Look, nobody wants to be that person who hands their car keys to a random stranger or buys a ride from a dodgy seller. Here's how to keep it legit:
When You're Buying:
- Ask to see the seller's driver's licence and snap a pic (with their permission)
- Check that the name matches the rego papers exactly
- If it's not their car, they need proof they can sell it (like a letter of authority)
- For private sales, meet at their actual address (the one on the rego papers), not some random car park
- Take a photo of the seller's licence plate if you're doing a test drive
When You're Selling:
- Always get a clear photo of their driver's licence before a test drive
- Check the licence photo matches their face (seems obvious, but still...)
- Get their mobile number and call it while they're there to confirm it's legit
- Hold onto their licence during the test drive
- Consider bringing a mate along – safety in numbers
Red Flags to Bail On:
- They won't show ID
- Address doesn't match any documents
- They're pushing for a rushed sale
- Something feels off? Trust your gut and walk away
Remember: Legit buyers and sellers won't mind these checks. Anyone who kicks up a fuss? Yeah, that's your cue to exit.
