Backpacker Car Club (BCC)

Three big tips!

One Don't pay too much for a car!!
How do you find out market price?

Use www.redbook.com.au or the local paper, example www.smh.com.au

Just because there are limited cars available from notice boards, it does not mean you should pay too much.

See additional feedback below on this subject

However, if the car includes lots of good stuff, then of course that may increase the value of the car. (e.g. spares, camping equipment etc)

Remember, you will also want to sell the car, so the less you pay for it, the greater the chance you have of getting something like the $'s you paid for it back!

Two: Before handing over cash, make sure the seller is the legal owner, they have all the documentation (rego papers etc) and double check that the engine number and especially the VIN number are the same as the rego paper.
Note the sellers identity number. (passport or drivers license)
Make sure you complete the registration transfer process immediately, as generally there is a fine if you take more than 14 days!
Lastly, before handing over cash, drive the car on a reasonable trip (10-20mins) then have the car checked by a mechanic, preferably by a local licensed garage that you can go back to!

Three: Check the ownership and finance status of the car via this government website:

https://online.revs.nsw.gov.au/revs/public.htm

You will need the engine number, the VIN (chassis number) and number plate for this check.

Don't buy a wreck ... you can get a serviceable car for $1500-$4000 ... do not risk your life, choose wisely.
Prices are a little higher for 4WD's and vans of course!

The car does not need to be pretty, but it will need to be good mechanically. (and legal)

Have to say you are absolutley right on that, rather pay a good value for a good car, but watch it... easy things to check are engine mounts, drive belts, radiator, oil.

Have a look for cracks, ripps and what level oils are.... after your test drive, check the oil again, watch the gages.

Secondley, don´t choos any mechanic... some will try and ripp you off !! When I was in Darwin, I found one out of 7 whom I trusted on the job.
Things you can do easy yourself, are exchanging belts, engine-mounts, shook absorbers, brake pads, oils, you don´t need to be a mechanic, by the book (repair manual) to your vihicle and have a few tools.

All the best to all travelers

Thanks Nomad - some excellent advice 

I received some passionate feedback on this topic from a seller directly (not Nomad!) in regard to redbook pricing. I ended up talking to the person for ~20 minutes on the phone on this topic ... and as a result I am  posting this update ...

Yes - we do listen - this is a live site with two people working hard to make this the #1 website for travellers with cars  

Redbook and market value ... especially in regard to vans.

There is no doubt that the redbook site has its finger on the pulse of the Australian second hand market ... however ...

Two 2 year old cars are easier to compare than two 20 years old cars ... and when you get into the van space it is even harder!

So here is my updated advice!

Vans & camper vans
I have not seen two vans of 15-25 years old that are the same!
Almost all of them have a story.
Some are wonderfully painted, some are clean and straight, some have new fit outs, some have new engines, some are just in great condition with long rego, some have low KM's with a great service history and SOME are just old and beaten up.

Take a look @ the van. If it is a nice van and you are happy to be seen in it, sleep in it and it has the features you want 'it maybe' worth several thousand dollars more than redbook says for an average van of the same year.
It will be your home for months and your memories for years ...

There is also an element of supply and demand.

Most people backpack once in their lives and take photos they look @ with their friends and family forever ... perhaps buying a van that makes a great holiday is worth some extra money ... I tend to agree as long as you are aware of that fact.

At the end of the journey you will need to sell the van, so if you pay more for the van now, do not rely on the next owner to cover that excess, i.e. you may loose some money, however it may be well worth it for the comfort and memories.
This is your decision.

It is easier to sell a cool / nice / practical van - especially in summer when there are more backpackers in town!

Remember an 'average' 20 year old van is not easy to find (or define) ...  so you may need to pay a little more for your love!

4WD's
Broadly it is the same story with 4WDs. Generally the extra value in 4WDs is in spares, extras and maintenance.
A backpacker 4WD will have many things that may help you when you get to the outback ... so look @ this and decide the value, not only in terms of the things themselves, but also the time to buy those things ... often it may take you a week to get the 4WD ready!

If the 4WD has a fitted bed ... that is value ... how long and how much would it cost to put one in?

Again, 20 years is a long time ... how has this 4WD been used in that time and what extra value does it have?

Cars

Condition can vary widely from a beautiful and very nice tidy car to a scruffy tin can!

If you wear nice clothes and pay more for those clothes, perhaps you pay a little more for a nice car with nice things?

It will show if the car is cared for!

-----

In all cases, length of registration is a major consideration and will have a significant bearing on the price.

Also get the vehicle mechanically checked before parting with cash!

We move old ad's to the sold / orphan cars board ... so have a look to see what vehicles people were selling and the asking price ... we don't have a record of the final sales price as we do not sell cars ... so this link should be used for market research into what types of vehicles were advertised and what are normal inclusions rather than a price guide.

http://holidaycarclub.com/forum_au/index.php?board=90.0

Comments and feedback welcome 

Hi!

I want to check the ownership and finance status of a car.

Can't I use the homepage from the government for a car from Western Australia? I can't find it...

Thanx a lot!

Sina

Hi Sina,

WA has a different system for some reason  

Here is a link to the REVS system for WA:

https://bizline.commerce.wa.gov.au/revs/public_search.cfm?search=1

Hope this helps  

The same for QLD!!
 i cant match my own car 

Hi ... the site should be good for all states except WA and TAS ...

https://online.revs.nsw.gov.au/revs/public.htm

If you like, send me your vin, engine # and car registration number and I will try it for you ... (use personal message, do not post those details here!)

Alternatively, just call Fair Trading on 13 32 20