Saturday, 9 November, 2024

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What do I need to do to sell my car?

Even in this lively used-car market, not everyone is completely sure what you will need to take with you if you want to sell your car.

“Not everyone knows that we also buy cars, we do not only trade them in on a sale of a car we have in stock,” says Eugene Ehlers, owner of Auto Investments Nelspruit.

“You can still owe the bank money on your car; we will still buy it from you.” He says that in some ways that makes it easier for them.

“Save some time by asking the bank for a settlement letter before you come to us. Remember, the settlement amount shown on your monthly statement is not the actual settlement amount on that day.” He says you might even be able to negotiate a better settlement.

The Auto Investments Nelspruit sales team: George Khumalo, Seef Jansen van Rensburg, Lucky Khoza and Desmond Mazibuko.

“A seller must have all the FICA documentation ready if he or she wants to sell a car to Auto Investments,” Ehlers says, referring to the requirements of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act.

“Obviously the seller needs to have an ID document ready. We can make a copy, or the seller can bring a certified copy with – but we still need to see the original too. A proof of residence, not older than three months, will complete the requirements.

“We need documentation on the vehicle as well. If the car has been paid off, we need a registration of ownership – also referred to as the car’s Natis document. Obviously, the VIN, engine and registration numbers must be for the car being offered for sale.”

He says that if the seller is not the registered owner, it complicates matters.

“Each case might be unique, but there must be a good reason why the seller can offer the car for sale. A purchase contract or supporting documentation explaining why the car is not registered in the seller’s name will. Definitely help.”

“Of course, if the seller also wants to buy a vehicle from us, the list is a little longer. We would need bank statements, confirmation of employment, and so on.”

He says when a seller brings a car to Auto Investments to sell it, they look at a number of things.

“The condition of the car and the registration documents should correlate. If the car is only a couple of years old, it should be in very good condition. If it is in a bad condition, we would be hesitant to buy it, because it might look as if the car had had a tough life with little maintenance.”

On the issue of maintenance, Ehlers says you must keep a proper history of maintenance done to the car.

“A car with a full service history, and all of its books – owner’s manual – is an easier car to sell and therefore we would like to buy such a car. Another thing that makes an impression, is if you still have all of the spare keys for the car. It shows that the car has been cared for.”

He says a seller does not have to worry too much about small scratches to the car, or tyres that are worn.

“You don’t have to bring the car to us in perfect condition. Scratches happen, we know that. And tyres get worn from use. Again, we would rather not buy a car that has been abused, but small issues do not really worry us. As long as the seller understands that such repairs – or the replacement of tyres – have to be provided for when making an offer on a car.”

Ehlers says even if someone plans on buying a brand-new car, they would like to make an offer on the “old” car.

“Even if you plan on buying a brand-new car from one of the new-car dealers, bring your trade-in to us for a price. We might just surprise you with a better price. After all, used cars are our business!”

You can contact Auto Investments Nelspruit on 013 658 1211 or www.autoinelspruit.co.za

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