Buying a Car Privately from a Mechanic

L[Deactivated] on 08/03/2022 - 10:01

Hi,

So I'm about to pay for a car in a couple of days, around $9k, the seller is a mechanic as he said . I just inspected the car inside and out, have some exterior scratches, the wiper is a bit rusty, interior is fairly dirty, it's a 2012 model. Price is just about right for the year and model, I would say. I didn't test drive it having full confidence that he is what he is and he knows to fix the issues if there are some.

Too trusting, I'm hoping I would not get a lemon for not test driving it, I guess it's a bit late now because the paperwork has already started yesterday. I purchased a CAR CHECK report but it didn't show any flood/hail damage nor the accident and number of owners history and mileage.

He promised to do the RWC, rego transfer, do DETAILING, and one last service before pick up day. He said those scratches will go away with detailing.

I would definitely start the engine, check the aircon, wipers and power windows and check for seat rips on pick up day before handing the money over.

  1. Will detailing fix those paint scratches or will detailing damage the clear coat further? It's a dark-coloured car.
  2. Other than aircon, windows, wipers and brakes, what other things should I look for without opening the hood since there's no point anyway I'm not an expert car person, I can check the viscosity of the oil and that's it.
  3. Should I get another car check report that will show ownership numbers and flood/hail/accident history? The report I purchase on showed clear results on PPSR, Rego, Stolen status.

Thanks guys.

Automotive Mechanic

Comments

    • jaffar on 09/03/2022 - 22:38

      Well done OP sticking to your guns, you sound a lot more savvy now. Hopefully you find that car. Definitely a tough time for car buyers atm

  • redvaldez on 09/03/2022 - 11:42
    +2

    I appreciate that you've turned down the mechanic's car. But here's a few things to mention.

    A roadworthy certificate simply means that a vehicle is in a fit and proper condition to drive on public roads as at the day of the inspection. It is no warranty that the car has been serviced per the manufacturer's recommendations. It is not a warranty that there are no imminent or overdue service items. It does not mean that you will not be up for major expenditure on a car after purchase.

    There's very little of mechanical substance that you can visually check when inspecting a car yourself, and the obvious ones like headlight bulbs and wipers are pretty easy to attend to. Even bigger ticket items like tyres and electric window motors, while more expensive, are generally pretty easy fixes (although you won't be doing it yourself).

    Polishing a scratch properly means removing the clear coat or paint surrounding the scratch so that it blends in. So if it's a deep scratch, you're unlikely to be able to completely remove it (although you can probably make it less noticeable). There are products out that mask scratches with fillers, but the scratches will return in a couple of weeks or months.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 14:16

      ok, thanks for this.

    • Hangryuman on 10/03/2022 - 15:07

      Scotty the US YouTube mechanic I saw yesterday saying WD40 was great for making bad patches of paint look nice and shiny - temporarily - and after a couple weeks it would be back to faded and shabby patches - yay

  • trapper on 09/03/2022 - 12:00

    I didn't test drive it having full confidence…

    wtf, so you never even drove the car? lol, my God

    • smartazz104 on 09/03/2022 - 14:34

      Who cares, all these comments and not one mention of the damn model. Why do people make posts about buying and think we don't want to know what it actually is, besides telling us it costs $9K and its from 2012. Means absolutely nothing.

      • BartholemewH on 09/03/2022 - 15:35

        Xtrail was mentioned in comments.

        • Hangryuman on 10/03/2022 - 15:08

          I saw 'SUV'

          I once asked a girl what kind of car she had - she said 'a blue one'

          • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 20:19

            @Hangryuman: was she wrong?

  • PixelPaul on 09/03/2022 - 12:23
    +1

    nrma provide a service where they can come and check over a car for you prior to purchase.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 09/03/2022 - 13:36

    Decade old car, with unknown Kms, worth less than 10k, mechanic selling it either because a client either didn't pay up or the issues were beyond the scope, didn't even bother to clean the interior….yet you're worried about scratches?

    Run, don't walk, away.

    Alternatively, bravo A Grade troll.

    • Fredorishi on 10/03/2022 - 02:04

      Or, you know, maybe the mechanic just updated his own car. Or his wife's. Maybe he's sick of getting stuffed around by people like the OP so he didn't make sure it was mint before putting it up for sale. Ot maybe the Mrs is still using it till sale confirmed.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 07:46

        Exactly or close to what you said, mechanic told me his wife's been driving that xtrail wonderfully with no issues, and he bought a new Camry. But though excited about the purchase, I was a bit hesitant, seeing the condition of the car, from dirty interior to its exterior. He just assured me that detailing will fix those issues, but then I was still hesitant, so I called it of having the pointers/advise/bashing I got out from this forum.

  • thanatos350 on 09/03/2022 - 14:20

    Do you live in a nice community, OP?

    The community Facebook pages I have been part of often have people asking for help with random things.

    It could be worth asking for a recommendation of a nice mechanic or community member with knowledge who will go with you to have a look.

    I might be wrong but you seem kind of nice and perhaps a little older? Just be careful of people trying to take advantage of you.

    I'm no expert but I know a little about cars and I've had people talk all sorts of bullshit while trying to sell a car to me. I'm not confrontational so it is usually my signal to say that I'll think about it and bail.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 07:50

      No, just been here in the country for 2 weeks, staying at a motel and using this rental car, both not cheap. I need a permanent place, but viewing is limited without a car.

  • BartholemewH on 09/03/2022 - 15:10
    -3

    Hello Pam.

    • BartholemewH on 09/03/2022 - 18:51
      -1

      Haha, two negs. Should I say hello screensaver too?

  • Poor Ass on 09/03/2022 - 15:41

    what's the car?

  • Rayzorback on 09/03/2022 - 17:20

    GrayWinter is coming …… that's all the Scamchanic knows

  • RichardD on 09/03/2022 - 17:26
    +2

    Been ripped before they do all the tricks in to book to hide the issues. I'd pay for the NRMA to do a check prior to purchase.

  • Cave Fire on 09/03/2022 - 17:43

    ok, most of the time it's better to get another person with you that knows about cars. Even if they don't, it's better in negotiations and you seem to be getting dodgy sellers. Probably have to learn how to check all the fluids, brake, coolant, engine oil and transmission. Look under the car for rust + for damage like you've done. Minor stuff can be expensive to fix and shows neglect. Test drive is important, car should have good pickup, not use too much fuel and brake ok.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2022 - 20:15
    +1

    At this point we have to conclude that these types of posts are just to troll us.

  • GordonD on 09/03/2022 - 20:57

    I'd be wary about buying a a mechanic's car. They are notorious for not maintaining their own cars. But often the cars they are selling are actually ones where someone's brought it in for repairs, then either can't or won't pay what the mechanic has told them the bill is, and he has seized ownership of it and is selling it off to get his money back.

    • John Kimble on 09/03/2022 - 21:00

      he has seized ownership of it and is selling it off to get his money back.

      How is that legal?

  • Vheissu on 09/03/2022 - 21:58
    +2

    Something tells me that the RWC is going to pass with flying colours. Call me a psychic, but I just have a hunch the very mechanic selling you the car he is doing the RWC for will make it pass. NEVER buy a used car without test driving it. You might get lucky and it might be fine, he might be honest.

  • Oofy Doofy on 09/03/2022 - 23:52
    -1

    A 2012 car for 9k? Is it a special model or Rolls Royce?

    I'd be paying at best 1/10th the price of the vehicle, new.

  • THICKnSLOW on 10/03/2022 - 01:19
    -1

    Mebbe the seller is a mcm graduate of the diy institute of youtube mechanics global.

    chopped

  • suprastar on 10/03/2022 - 11:03

    haven't really read the other comments so not sure if already mentioned.

    but what ever is verbally promised is BS and anyone can go back on. what ever promises you want adhered to, just write up a contract that you both sign. and at least u have something legally binding.

    doesn't have to be complicated, just a 1 page with both names and addresses an a list of what you agreed on.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 14:15

      yeah, I'm about to write something on a paper now, format taken from the net like a deed of sale, since the seller said he's not going to prepare anything because he said rego and everything else can be done online. Asked him how are we going to sign, he said no need, transport will know everything once form is submitted online, but I still would like to have us sign the papers even though 9k for him is nothing.

      • Hangryuman on 10/03/2022 - 15:05

        I expect the seller will sign the form 'as is' - meaning if anything breaks, there's no come back.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 18:48

          yeah, I got an update this afternoon, below.

  • josepet on 10/03/2022 - 11:47
    +1

    Ignore trolls. Probably he is a great dude and the car is fantastic. I'd even pay more to even his niceness

  • Hangryuman on 10/03/2022 - 14:49

    wow - I love this thread - 'about to buy a car I haven't checked but I trust the guy'

    then - 'oh wait he turned out to be dodgy - so now ima buy from another guy I trust'

    can't wait for the next exciting instalment of 'what could possibly go wrong'

    aka 'I trusted that nice man in the garage - how come he took all my money and sold me a lemon !?'

    [update] 'ima ask him to sign a bit of paper' - that'll fix everything …

    • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 18:37

      yeah, there's an update again!

  • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 18:44
    -1

    ok, an update, now it's getting frustrating and i'm really, really pressed for time!

    I'm supposed to meet this seller this afternoon. he gave me his bank account for money transfer, but then it turned out we don't have the same bank, so that's going to take 2 days to clear most probably, so he asked for cash instead, so I went to 2 bank branches since one didn't have enough cash to hand over amounting to the price of the car!

    now I have the money, asked the seller to prepare the deed of sale or any receipt, he said he has none! so I prepared one and it took me awhile bit, then seller says he can't meet me after said time today because he's out somewhere, so I better leave the money to his relative and take the car, then he will sign the deed of sale next week when he's back! I said we can close tomorrow morning, he said he'll be away until next week! but he confirmed I can take the car and just leave the money to another person who's got the key!

    I'm trusting and I know $9k is not too much to some people, but I have limited funds, can't just leave the money and take the car, i'm thinking if that really his car or he's just got the key to it, something in me feels like I should just take the risk since I'm pressed for time, I need the car badly now, but now I'm so frustrated, I will buy the one I found with really high mileage for the same price from the dealer, I think that's guaranteed, and what choice do I have now… darn, another wasted day and viewing!

    • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 20:22

      now I have the money, asked the seller to prepare the deed of sale or any receipt, he said he has none! so I prepared one and it took me awhile bit, then seller says he can't meet me after said time today because he's out somewhere, so I better leave the money to his relative and take the car, then he will sign the deed of sale next week when he's back! I said we can close tomorrow morning, he said he'll be away until next week! but he confirmed I can take the car and just leave the money to another person who's got the key!

      sounds like a stolen car or at least one that he doesn't own, you really have bad luck with sellers…

    • Cave Fire on 10/03/2022 - 20:43

      You have to prove that they own the car. Plus do another ppsr. So you need to see like a rego with the sellers name, drivers licence or previous sales receipt and they sign for the disposal. If you buy it, another "owner" could pop up, notify the police and get the car back. Even if they sign a simple receipt with buyer, seller and licence number and price, that's enough. If they can't do that, something is dodgy. Side note, just seen that you are in qld, can send some links as I look at car prices often.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2022 - 09:15

        Thanks, that's what I thought too, at the back of my head I had doubts if that's really his car, since it's parked at an address where he didn't reside, he said it's his cousin's house, this is one thing that bothered me after the verbal agreement and test driving, but it could be his for all I know, he drives a fairly new ute. I paid another car history check but name of owners don't show, just the ppsr, rego and write-offs, this one's clear. I guess I'll just have to use a rental for now until I can settle into a new place and visit some dealers around GC while checking online sales.

        • Cave Fire on 11/03/2022 - 09:46

          Ok was this near Robina? Bought an average deal from someone who is flipping cars there. Had about four cars he was selling parked on the street. Recommend Brisbane on average for the best deal as there are larger dealers. Had good results from the ex govt auctions.

          • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2022 - 09:59

            @Cave Fire: around southport area.

    • danbal on 11/03/2022 - 08:03

      You sure have it rough eh. Your first posts mentioned SUV. Probably buy a sedan or hatchback. You say you are new to Australia, but buying a used SUV is a really big gamble. With that money you can buy a decent sedan. Unless you need a 7seater then you can also go for wagons.

