehicles.

          There are companies such as MTA that i recommend.

          The first thing before even taking the next step of an inspection is to conduct the PPSR check.
          If the check has VIN errors, then i would further investigate. Usually older cars may come into this category (e.g. VL commodore etc)

          If the potential seller is not comfortable with an external inspection then IMO, there is something to hide so walk away.

          Cheers

        • brad1-8tsi on 04/09/2020 - 12:53
          +1

          Depends on the mechanic.

          If you came to me it would be a roll of the dice as I always buy rubbish. My subconscious just keeps telling me I can fix it later

          • Euphemistic on 04/09/2020 - 13:52

            @brad1-8tsi:

            I can fix it later

            Think I have the same problem. Some stuff gets done, but inevitably the most of the cosmetic/upgrade stuff fails to happen before the car is gone.

      • Cadic on 05/09/2020 - 08:07

        I always take to my mechanic before buying any cars.

  • Seraphin7 on 02/09/2020 - 13:55
    +55

    VIN doesn't check out.

    Meh. Buy it anyway. What could possibly go wrong?

    • Ridiculous Panda on 04/09/2020 - 23:25
      +2

      In QLD(where op is), you can get the VIN just by entering the number plate on the ‘QLD rego check’.. (Not sure about other states)

      • R-Man on 05/09/2020 - 18:25
        +1

        yep can also do this in Victoria

  • Baysew on 02/09/2020 - 14:04
    +2

    she needed a bigger car

    You probably need a bigger car for Uber anyway.

  • JimB on 02/09/2020 - 14:10
    +6

    Textbook 101 error.

    Hope you didn't pay too much for it.

    • bigbadboogieman on 04/09/2020 - 00:09

      Didnt pay too much? Curious to know how much would you pay for a car that you can't register or legally drive?

      • JimB on 04/09/2020 - 08:04

        Who says you can't register or legally drive every single written off car that's been repaired?

        There are different categories of written off cars.

        • bigbadboogieman on 04/09/2020 - 09:24

          Oh well. The category of write off isn't clear now is it and regardless of the category still curious to know how much you think is too much?

          • JimB on 04/09/2020 - 13:06

            @bigbadboogieman: He wouldn't have been able to transfer the car if it was a statutory write off.

  • twigman on 02/09/2020 - 14:23
    +31

    She was the one that writ the car off and gave you a bogus vin so you wouldn't know until after the fact. She 'only just bought it' before wrecking it and knowing she needs another car to legally drive, hence the sudden sale. I mean what are the odds. Undisclosed write-off, provided incorrect VIN to hinder crosschecks and only owned by them for a short period prior to a new purchase.
    I'm not sure what state you're in and how laws are enforced (or if they even are) and whether anything here is going to get resolution, but here: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/vehicle-modific… it has something about undisclosed write-offs.

    I'm not sure if them being "legally required to tell you if the vehicle’s written-off" only applies if you actually ask the question (sound like you did at least ask if its been in an accident), and also its unclear where the context for that statement comes from and the actual legislation that makes it illegal.

    At the end of the day you're probably screwed out of your money unless you can talk to her and confront her about her cardinal sin and that she will forever live a life of uncertain fate in the afterlife if she does not repent and seek forgiveness now.

    Goodluck!

    • vinni9284 on 02/09/2020 - 16:40
      +15

      Although that is a link for VicRoads in Victoria, and it doesn't specify in QLD, the OP should:
      - Research further in QLD gov/roads whether that the seller must legally disclose write off status like in Vic. If so then there is some sort of recourse/action for refund.
      - If not then threaten to take legal proceedings to the seller for falsely advertising, withholding written off status as I am very sure that the seller was lying through her teeth about the car.
      A legal threat may succumb for the seller to refund the buyer in full. Even if the OP cannot afford legal representation.
      If that doesn't work then the OP should seek legal advice.

    • macrocephalic on 03/09/2020 - 11:58
      +5

      Any time I buy a vehicle I write a receipt of sale (hand written is fine) with the VIN, rego, and a statement that the vehicle is unencumbered and not written off - and have them sign it. At least then you have a chance to take them to small claims court if any of the above is false.

      • kiitos on 03/09/2020 - 12:34

        Do you have it witnessed?

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 03/09/2020 - 15:13
        +3

        Handy template here

      • kipps on 07/09/2020 - 20:50

        Under sale of goods legislation in each state the legislation implies a warranty of clear title so you could even omit that bit.

  • Muzeeb on 02/09/2020 - 14:43
    +65

    Just drive the car into her house.

