Buying a car being sold on behalf of a mechanic

Herbse on 24/07/2021 - 21:32
Last edited 24/07/2021 - 21:33

I'm purchasing a car and it's being sold by a mechanic who says the customer came in for work done and can't pay, so he asked them to sell it for him.

  • They were upfront about that so my red flag sensors aren't too high at the moment.
  • I've asked them to get a sales receipt from the owner saying that he's selling the car to me, they said they'll do that.
  • I'm also planning on writing up a letter with the company's details on it and stating that they have authority to sell the car on the owners behalf etc and get them to sign it.
  • I'm going to try to get the owner's name and number and call them to confirm that they have authority to sell it but I'm not sure they'll give me the info, I'll find out on Monday.

Anything else you think I should do? If anyone has gone through this before and know what should actually be done? I can't find info online with the searches I've tried.

Obviously my aim is to avoid a situation where I buy the car, then the owner claims the mechanic never had the authority to sell it on his behalf and I have to return it to the owner. Then I'm stuck trying to claim the money back from the mechanic somehow.

It's not an expensive car, $5k if that matters.

Thanks!

Automotive

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 24/07/2021 - 21:43

    Looks like you have it covered.

    Person who the car is currently registered to will likely sign the transfer form.

    • Herbse on 24/07/2021 - 21:46

      Cheers. I'm fearful that the mechanic could forge the documents and I wouldn't know. Just want to cover all my bases with fellow purchasing skeptics on here who might think of something that I haven't

  • dandosr on 24/07/2021 - 21:45
    +10

    If they don't have the money to pay for repairs, do you think they would have had the money to service and maintain the vehicle?

    • Herbse on 24/07/2021 - 21:51

      That's a good point actually, I hadn't thought of that specifically.

      However because of the cars age and price, it's one of those purchases where I don't have full history of the car and ive already assumed it could be a risk but one I'm personally okay taking.

      For further info, the owner took the car in for a clutch replacement. Which was done, so it has a new clutch. But can't come up with the funds unfortunately. I assumed they'd rather palm it off and use it as an excuse to upgrade.

  • holdenmg on 24/07/2021 - 21:59
    +4

    Got ̷ ̷M̷i̷l̷k̷?̷ ̷ PPSR?

    Get any (all) Keys to the Vehicle from the Owner.

    Get the Logbook from the Owner.

  • Euphemistic on 24/07/2021 - 22:02
    +1

    It’d be worth finding out how much the mechanic is owed and how much will go back to the owner (if any). I can’t imaging a new clutch would cost more than a grand.

    It seems a legit transaction on the surface but it pays to cover a few bases like you appear to be doing.

  • Kangal on 24/07/2021 - 22:04

    What car is it?
    (Year, Model, Variant)

    …and also, Shut up and take my money!!

  • clearview on 24/07/2021 - 22:11
    +4

    I’d suggest ask the mechanic to call the owner to come to their shop and then verify their driving license, car registration paper. You’ll hand the money to the car owner and they will sort out with mechanic.

    Do NOT hand money to the mechanic otherwise you could be in serious trouble.

  • oscargamer on 24/07/2021 - 22:27

    A $5k cheap car with $10k of repairs, isn't a cheap car.

    What's wrong with it? Oh… And what car is it? Year, make, model km?

    • Herbse on 24/07/2021 - 23:17

      Cheers

      They said the repairs were $1.2k, clutch replacement which they did already

      96 hilux, old car but have a bit of value in the 4wd scene

      • mapax on 25/07/2021 - 07:30
        +1

        Nice. Wish I could find a reasonable hilux for $5k.

  • whitelie on 24/07/2021 - 22:49
    +1

    It's not this guy's car is it? lol
    OP changed the post but you can see the original version here

    • Herbse on 24/07/2021 - 23:02

      Yikes. No I'm in Vic and that person is in NSW. But I'll read the thread for info and tips tho.

  • outlander on 25/07/2021 - 00:39
    +1

    Will the mechanic thats selling it be doing the roadworthy?

    • Herbse on 25/07/2021 - 09:20

      No it's going somewhere else for the rwc

  • pharkurnell on 25/07/2021 - 09:19
    +1

    I would feel happier dealing with the car owner not the mechanic or a 3rd party to the whole thing…

    Then the car owner can pay the mechanic - even if its while your standing in the workshop.

    • Herbse on 25/07/2021 - 09:20

      Thanks I'll see if that's an option.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 25/07/2021 - 09:53

    This happens often. What the situation likely is: Owner came in with clutch fault. Baulked at repair cost due to the value of the car. Mechanic offered to buy it as is. Mechanic has handed over cash and gotten owner to sign rego transfer but never lodged it. Mechanic fixed the fault and now selling car to you with mark up. Will either get the original owner to sign a new transfer or forge the original's owner's signature on a transfer to you so the mechanic doesn't have to pay any transfer fees or duties.

    • Herbse on 25/07/2021 - 09:54

      Hm fair enough. As long as it doesn't get back to me negatively

      I'm going to try to get the owner's info and confirmation of authority to sell which I'll keep on hand.

      I guess it should all be on the transfer forms.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 25/07/2021 - 12:43

        Don't forget REVS check as well.

        Vic forms will have owner details and "representative" details so you should be covered, but can't hurt to verify actual owner.

        • Herbse on 25/07/2021 - 12:46

          Cheers did ppsr check and all clear.

          Ah yea that's a good point about the representative/agent section. I'll make sure that's filled in.

  • Jjj888 on 27/07/2021 - 05:55

    This is why I always tell mechanic to give me a full detail quote before ANY work is done. Do not do any work unless I authorise. So if you do not have the funds at that time you can do it another time…

  • Herbse on 27/07/2021 - 07:49

    Cheers guys. I was able to get the owner's number and speak to them. They confirmed all info and I got a authority reciept from the mechanic and an SMS trail from the owner which helps ease my mind.

    They all seem above board after dealing with them a bit more.

    Super happy with the car and very grateful for everyone's help here.

    Cheers!

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