      Edit: buying a 10year old SUV at that price, in this current car resell market is MORE THAN LIKELY a LEMON.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2022 - 09:19

        yeah mate, last night and this morning I'm now looking at hatchbacks as well, rental car is a hatchback and it's quite easy to manuever and drive around, maybe for now until I find a permanent work I can switch back to an SUV. I just want SUV for the durability in accidents, boot space I have lots of stuff, and past 2 cars were SUV as well, love the high seating, but the rental car has made me realize it's not that bad being too close to the ground like I'm about to be ran over by big ones on the road, lol.

        • danbal on 11/03/2022 - 10:38

          Buying an SUV for its durability will not justify it cost, in your case who has limited amount of funds. Don't drive like a hoon and be a defensive driver and you can avoid about 90% of accidents. Most modern cars are rigorously tested for safety. You can try searching 'whichcar' website for reviews. But then again, a head-on collision at 110kph will sure be morbid regardless of which car you have.

          If you need space, a hatchback with some roof baskets will suffice for now. In MOST car reviews I have read, a hatchback will have more boot space compared to a sedan of the SAME model. If you still need more space, just fold the 2nd row and more boot space. You can even put on towbars and tow small trailers if you need that much extreme space.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/03/2022 - 18:19

        So I've considered a hatchback, but 2013/2014 still cost nearly the same as 2012 SUV with a mid-high odo. So I'm still open to a mid-sized SUV. I'm into negotiations with a private seller, ASX 2015, odo 195k, for $11k if we agree. Photos looked great, very tidy, but of course I'll see and test the actual.
        Now, please tell me, is the price reasonable? Am i getting a good deal here, or should I think it over again? cheers

        Edit: a decent hatchback like Fiesta/Focus or Renault Megane cost around $9k with odo nearly 140k, while the SUV I'm looking at can be had for $11k, what do you think?

        • danbal on 12/03/2022 - 19:02

          I am out of touch with vehicle prices at the moment. Some other ozbargainers I have seen here actually work in car sales.

          But I always go by the rule in car buying, if it seems too good to be true, then it is a lemon.

          Also, buy yourself a rechargeable torch from woolies/coles/bunnings and take it with you to car inspections. Your phone torch just won't do. I can't explain to you in detail what to look for. What I can say is just look for the obvious. Engine sound should not have some RANDOM knock sounds. It should be RYTHMIC and sound the SAME all through out. Use the torch to look at engine bay, turn off engine for safety. Just look for obvious wet spots. When taking for a roadtest, i suggest turn off radio and just listen to how the vehicle goes. Ideally, you should not hear any loud bangs/clunks/grinding/whatever.

          • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2022 - 07:03

            @danbal: ok, torch will seem kinda useless as I wouldn't know anyway what to look for, but the turning off radio was what I did with the second car with history of accident when I drove, seller didn't want to turn it off totally it was really loud, as if masking something. thanks again.

  • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2022 - 20:06

    Don't buy a used car from a mechanic - you have been warned numerous times in this forum.

  • justgooddeals on 10/03/2022 - 23:13

    Don’t trust this seller.

    A fool and his money are easily parted. Not saying you are fool. Just that if you don’t go in with huge amounts of scepticism and caution when buying used car you could easily become one.

    https://thehub.nrma.com.au/drive/buying-used-car

    Whatever car you intend on buying get it inspected.

    Get a deed of title or certificate of registration before handing over the cash. Or tell him/her to go jump.

    https://mtavehicleinspections.com.au/

    • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2022 - 09:21
      +1

      got it mate, cheers.

  • toomuchdogfur on 11/03/2022 - 01:12
    +2

    I know you don't have much money, but honestly consider scraping up a little more and buying from a reputable dealership instead. It will definitely cost more for the same product, but dealers are held to higher standards (by their reputation and the law) than randoms on FB and Gumtree. Plus if you do end up having issues with the car, at least you have a fixed address that you can go back to and demand recourse.

