How to steer clear of buying stolen vehicles in New Zealand.

New Zealand is a country of spectacular landscapes and the Kiwis love cars. As a matter of fact, there are heaps of sellers and dealerships across the northern and southern territories. One of the things, however, that pose a threat to buying used cars is the risk of buying stolen ones.

This is not a dead end; and one sure fire way of fighting fraud is through stolen vehicle checks. While doing a check means time and money, it is much needed especially now during hard times.

One way is to do the checks through an agency and another is through the dealerships. IBC Japan, AutoTerminal.com and MotoHound - are the best examples of used vehicle sources that do thorough stolen vehicle checks and back their vehicles 100%.

If you wish to do some checks yourself, here are some smart tips you must follow:

DOs:

• Be suspicious if the price on the vehicle is too cheap. Criminals typically make the sale exceptionally attractive to seal the deal fast.

• Buy from reputable sources/dealers. Ask around or do a background check on any dealer you’re interested to buy from. All motor vehicle traders are required to be registered under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act (MVSA).

• Go to the dealer or seller’s site where the vehicle is rather than have the vehicle delivered to your door.Get hold of the engine and chassis numbers and check for any alteration. Any alteration or imperfection may be an indication of an attempt to conceal vehicle’s true identity. Check if those numbers match those on the registration papers, keeping in mind that those numbers may not belong to the vehicle. A criminal wants you to make the match and be happy. Check the certificate of registration for any sign of alteration as well.

• Always get the official receipt! Inspect whether the receipt accurately shows the name, address, date and description of vehicle. Include the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), chassis number and engine number, sale price and signature of seller.

• Get current records by completing an information request form and paying a small fee at any New Zealand Post Shop when the Certificate of Registration papers are unavailable.

• Make sure that the Road User Charges have been paid up to the odometer/hubometer reading during the time of purchase. You will be liable for arrears. You may contact the RUC helpdesk on 0800 655 644 if you can’t find the current RUC license.

DON’Ts:

• Don’t deal with a seller/dealer by the road side. Make sure to visit their office or yard to inspect their business processes.

• Don’t buy from a seller/dealer without the vehicle’s certificate of registration papers.

• Don’t buy without checking if the color matches with Land Transport Safety Authority records. If vehicle has been repainted, check behind door rubbers for the original color. An incorrect vehicle color may indicate a stolen vehicle with a false identity.

• Don’t buy a vehicle from a dealer/seller without the certificate of registration papers.

• Don’t buy without checking whether there is money owing on the vehicle or a security interest registered over it. Buying a stolen vehicle or stolen vehicle parts in New Zealand is considered a serious crime and even if you purchase a stolen vehicle or part unknowingly, the rightful owner may take it back from you.

Are you likely to be at risk? Will your vehicle be the next target?
Here’s the top ten stolen vehicle list as reported by stuff.co.nz

1. Nissan Silvia
2. Subaru Impreza WRX
3. BMW 325 coupe
4. Nissan 200SX
5. Mazda Lantis
6. Legacy turbo
7. Subaru Impreza non-turbo
8. Skyline
9. Subaru Legacy non-turbo
10. Honda Prelude

Are you a responsible driver? About a million people all over the world die of road accidents every year. Follow these essential road safety tips for your own sake and others.

1. Belt yourself.

• Whether you are on the front seat or back, you are still at risk.
• If you don’t, you could kill someone in the front as well as yourself.
• