The auto clutch is an indispensable link between the engine and transmission. Without this important component, you would neither be able to start, nor to engage the various gears. But unfortunately, the clutch is one of the car parts that, depending on the driving style, more or less quickly show clutch damage due to wear. Therefore, the question arises for every driver at some point whether the clutch is defective and must be replaced.
Signs of clutch damage, how can they be recognized?
There are certain characteristics by which you can recognize whether a change of the clutch is imminent. These include:
Clutch slips, which means that the engine power does not increase in accordance with the indicated engine speed.
Gear engagement is sluggish
Gears slip out
When engaging the gears, loud noises occur in the transmission unit
Rough start-up when the clutch is released
TIP: Even though today’s modern clutches last around 60,000 to 120,000 kilometers, you should have their functionality checked regularly at a workshop before clutch damage occurs. An experienced automotive technician can detect the signs of clutch damage with just a short test drive.
Can clutch damage be repaired by the customer?
If the clutch is defective, replacement is unavoidable. To be able to change the clutch yourself, you would have to place the vehicle on a lifting platform and remove the transmission. Only then is it possible to install the new clutch. However, special tools are required for this. In addition, important test and torque values must be observed during installation. Therefore, if the clutch is defective, both the inspection and the repair should be carried out by a recognized automotive workshop.
What does a clutch replacement cost?
The costs for the repair of the clutch damage commissioned, the costs incurred for this are mainly composed of two factors:
1. labor
Before the new clutch can be installed, the transmission must be removed. This usually takes a car mechanic no more than two to four hours. The situation is different if the clutch is defective on an all-wheel-drive vehicle. In this case, the working time increases to around six to eight hours, as the clutch release bearing and slave cylinder are usually also replaced when the clutch is changed.
2. material costs
The cost of materials is difficult to calculate as a lump sum. If original parts of certain car brands are used, the costs are certainly higher than if products of other manufacturers are used. For a normal clutch, you can expect material costs of up to 400 euros, so that the cost of repairing a damaged clutch, with a workload of four hours, is about 1,200 euros. However, this figure only serves as an approximate guide.
TIP: The signs of clutch damage described above are present in your car and you are looking for a workshop? Then you should definitely make a price comparison beforehand. In this regard, various portals offer free comparison calculators with which the costs of a clutch repair can be calculated without obligation.
Conclusion
If you drive carefully, you can significantly increase the service life of a clutch. For example, you should not stand on the clutch pedal unnecessarily, but rather shift into neutral more often. It also helps if you start off quickly and don’t let the clutch drag for long.
Owning a car doesn’t just mean independence, freedom and driving pleasure. A car also brings with it one or two obligations. In addition to the insurance and motor vehicle taxes that you have to pay, a vehicle also needs some care. That starts with a thorough car wash and ends with a timing belt replacement. But the thing that car owners like to forget to have done and wonder afterwards why the car sounds funny and the engine nails so strangely, although you don’t drive a diesel at all, is the oil change.
An oil change is elementary for driving a vehicle. The operating fluids are used to keep the vehicle running properly. During an oil change, the engine oil is drained out through an oil drain plug. Further, the oil filter is removed and a new one is fitted. After draining the oil and attaching the new oil filter, the new engine oil is also filled in.
Many people ask the question: How much does an oil change cost? The price differs from car to car. It depends on how much cubic capacity the engine has or how many cylinders. It also depends on whether you drive on gasoline or diesel. This also determines the type of oil. For example, there are 10W40, 5W30 and so on. Further it depends also on the mark of the oil. So whether you use oil from Castrol, Liqui Moly or no-name products.
Furthermore, the price of an oil change depends on the workshop where it is done. Workshops often charge a considerable premium for the oil itself.
On the Internet, you can also find sites that allow you to compare prices for oil changes at workshops in your region. In Perth, for example, you pay between AUD 150.00 and AUD 280.00 for an oil change including oil filter for a VW Golf 1.4. In this case, independent workshops are clearly cheaper than authorized workshops.