    Private sellers can offer a better deal, but the risk is high if you don't know your way around cars. Bottom feeders will inevitably look for you - unfortunately you are a prime target, being desperate for a car and looking for a cheap deal without knowing much about cars. A dealer won't be immune from being a bastard, but there's a better chance you can gauge whether they're legit or not:

    • Look around at the other cars in the yard and see if they are in good condition too - a dealer more picky and careful with their stock cares more about their reputation than ripping you off
    • I've found good stock at branded dealerships (i.e. a dealership that usually sells new Mazdas, Subarus, etc) - their used stock usually comes from trade-ins rather than fixed up auction cars. They are also more likely to care about their reputation than ripping you off, as they want you to eventually come back and buy their shiny new cars. Having said that, I have gotten cars from independent dealers without issue (though fairly recent ~3yo cars)
    • If you spot a significant issue and the seller, dealer or otherwise, says "oh that'll come right off/I'll fix that before you come back/etc", walk away - if they actually cared, it would have been fixed already. I once looked at an unusually cheap Hyundai Sonata that reeked of cigarette smoke and the dealer said the smell would come out with some carpet shampoo and more time… yeah, sure.
    • Do they pressure you excessively into a sale? Walk away. A good car will sell itself, and a seller worth their salt will let you think over such an expensive purchase before committing to it. A bad car needs to be sold, fast, before you figure out the issues and band-aid fixes applied to it.
    • danbal on 11/03/2022 - 07:51

      THIS. +1 to you. Dont force yourself into buying a vehicle out of desperation.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2022 - 09:27
      +1

      cheers mate. notes taken. I'll extend the rental car and take my time a bit now, no choice anyway.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/03/2022 - 18:25

      I've considered a dealer around the area, was supposed to check this one, but seeing the negative reviews, I thought about it and decided to still take the risk dealing with private sellers, less 2k on cost.

      "Cars Always Wanted - Sell Used Cars For Cash" - the dealer I was supposed to go to since the rental car I'm using is near it, but yeah, nah.

  • danbal on 11/03/2022 - 06:25

    I am a mechanic and keep reading statements"don't buy a car from a mechanic". I would agree to this but to an extent. It is true that plenty of dodgy mechanics can conjure an RWC out of thin air; even do rego renewals without actually checking the cars. But speaking for myself, I do love my cars and spend properly to get them fixed (by a dealership). YES IT IS TRUE, I PREFER NOT WORKING ON CARS DURING MY PERSONAL TIME. But I also do not resell cars like the mechanic-seller mentioned here. I keep service reports and other documents that were dome by the dealership to show what has been repaired on the vehicle (if ever i decide to sell the car).

  • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2022 - 09:50

    a side question, what's your view on an SUV with a new engine replacement? I know it's driveable otherwise it won't be on the road, but will it last like original, or will small issues crop up due to connections and wirings altered? I'm looking at one now, should I run away from these types as well?

    • danbal on 11/03/2022 - 10:53

      If the engine replacement was done by the brand dealership then it will have a warranty for the job done. If the engine swap was by a mate and costed at mates-rates, good luck with that. In general, I would say run-away. There was a reason that engine got rekt in the first place which means the previous owner PROBABLY drove it like a hoon. Also, most probably if the previous owner abused it, there will be other issues in the vehicle.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2022 - 11:01

        photos looked impressive in and out, but okay, thanks, will ask how it was done (dealer or not).

  • OzHunterNSW on 11/03/2022 - 20:08

    10 years old…. cars are a dime a dozen now they are a bit lighter.
    Just buy one around 5 k

  • danbal on 11/03/2022 - 21:26

    A quick guide to what components of the vehicle are covered if you buy from a brand dealership or a second-hand vehicle dealership. This is protected by consumer law. This document may be from WA but you can use it as a general guide in QLD. You may even have a similar document somewhere in the QLD websites.

    https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/fil…

    • [Deactivated] on 12/03/2022 - 18:14

      cheers mate

  • Stevek1960 on 14/03/2022 - 11:31

    Be even more carefull what you buy after these floods, there will be a lot of people selling cars that have been cleaned up after going under water.
    Also DECENT is not a word I would use with Fiesta/Focus or Renault Megane.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2022 - 15:44

      I read a lot about gearbox issues with Ford hatchbacks and sedans, but didn't back out of the deal, so I got one yesterday. Also what I noticed with all the cars for sale was the really bad paint work by Ford, most of the cars i've seen have paint issues.

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