Car buyer's checklist

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Car buying made easy – our 9 step guide

Follow our 9 step guide to take the hassle out of car buying and to protect your financial investment:

1. Determine your actual needs and wants

Work out exactly what you will need this vehicle for.

Do you regularly transport children, pets, work equipment, tow a trailer, go on long trips or drive mostly around town?

Consider the car's body style, transmission type (automatic or manual), fuel consumption, engine size, safety and comfort features that will best suit your needs. Make a "must have" and a "nice to have" list to help you choose your ideal car.

2. Know your budget and stick to it!

Work out how much you can afford or want to spend and set a maximum budget.

If you already own a car start obtaining estimates of what it will be worth when you sell or trade it in. This information will help you estimate the final changeover cost you will need to budget for.

Shop around for the best finance deal you can get before you shop for a car. If you are getting finance don't be talked into spending more than you can afford to repay - actual interest rates can be very high.

Important note: Read documents carefully and don't sign anything that you don't understand or don't agree with. The golden rule is: if in doubt, get a second opinion before you commit to a finance agreement.

3. Do some research on car types that suit your needs

Start comparing vehicles that interest you and get an understanding for what your money will buy.

Try to compare cars of similar quality rather than just comparing prices - an inferior quality car could have legal or mechanical problems that may soon cost you more money.

Important note: Registered motor vehicle traders operate under strict guidelines and regulations. However, if you buy privately you may have no comeback if a problem occurs so take your time and choose carefully.

4. Choose the best prospects and go for a test drive

Shortlist cars that match your needs and budget.

Key things to consider when taking a test drive:

• Sit in the driver's seat - check if it's comfortable and easy to adjust, with enough leg-room. Are the gauges readable and the controls within easy reach?
• Is there enough back and neck support? Can you adjust the steering wheel to a comfortable position?
• Check for good visibility at the front, rear and sides - adjust the driving position and mirrors correctly before you start driving.
• Take a close look around the interior, exterior and tyres to make sure there are no obvious problems.
• Check that the vehicle has a current Registration label (Rego) and a Warrant of Fitness (WOF); both of these should be clearly visible on the inside of the front windscreen. Driving a car without a current WOF may be dangerous and you could incur a fine.
• Make sure that you check the car has adequate motor vehicle insurance before you take it for a test drive. If the vehicle is not properly insured you may be liable for damage if you have an accident.
• Do you like the way it drives? Is it comfortable and suitable for the purposes intended? Make a note of anything that concerns you about the vehicle.
• Review any available paperwork including Certificate of Registration, service or repair receipts, window card and past legal checks.

Remember that at this stage of the buying process you are checking if this car suits your needs, not its mechanical condition. A full mechanical check is best done by a professional vehicle inspection company such as VTNZ

Important note: Registered motor vehicle traders operate under strict guidelines and regulations. However, if you buy privately you may have no comeback if a problem occurs so take your time and choose carefully.

5. Check the car's history and legal status with a Vehicle History Check

The MotorWeb VIR^® will provide a comprehensive vehicle history report to protect you from the risks of buying a car privately. Even with expert car knowledge this is the one important check you can't do yourself. It gives you peace of mind by alerting you to important information such as:

• If the seller is the registered owner
• If the vehicle is reported stolen
• If there is money owing (if so the vehicle can be repossessed)
• If MAF have flagged the vehicle as being a flood damaged import or having a wound back or tampered odometer
• If there are outstanding Road User Charges
• The vehicle's fuel economy ratings
• Plus a lot more!

Any problems that are uncovered are clearly identified in the VIRfor you to discuss with the seller before money changes hands. You can obtain a VIR over the internet or by calling 0800 843 847. All you need to know is the car's registration plate number. The VIR is an important legal document that you should keep in a safe place with the rest of the vehicle's documentation.

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6. Get a full mechanical check

Arrange a full mechanical check from a reputable organisation such as VTNZ .

Let the professionals find issues you won't easily detect yourself. They can identify serious problems with the transmission, cooling system, exhaust, brakes, shock absorbers and engine (e.g. a cam belt can snap without warning so it should be replaced around every 100,000 kms).

Tell the vehicle inspector about any concerns you may have from the test drive so they can investigate them further. Don't let minor faults that could be easily fixed put you off an otherwise sound vehicle. However if the inspection uncovers a serious fault you should re-think your choice or offer an adjusted price to cover repair costs.

Note: Present your MotorWeb VIR at VTNZ to redeem a discount on their pre-purchase mechanical inspection. Phone 0800 88 88 69 to find the nearest VTNZ that offers this service

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7. Finalise payment and obtain a detailed receipt

Negotiate a final price and arrange payment.

Make sure you receive a detailed receipt detailing the names of both parties, signatures, the price, payment method, vehicle description and the date. It should state that no other party has a claim on the car or its accessories (validate this with the MotorWeb VIR ). If the car has personalised plates the receipt should also state if these are included within the sale.

• Check the market valuation of this vehicle

8. Change the ownership

The buyer (you) must complete an MR13B form and take it to a New Zealand Transport Agency agent for processing.

The seller of the motor vehicle is required to complete a MR13A form. These forms are available from any New Zealand Transport Agency agent e.g. VTNZ . You will need to provide proof of identification such as your NZ driver's licence or other approved ID that proves your full name, signature and date of birth.

Important note: You must complete these forms within seven days but it's best to do it straight away - it prevents both you and the seller becoming liable for the other's fees, charges or traffic fines. Your new Certificate of Registration should arrive by post within 10 working days. Keep the certificate in a safe place along with the rest of the vehicle documents.

9. Protect your investment from the unexpected

Arrange motor vehicle insurance as soon as possible – before you drive away!

If the car does not have an alarm or engine immobiliser, consider fitting one as an effective anti-theft measure. Anti-theft devices may also reduce the cost of your motor vehicle insurance premiums. If this is your first car or you are new to New Zealand, we strongly recommend that you take a defensive driving course. A defensive driving course will enhance your driving confidence and help you and your new car stay safe and accident-free. Remember to drive with courtesy and enjoy your new vehicle!

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