Oil Change Is Easy
With skill, you can also change the oil yourself. In any case, a lifting platform or ramp is advantageous. It is important to have a suitable container for the old oil. This must be large enough and suitable in the condition to catch the used oil. Since this is very harmful to the environment, it is not allowed to simply let the oil seep into the ground. First, open the oil drain plug. This is usually located at the lowest point of the oil pan.
After all the oil has drained out, you turn off the oil filter with a so-called oil filter wrench. This is usually very difficult. This is also full of old engine oil. Afterwards one turns the new oil filter again purely. Make sure that it is really straight. Then screw the oil drain plug back in. Then fill up with fresh oil from above. The rule of thumb for the amount of oil is about 1 liter per cylinder. So for a 4-cylinder vehicle this would be about 4 liters of oil. The exact quantity can also be found in the vehicle manual. When filling up the oil, always pull the dipstick to check.
It doesn’t matter whether you change the oil yourself or have it done in a workshop. It is important that the intervals (15,000 kilometers or after 1 year) for the change are observed.
The cylinder head gasket is a part of the combustion engine of vehicles. It is used to seal the combustion chamber from the cooling circuit and the engine oil lines. The gasket is installed between the cylinder head and the crankcase and has to withstand high mechanical and thermal loads. In addition, the cylinder-head gasket ensures that no gases or liquids can enter or leave the combustion chamber. If the cooling system fails, the heat from the engine can no longer be adequately dissipated, and the engine heats up as a result.
One of the symptoms of a defective cylinder-head gasket is the loss of cooling water; some fluid must be added again and again to maintain the level. Another sign of a defect is exhaust gases or pressure in the cooling system. This can be recognized by the formation of bubbles in the cooling water, which can be seen during operation. Strong air leakage and very hard radiator hoses are also an indication. If you notice oil in the cooling water, i.e. a brownish discoloration in the expansion tank, this may be the result of a defective CCD. This can lead to blockages in the cooling circuit. If cooling water is found in the engine, sitting as yellow slime on the oil filler neck, this indicates a defect. Another indication of possible damage can be the increase in engine temperature when the engine is running at high speeds, such as when driving on the highway. One of the clear symptoms of a defective head gasket is white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
Engine damage as a result of defective cylinder-head gasket
If the aforementioned defects of the defective cylinder-head gasket occur, action is called for. If the damage is not detected in time, this can result in consequential damage. If you do not react, you risk engine damage. This can result in very high repair costs and, in the worst case, even a total loss.
What costs can be expected for repairing the damage?
The specialist in the workshop has to unscrew the cylinder head in order to access the head gasket. The work involved is correspondingly high, but the material costs are kept within reasonable limits. A new cylinder-head gasket, new engine oil and, if necessary, an oil filter and coolant are due. In terms of labor costs, the inspection of the cylinder-head gasket, the removal work, the gasket replacement and the oil and coolant change must be calculated. Another possible cost factor is the cleaning of the cooling system, which may become necessary.
Of course, the costs vary greatly depending on the make and model. In addition, the question naturally arises as to whether repairs should be carried out at an authorized workshop or at an independent workshop.
The following cost ranges should provide a rough guide:
Cylinder head gasket: from approx. 15 AUD to 200 AUD
Engine oil: from approx. 30 AUD – 150 AUD
Oil filter: approx. 20 AUD
Installation: approx. 400 – 1,500 AUD
Change in time – avoid consequential damage
If the behavior of your vehicle indicates a defective cylinder-head gasket, you should have it checked immediately. If a defect is diagnosed, have the gasket replaced by a specialist right away, otherwise serious consequential damage can occur.