  • erasimos on 02/09/2020 - 14:51
    +28

    If she advertised a car with one vin and sold you a car with a different vin that would be have to be close to fraud. (not a lawyer). If the car was sold as registered in victoria it would need a rwc to transfer the ownership. You were defrauded whether you have legal recourse depends on state laws and what you actually signed.

    • k-rokfm on 02/09/2020 - 15:07
      +4

      The car was sold with the same VIN that the OP bought. OP should have done his due diligence and asked for the correct VIN when it didnt go through PPSR correctly. OP should have at least corresponded the VIN to the car when it came back.

      Its not like the seller swapped out an engine, or cut out a VIN and welded a new one in.

      • akashra on 04/09/2020 - 22:27
        +5

        The car was advertised with a particular VIN - the product he's buying does not match the description in a significant way.

        While he should have verified it, it's still likely fraud.

    • brendanm on 02/09/2020 - 16:41
      +3

      Lol, op had a chance to look at the vin, and all paperwork would have had the correct vin on it.

    • Lexan on 02/09/2020 - 16:48
      +15

      I'm curious if this is not the first time she did it. That's how she makes her living. Better to report to police so they keep records.

      • brad1-8tsi on 07/09/2020 - 08:15

        At this point, the police wouldn't care. They would tell you it's a civil matter.

  • Wickz on 02/09/2020 - 14:52
    +9

    Was the car registered when you bought it, did you get a copy of the RWC and transfer papers? If this occurred, there is a section on the rego transfer form that is signed by the current owner that states they have told you about the fact it is on the WORV. See if this was ticked or not. (for Victoria anyway but I assume other states have similar)

    • unwashed00 on 03/09/2020 - 13:44

      Nothing like that in QLD

  • salmon123 on 02/09/2020 - 15:20
    +1

    I’m stuck with a car I cannot resell

    Aside from your morals, what's stopping you?

  • roguescholar on 02/09/2020 - 15:25
    +4

    The VIN number in the advert was wrong and when I checked for the car history several times I always got an error.

    Yeah, nah, red flag

    I’m stuck with a car I cannot resell

    I don't see why the vehicle can't be sold.
    You can tell people the vehicle was previously written off.
    You could take a financial hit.
    Or… you might not.

  • Drakesy on 02/09/2020 - 15:32
    +3

    Sounds like the previous lady took you for a ride.
    She probably tried to register it then realized and hoped to fob it off to someone.

    Unfortunately there's no recourse in this case as the due diligence wasn't correct.
    A bit crap i know but that's how it goes. Is it a stat write off or repariable write off?

  • wendellX on 02/09/2020 - 15:32
    +3

    Haha never buy a car without checking PPSR first. Only car dealers are required to inform you. You're up shit creek.

    https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/vehicle-safety/written-off-…

    Checking if a vehicle is written off
    Before you buy a second-hand vehicle, check the Personal Property Securities Register to see if it’s recorded as written off.

    Beware! A private seller isn’t required to tell you that the vehicle is on the written-off vehicle register.

    Also https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/buying/rules/used

  • Hithere on 02/09/2020 - 15:39
    +20

    I took the car to my mechanic after buying it

    You are supposed to take it to a mechanic BEFORE buying it, (car buying 101) unless you know a lot about cars.

    • mapax on 02/09/2020 - 15:46
      +11

      Or want to learn a lot about cars…

    • robberbutton on 02/09/2020 - 22:00
      +8

      The old post-purchase pre-purchase inspection.

  • netjock on 02/09/2020 - 16:09
    +8

    Very sad story. An expensive lesson. At least at your age you can recover from it. Maybe should have asked on OzB when the VIN didn't turn up information, not after the fact.

  • salrock on 02/09/2020 - 16:12
    +6

    Sorry for your loss. I still think its a fraud to list incorrect VIN no in an Ad . Can you contact her again and tell that you have screenshot the Ad (I hope yo have) and will contact relevant authorities to report her .

    • brendanm on 02/09/2020 - 16:42
      -2

      It's not.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 16:48
      -1

      This might work as a bluff tactic but I doubt any "relevant authorities" would take is seriously.

      You can say whatever you want on a Gumtree / FB Marketplace ad, up to the seller to check it. Unless she changed the actual VIN on the vehicle to hide its past then anything else can just be claim to have been a mistake when typing it in.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2020 - 18:00

      I hope that's not your Poker strategy.

      If it is, we need to play some high stakes.

      • salrock on 03/09/2020 - 11:52

        It might not work but at least he can try …

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