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How to Spot a Written-Off or Flood-Damaged Car

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 Buying a second-hand car in Australia is a smart choice if you want to save money. But you have to be careful. Some cars may look fine on the outside but have big problems inside. These problems can come from being written-off or damaged by flood . A written-off or flood-damaged car can be unsafe to drive. It can also cost you a lot in repairs. In this blog, we will show you how to spot a written-off or flood-damaged car and how to avoid buying one. What Is a Written-Off Car? A written-off car is a car that was badly damaged in an accident or disaster. It’s called a “write-off” because the cost to fix it is more than the car’s value. There are two types of write-offs: Statutory Write-Off : Too damaged to repair. Can never be registered again. Repairable Write-Off : Can be fixed and re-registered, but must pass checks. To know if a car is written-off, do a VIN Check or PPSR Search before you buy. What Is a Flood-Damaged Car? A flood-damaged car is a car that wa...

How to Check If a Car Has Money Owing Before You Buy

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 Buying a used car is a great way to save money. But what if the car still has money owing on it? That means the person selling the car hasn’t finished paying for it yet. This can lead to big problems for you — even if you pay the seller in full. Before you buy any used car in Australia, it’s super important to check if money is still owing . In this blog, we’ll show you how to do that step-by-step in simple English. Why It Matters: Don’t Get Stuck With Someone Else’s Debt If you buy a car that has money owing, the finance company still owns it . That means the bank or loan company can take the car away — even after you’ve paid for it! This is called an encumbrance . If the car has an encumbrance, the lender (like a bank) can repossess the car. You’ll lose the car and the money you spent. Learn more here: 👉 What Is an Encumbrance? Why It Can Ruin Your Car Deal Signs That a Car Might Have Money Owing Here are some warning signs to look out for: 🚩 The seller is asking ...

The Importance of VIN Check in Buying a Used Car

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Buying a used car can feel like hitting the jackpot — or stepping into a trap! One minute you’re picturing road trips down the coast, and the next, you’re stuck with a dodgy lemon. That’s why doing a VIN Check before buying a used car is so important. Today, we’ll dive into why checking the VIN can save your wallet, your sanity, and maybe even your life. We’ll keep it simple, Aussie-style, and give you real stories and helpful links along the way! What is a VIN Check? A VIN Check is like a secret spy report on your car. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number . Every car has its own special number, like a fingerprint. When you do a VIN Check, you can find out: If the car was in a big crash If it’s been stolen If it still has money owing on it If it was written off If it has serious problems Basically, a VIN Check tells you if the car is safe and worth your cash. You can do a quick and easy VIN check Qld here: 👉 VIN check Qld Real Story: Airport Pa...

Beware! How Cinch Sold a Faulty Range Rover – A Buyer’s Nightmare

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Purchasing a used car can be a cost-effective way to own a vehicle, but it comes with its own set of challenges and risks. One such risk is the possibility of acquiring a vehicle with hidden defects, as was the case with a buyer who purchased a faulty Range Rover from Cinch, an online car retailer. This article delves into the buyer's experience, highlighting the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections and vehicle history checks to avoid similar pitfalls. The Buyer’s Experience with Cinch In December, Richard purchased a 2016 Range Rover from Cinch for £13,000. Almost immediately, he encountered multiple issues, including battery problems, water ingress in the rear lights, a malfunctioning parking camera, and issues with the boot door and stop-start feature. Despite reporting these problems, Cinch delayed the necessary repairs. Frustrated, Richard sought assistance from a local specialist who identified additional faults. After persistent efforts, Richard eventually secur...

How Does REVS Check QLD Play a Role in buying used car vehicle?

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Buying a used car can be exciting, but it also comes with risks. Before finalizing your purchase, a REVS Check QLD (Register of Encumbered Vehicles) can help you uncover essential details about the vehicle's past. This simple yet crucial check ensures that you're making a smart, informed decision. But what exactly does a REVS Check in Queensland reveal? Let's dive into why it's indispensable for anyone looking at used cars . What Is a REVS Check? A REVS Check is a report that provides critical information about a vehicle, such as its financial status, ownership history, and more. It helps you identify potential risks that could affect your purchase or lead to unexpected costs. The REVS Check QLD is particularly important because it reveals if there are outstanding loans tied to the vehicle. Why Vehicle History Matters Without a proper history check, you might end up with a car that has financial encumbrances, a tampered odometer, or even a stolen record. According to ...

How to Identify Tampered Odometers in Used Cars

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 Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, but it comes with risks. One of the biggest concerns for buyers is odometer tampering, a deceitful practice where a car’s mileage is rolled back to make it seem less used. This can inflate the car’s value and mask underlying wear and tear. Identifying odometer tampering can save you from financial loss and unexpected repair costs. Here’s how you can spot signs of odometer fraud. Why Odometer Tampering is a Concern Odometers measure the total distance a car has traveled, which helps buyers estimate the vehicle's wear and longevity. A tampered odometer: Inflates the Vehicle’s Price : A car with lower mileage appears more valuable. Hides Wear and Tear : Critical parts like the engine, tires, and suspension may be older than they seem. Leads to Unexpected Costs : You may face repairs that should have been disclosed upfront. In Australia, odometer tampering is illegal, but unscrupulous sellers may still engage in this practice. Under...

Understanding Recalls: Are They a Dealbreaker for Used Cars?

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When shopping for a used car, one of the critical considerations is whether the vehicle has been subject to recalls. Recalls can indicate manufacturing defects or safety issues, but they don't necessarily mean you should dismiss the car altogether. Understanding what recalls entail and how they impact your purchase decision is essential for making an informed choice. 1. What is a Vehicle Recall? A vehicle recall occurs when a manufacturer or regulatory authority identifies a defect or non-compliance with safety standards in a batch of vehicles. These issues could affect the car's safety, performance, or emissions compliance. Manufacturers are legally obligated to fix the defect, often free of charge. 2. How Recalls Affect Used Cars Safety Concerns Recalls often address critical safety issues such as faulty brakes, airbag malfunctions, or transmission problems. Read more about signs of a transmission issue in “ Signs of a Worn Transmission in a Used Vehicle .”  or very specifica...