A good video on how to detect damage to the cylinder-head gasket can be found on YouTube:
Very often vehicles can be scrap due to total loss, due to accidents or due to age. Many would like to dispose of the car, but the costs incurred are shied away. The proper disposal of a passenger car here is actually associated with costs. If vehicles still offer a certain equivalent value, the costs can be partly calculated against it. Scrap dealers pay thereby hardly fair purchase prices. Often they try to find buyers who will buy the car before it is disposed of. Very many car owners often have the fate that a car is scrap. Especially repairs often go too much into the money with old vehicles. With security it is not the correct way, if the vehicles at the roadside are parked and waited, until degree over it grew. This kind of the disposal is disorderly.
What options are there in Perth to dispose of his car? What must one consider thereby?
It is important to note that only certified collection points or recycling companies are allowed to accept end-of-life vehicles for scrapping. Therefore, if cars in Perth are no longer roadworthy, they must be disposed of, dismantled or picked up and then finally deregistered. Subsequently, the vehicles belong to the authorized collection point. If you want to dispose of your car, you will have to pay a fee at the scrap yards. If a vehicle is to be finally deregistered, then the officially recognized certificate of destruction is required. Over classified advertisements many would like to get rid of then the scrap cars gladly. However, this is also associated with patience and time.
The problems with old vehicles are of course that the technology is outdated, there are no more spare parts and repairs are too expensive. Very often old cars also have a total loss, they are accident cars or they have no HU. Environmentally sound disposal costs money and the companies have to calculate about 100 euros per car. If vehicles have to be picked up, it often becomes even more expensive. However, many vehicles still have a residual value and some components are therefore suitable for reuse. An achievable price depends on frequently demanded components, the state of preservation, the vehicle model and negotiating skills. Often, deregistration formalities can also be taken care of by companies at the same time. Suitable companies can be found in the Yellow Pages or on the Internet.
Conclusion
Certified car recyclers exist nationwide. In most cases, these are Australian car recyclers or end-of-life vehicle recycling centers. The car dispose with WA Auto Parts is here one of the possibilities to settle the disposal meanwhile comfortably over Internet without large expenditure. By the way by the manufacturers also a free old vehicle return can take place. Since January 2007 it is regulated by law that the importers and manufacturers take back the old vehicles of the mark free of charge. This can be handled by authorized dealers. However, the free take-back only applies to vehicles of class N1 or M1. Vehicles where major components or parts have been removed are excluded.
The range of different car exchanges is huge. Accordingly, most used vehicles can also be found on the net. In this way, potential customers can quickly and easily get an overview of the current situation on the used car market in order to find the best offer that is optimally tailored to their own requirements and needs. In the following article, you can find out what you should definitely bear in mind when buying a used car and what costs you should expect when registering it.
Show expertise
During the initial inspection of the desired vehicle, it is important to show expertise so that you are not ripped off by clever used car dealers and end up driving home with a vehicle that does not meet your own expectations of a dream car at all. First of all, you should check the chassis number against the vehicle documents. This will signal a certain level of competence and generate respect from the used car dealer. In addition, you should check all the information given in the ad for completeness. A good example of this would be the statement “all KD”, which indicates that all customer services were regularly performed by the vehicle owner. This information can be checked quickly and easily with a fully completed service booklet. Self-entries do not have too much relevance in this context. So you should definitely take a look at the service booklet.
Costs for registering a used car
In the Australia, only vehicles that have a valid registration can legally participate in road traffic. The registration of a used vehicle costs on average between $150 and $300. An electronic insurance confirmation is required for registration. This seven-digit number serves as proof to the competent authority that the vehicle owner has taken out the mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance.
Previous damage due to accidents
During the inspection of the car, it should be inspected in detail. Particularly detailed should be the inspection of the engine compartment. Here, the condition of the hoses and the level of all fluids (oil, coolant) should be checked. These are indicators of care and maintenance of the vehicle. In addition, of course, the tires should be thoroughly checked. A tire tread that is worn irregularly, for example, can be an indicator of damage to the chassis. Small cracks and damage to the rims are a sign of curb hits and can negatively affect the functioning of the chassis.
