A large number of vehicles are stolen every year, and most of these stolen vehicles are intended to be sold to gullible buyers. Before buying a used vehicle, you need to consider many things before making a deal with the seller. This is because when you caught with a stolen vehicle you are as guilty as the thief and you will be punished by law.
There are many ways to reduce your risk of buying a stolen vehicle, including checks you can do before you pay. Read on to learn different ways to protect yourself from buying stolen vehicle.
1. Check that the VIN hasn’t been tampered With
The key to uncovering a vehicle's history is its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Every car has a VIN; a 17-character code that vehicle manufacturers must put in certain places on vehicles. It is advisable to check it properly.
The easiest place to locate is generally on the dashboard and the side of the driver's door, the VIN is also located in also located at front of the engine block and the frame under the hood. The number on the vehicle must match the number the seller provides on the vehicle’s registration documents. Also glide your fingers over the VIN label. It should be smooth to the touch. If it is rough, it may have been tampered with.
2. Request for Original Customs Documents
When purchasing a vehicle, one of the steps to take is to request the original customs documents for the vehicle. Once you receive the documents, simply take it to the nearest customs office and they will help you verify the document from their database. You will need the chassis number and vehicle's VIN for this process.
3. Request for Original Vehicle Documents
The next thing you should ask for are the original vehicle documents, including the vehicle’s number plate. Takes the documents and the number plate to the FRSC office to verify that the name on the vehicle documents matches the name on their database.
4. Ask for proof of Identification
When buying from a private seller, ask to see proof of identification. Make sure the address on his means of identification matches registered address on the vehicle documents.
5. Demand Bill of Sale
It's also important that you have a bill of sale for your purchase. The bill of sale must include the name and address of the buyer and seller, information about the vehicle, VIN and the amount of the sale. In addition both parties must sign the document.Also make sure the transaction is witnessed by someone who knows both the seller and the buyer or one of them. If a seller refuses to complete a bill of sale or present an ID, it could be a sign of a dishonest transaction, including the sale of a stolen vehicle.
6. Avoid Cash Payments
It is recommended that you pay through the electronic banking platforms to the account of the seller. It is also not advisable to pay through an intermediary. For each payment made, a receipt must also be issued.
7. Buy Only from a Registered Auto Dealer
When buying from a registered auto dealer, the chances of the vehicle being stolen are very low. In addition,when you buy from a registered dealer, his business name and address is trackable and you can lead the authorities straight back to him in the eventuality that the vehicle sold to you is reported stolen.
8. Get a Trusted Mechanic Involved
Get a trusted automobile mechanic to inspect the vehicle. They know the tricks of the game. Your mechanic might be able to spot that the VIN has been tampered with. Also, your mechanic can check the overall condition of the vehicle so that you don’t end up buying a clunker.
Content created and supplied by: Healthday (via Opera News )
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