In addition, experts recommend paying extra detailed attention to wording in the sale ad. Formulations such as “accident-free” or “no previous damage” should definitely be listed in the sales contract. If any repairs have been carried out on the vehicle, you as the buyer should request all relevant receipts, as these may be relevant when reselling the vehicle.
In spring and autumn, the wheels of a car must be changed. Drivers often refer to this as a tire change. But what is actually meant is a wheel change. Changing a wheel and changing a tire are two different tasks, both of which should be performed at a specialist workshop.
What is the difference between changing a wheel and changing a tire?
When changing a tire, the tires are removed from the rims and new tires are mounted on the rims. This work is called tire mounting. After the tire is mounted, the entire wheel is balanced before it is mounted on the vehicle. Tire mounting is required when worn or damaged tires are replaced with new ones.
During a wheel change, the wheels are completely replaced on the vehicle, for example in the fall when changing from summer to winter tires. In technical jargon, this work is called changing the wheels. Since the amount of work involved in changing tires is much higher than in changing wheels, tire mounting is correspondingly more expensive.
Can tire mounting or a wheel change be done by yourself?
Mounting tires is a task for professionals. On the one hand, machines for mounting and demounting tires and a machine for precise electronic wheel balancing are indispensable, and on the other hand, specialized knowledge is required for tire mounting. Only with the appropriate technical equipment and the knowledge of how to do what, the driving safety of the vehicle can be guaranteed.
The wheel change in spring and autumn is carried out by many motorists themselves. However, the effort involved is considerable. In addition, appropriate tools are required to safely jack up the car and fix the wheel with the correct torque. In view of the favorable prices in a specialist workshop for a wheel change alone, it is generally not worthwhile to carry out the wheel change yourself.
Proper mounting of the tires and a carefully performed wheel change are a prerequisite for safe driving. Small mistakes can lead to costly damage and, in the worst case, to an accident. Mounting tires and changing wheels in spring and fall therefore belong in the hands of professionals.
What does the cost of tire mounting depend on?
Tire mounting prices depend on several factors and can vary. Tire fitting prices are often higher for certain tires and wheels such as run-flat tires, wheels with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and extreme low-profile tires than for the fitting of normal summer and winter tires on steel rims. If additional work such as wheel alignment with toe and camber adjustment is added, the costs increase.
How high are the tire mounting costs?
Putting tires on a rim costs from about 10 euros per wheel upwards. This usually includes the removal and mounting of the tire, setting the correct air pressure, electronic balancing and subsequent mounting of the wheel on the vehicle, as well as the disposal of the old tire. It is definitely worth comparing prices and asking in advance about the cost of additional work such as a wheel alignment, if this is required. Often a mounting of new tires is already included in the purchase price for the tires.
It is advisable to have new tires mounted and wheels changed at a specialized workshop. Mounting tires is practically impossible without the special machines. And the cost of a wheel change is usually so low that it is not worth doing it yourself.
Customs auctions off seized items. This also includes cars. Anyone looking for a new used car should definitely take advantage of this goldmine. The best tips on how you can buy cars from customs!
What is a customs auction?
Foreclosure of real estate is no longer a secret. If you can’t pay your debts, you have to give up your home for it. Only a few consumers know that customs also conduct such auctions.
Background: Since 2009, tax offices have had to forward seized cars to customs. Since cars have a relatively high value, they are popular in foreclosure proceedings. In addition, retired government vehicles come under the hammer. The Federal Ministry of Finance in Bonn takes care of organizing the auctions.
Types of Cars Available at Customs Auctions
Customs auctions are a treasure trove for car enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. The variety of cars available is impressive, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs. Whether you’re in the market for a sleek rear wheel drive sedan, a practical front wheel drive sedan, or a versatile wheel drive wagon, customs auctions have something for everyone.
You can find everything from luxury cars with leather trim and advanced features to family-friendly vehicles equipped with power windows and air conditioning. Popular models from well-known brands like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and Holden often make an appearance, offering reliable options for everyday use.
For those with a taste for the extraordinary, customs auctions occasionally feature high-performance cars, classic cars, and even rare vehicles that are hard to find elsewhere. In addition to passenger cars, you might come across light commercial vehicles, buses, and trucks, making these auctions a great place to find a variety of vehicles for different purposes.
The types of cars available can vary depending on the specific auction and the vehicles being sold. Some auctions may specialize in certain types of vehicles, such as luxury cars or classic cars, providing a unique opportunity to find exactly what you’re looking for. With such a diverse selection, customs auctions are a fantastic option for anyone looking to buy a car.
How can I buy cars from customs?
The procedure is quick and simple:
first you need to register on the portal.
now you log in.
bid on interesting vehicles.
you have to wait for the auction to end. The auction can be cancelled at any time. When the owner pays his debts, the lien is released. This can also happen during a car auction.
if the bid was successful, you have to pay for the car by bank transfer. In rare cases, cash payment is also possible.
now you can pick up the car at the given address.
Usually an auction runs for 14 days. Within this period you can make a binding bid. The amount depends on the specifications of the bidder. The tax office sets an initial bid. In addition, a certain minimum bid must be reached.
Bids are made according to the following pattern:
from 100 to $500, the bidding increments are 10 euros each
up to $1000 you have to raise by 20 Euro
up to $5000 the steps are 50 Euro
above $5000 you have to add 100 Euro or more
In general, higher bids are also possible. You can increase a price of 360 euros immediately to 1,240 euros. Only the upper minimum increments have to be observed. The last bid must last five minutes. If someone outbids you one minute before the end, the auction will be extended by at least four minutes.
Legal framework
As already mentioned, an auction can be cancelled according to § 3 para. 8 of the auction conditions. Therefore you should check if you really won the customs auction of the car.
Please note: According to § 3 para. 4 of the auction conditions no revocation is possible. You must hope for a higher bid from a fellow bidder. Otherwise you are obligated to pay and pick up the vehicle. Therefore, you should carefully consider whether you really want to buy the car. We strongly advise against bidding for fun. Customs will not take a joke.
Normally you have to pick up the vehicle within 10 days. If you exceed this deadline, you will have to pay additional fees for the parking space.
According to § 4 para. 2 of the auction conditions, the warranty is excluded. No claims can be made due to a material defect. There is also no warranty.
You must read the description carefully. If you miss the point that the vehicle was not roadworthy, you are out of luck. A return is not possible at the customs auction of the car.
Inspecting and Evaluating Cars at Auction
When it comes to buying a car at a customs auction, inspecting and evaluating the vehicle is crucial to ensure you make a smart purchase. Here are some essential steps to follow:
Thorough Inspection: Before placing a bid, take the time to inspect the car thoroughly. Look for any signs of damage or wear on both the exterior and interior. Check for scratches, dents, and other imperfections that might affect the car’s value.
Mechanical Check: Pop the hood and examine the engine, transmission, and other mechanical components. Ensure everything is in good working condition and there are no obvious issues.
Safety Features: Verify that the car’s safety features, such as airbags, ABS brakes, and power steering, are functional. These features are critical for your safety and the car’s overall performance.
Service History: Review the car’s service history and any available maintenance records. A well-documented service history indicates that the car has been properly cared for, reducing the risk of future problems.
Professional Opinion: If possible, consider having a mechanic inspect the car before you bid. A professional can provide a detailed assessment of the car’s condition and help you avoid costly surprises.
Market Value: Evaluate the car’s market value and compare it to the auction price. This will help you determine if you’re getting a fair deal and prevent overbidding.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the auctioneer or seller about any concerns you may have. Clear communication can provide additional insights and help you make a more informed decision.
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the auction process and find a car that meets your needs and budget. Remember, a thorough inspection and evaluation are key to avoiding unexpected issues and ensuring a successful purchase.
Customs car auction: advantages and disadvantages
Since it is a government institution, you can assume a serious processing. As a rule, the goods are described correctly and accurately. For this purpose, the vehicle is inspected by an expert and competently evaluated. An inspection of the car is possible after making an appointment. The contact details are deposited in the offer description.
Before publication, each vehicle is inspected. You can see the exact condition in the description. The report is free of charge and can be viewed without registration. After registration you will be spared from spam mails. Zoll-Auktion is a government platform and therefore does not advertise.
Tip: You don’t have to sit at the computer all the time to bid for a car from customs. For this there is the bidding agent. The function automatically bids up to a maximum bid set by you.
A small disadvantage is the limited supply. Buying a car at auction from customs is a matter of luck. Maybe just the right vehicle is there. However, you should not hope for too large a selection. Usually about 100-500 vehicles are auctioned. Some vehicles may also come equipped with cruise control, adding to the convenience and comfort for long drives.
The biggest minus point remains the lack of warranty.
Arguments at a glance:
reputable contract partner
Inspection by an expert
Bargain possible
no risk of fraud as with private purchases
convenient online processing
automatic bidding agent
limited offer
owner can redeem car during auction
warranty and guarantee excluded
no shipping of the car by forwarding agency
Is there a reasonable alternative?
Car auctions from customs only take place via customs auction. Thus, the tax offices have a central point of contact. The situation is different in the free market. There are numerous online auction portals. This is an advantage because you can choose the best provider. In addition, there is a much wider range of available vehicles.
Info: The biggest difference is the warranty. Normal online auction portals offer this service. At the Zoll Auto Auction, there is no warranty obligation in principle. If you want this protection service, you are better off with a classic online portal.
If you buy seized cars from customs, you take no risk. All offers are serious and there is no fraud. With a normal online auction house, a dubious auction can sneak in.
However, auctions remain pure luck. You have to find the right vehicle. Therefore, you should look around on all portals to find the perfect car.
If you no longer sell your own car, then there is no other way out than to have him scrapped. There can be the following reasons for this: Either the car is so old that you can no longer find a buyer, or the car had an accident and now suffers from a total loss.
Even if you drive a sought-after model or a vintage car, but some parts on the vehicle are still good to use, you can ask at some nearby scrap yards if someone is interested in the car. If the car is no longer roadworthy, a salvage yard will pick up the valuable parts for free. The car is then cannibalized and the salvage yard sells the parts online or directly on site.
Of course, some salvage yards may refurbish the old vehicles to resell them. In this way, you have the chance to make some more money out of the old car.
Scrap yards are also happy to receive your old car and let their apprentices practice the automotive trade on it. Often you can expect a little money here as well. However, vintage cars are the most popular among owners of scrap yards, because such old car parts are no longer manufactured. There are even junkyards specializing in classic cars that make such parts available to classic car enthusiasts.
What is the cost of car scrapping?
A good tip on this one is to have the old car devalued by the manufacturer, as he is forced by law to dispose of the old vehicle. Of course, there are exceptions, according to which the legal obligation does not apply: if your car is registered for less than 30 days, has been cannibalized in the meantime or does not belong to the EU, then the manufacturer does not have to take care of it.
However, the costs at the scrap yard are calculated in such a way that pressing and dismantling are seen as the most important cost factors. In addition, it may happen that a fee for collection is also added. Then the scrap dealer will subtract the residual value of your car from the total cost – this could be parts from the interior or engine, the winter tires, body components, etc.
The more parts that can still be used from your old car, the less you will have to pay for scrapping. In fact, it often happens that people even come out of the scrap yard in the plus. On average, you can expect to pay about a hundred euros, but in practice it is quite rare that you have to pay anything for scrapping.
A tip on the side: It is a good idea to ask fire stations if they would like to have your old car. You might get some money from them or they might just pick up the car for free – then your old car will be used for training purposes and you will have done something good with it.
What documents are necessary for scrapping?
Of course, it is quite simple if you are the owner of the car – in this case, only the vehicle registration certificate is necessary. However, if the car is not your property, then a power of attorney from the owner is necessary. In most cases, the owner’s identity card is also required. This is a common practice at salvage yards, although it is not legally protected. For this reason, it is advisable that you get in touch with some scrap yards to be informed about what is important.
It is also important to mention that in Germany, only those vehicles are scrapped that are really ready for scrap. This means that you will receive a certificate of invalidation after you hand in your old car at the scrap yard, although it doesn’t have to be that your car will be evaluated as scrap.
As mentioned above – other people’s cars may not be scrapped without a power of attorney. This also applies to vehicles that are related to a criminal offense.
When scrapping a car, it is quite important to protect the environment as well. Accordingly, all liquids must be properly removed from the car before it can be scrapped. The different materials are also properly separated so that they can be used in the best possible way. Usually, as a former driver, you will also receive some money from the whole process. For this reason, it is always worthwhile to find out about everything in advance.
Those who need to sell their old vehicle often do so privately in the hope of getting a better price, rather than at the dealer of the new vehicle. But in no other area is it so common to get to a dubious dealer and fall victim to a scam as when buying or selling a used car.
But to protect yourself from fraud when selling your used car, you should know the main traps and scams.
First, some good advice…
Contact only a trustworthy dealer and buyer of used cars to avoid any nasty surprises. A reputable dealer will also never build sales pressure or conduct the transaction without transparency. He will explain what the car is worth and usually back this up with the so-called database list (an extensive collection of data that determines the value of used cars).
Under no circumstances should you fall for high purchase offers without a prior inspection of the vehicle by the seller. If the bid is too high, you should immediately become suspicious, as it may be possible that a scam has been perpetrated or that the seller is trying to drastically reduce the price.
In addition, a transfer to a so-called secure escrow account should never be accepted. Then the danger is great that the car is gone, but the seller never gets his money.
An overview of the most important scams and traps.
HIGH PURCHASE PRICE OFFERED OVER THE PHONE
The private car seller receives a supposedly very good purchase price offer by a commercial car dealer. In order to receive the purchase price, the seller must drive to the dealer with the vehicle, often involving a long journey. On site, however, the seller delays the purchase and pushes a detailed vehicle inspection. During this inspection, a supposed expert then identifies allegedly existing defects that significantly depress the previously good purchase price. Many sellers then give up unnerved by the long journey and agree to the much lower purchase price. The fraudster thus makes a good deal. The high first mentioned purchase price was only a lure.
FRAUD WITH LATE RE-REGISTRATION
The buyer “forgets” to re-register the car quickly after the sale. As a result, the car continues to run in the name of the seller and can be used, for example, for insurance fraud, fictitious accidents and at the expense of the previous owner and seller.
Legally, the seller has the risk to continue to be liable for all costs in this connection. For example, as a seller, one continues to be liable for the payment of the insurance premium and for the vehicle tax towards the tax office if the buyer fails to re-register the vehicle in time.
ALSO FRAUD BY THE SO-CALLED CARD DEALERS
Everyone knows that in the morning you find a colorful card on your car with a phone number and an offer to buy the car by all means. When you call, you often get a non-binding promise of an attractive purchase price, which then allegedly no longer applies when the sale is processed because the dealer suddenly discovers defects in the vehicle that would reduce the purchase price.
Sometimes fictitious items and alleged expert costs are also deducted from this promised purchase price, so that the sum actually offered is ultimately much lower.
If then still another emotional pressure situation is built up or the salesman must sell the car in any case fast, many salesmen agree unfortunately to the offer of the unserious dealer.
Another variant of fraud by this type of dealer is fraud with the help of an expensive callback number. Then the “dealer” is not at all interested in buying the car, but in getting the interested seller to call the expensive toll number and be kept on hold as long as possible. A reputable dealer will always offer a customer-friendly, often even toll-free phone number or otherwise offer to call back at his own expense.
REAL FRAUD THROUGH BAD CHECKS
The private seller receives a purchase offer from an alleged buyer who comes from abroad and wants to pay the demanded purchase price immediately without negotiation. In return, he sends a check.
However, the seller now receives a check for a sum that is much too high (often it is claimed that the check was issued incorrectly by mistake and that there is no second one available) and is supposed to pay the difference in cash to the buyer’s collector when he picks up the car.
As a rule, however, the check bounces after a certain time and the seller has neither the purchase price nor the higher difference, which he paid out in cash to the collector. Another variant of check fraud is that the purchase price stated by the private seller is accepted immediately without negotiations and objections and then paid by check. This of course also bounces, the address given was wrong.
If you have had an accident with your car, then you may want to buy a new car. However, the old car does not necessarily have to be scrapped, but can be sold either to a private person or to a dealer. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when doing so to avoid being scammed.
Selling a car after an accident
If you sell your car, then you are obliged by law to inform the buyer that the vehicle is an accident car. Accidental defects are specifically when the existing damage is the result of a traffic accident. In addition, the cost of an adequate repair is at least 500 euros. If the costs are less than 500 euros, on the other hand, the damage is minor – in this case there is no legal obligation to inform the potential buyer. The generally minor damage to the bodywork and paintwork does not pose any particular risks in road traffic and can be repaired with relatively little effort.
The residual value – what is it anyway?
The value of an accident vehicle when it is sold depends on its age, model, mileage, equipment and condition. If it is a car after an accident, a certain amount is again deducted from the value. This is the estimated costs that will have to be paid in the event of repairs. What remains is the residual value. At this price, the car can be sold to a final consumer. If you decide to sell to an (intermediate) dealer, the amount is significantly lower, because the dealer also wants to make a profit on the sale. That alone is perfectly legitimate, because car dealers have both time and financial expenses when handling such an order.
How the residual value is determined
The value of an accident vehicle is best determined by an expert appraiser. This appraiser is usually impartial and will accordingly provide solid arguments as to why a car no longer exceeds a certain selling price. Since the use of an appraiser costs money, many car owners have the value determined by a dealer. At this point, however, a certain amount of caution is called for. After all, dealers have an advantage when the car is sold for a particularly low price – they make significantly more profit on resale. The ones who suffer are the private sellers, who go home with less money than would actually be possible.
In general, various factors play a role in determining the current residual value. First and foremost, the decisive factor is what the car was worth before an accident. The residual value is not only decisive with regard to a sale, but also if benefits are to be claimed via one’s own insurance. The so-called Schwacke list can provide an initial orientation for laypersons to estimate the approximate value of the accident vehicle. However, this value alone is not sufficient. On the one hand, there may be hidden damage that is not visible to the naked eye from the outside. On the other hand, there are regional peculiarities.
If the residual value has been determined by a dealer or appraiser, the car should be sold as quickly as possible. The longer the car stands around unused, the lower the value will be. Standing costs are an aggravating factor.
How to protect yourself from rip-offs
Not all car dealers are reputable; the same applies to private buyers, of course. As a rule, dealers try to adjust the price of an accident car downward. For this reason, you should never go to a dealer just to get an offer or to determine the residual value. If you want to be on the safe side, an independent appraiser can provide clarity and tell you exactly what the car is still worth on the open market. If you still want to sell directly to dealers and save the cost of an appraiser, you may need a lot of patience.
Do some research on the Internet to compare similar vehicles with your car. Over time, you will get a feel for what price might be reasonable. In addition, you should never accept a dealer’s quoted price outright. It is usually worth your while to try to renegotiate the purchase price. If you have the impression that the buyer is trying to rip you off, get one or more offers from alternative buyers. If a private buyer is interested in the car, you can usually ask for more money. However, you should definitely and explicitly sell the car as an accident vehicle. Only in this way are you legally protected.
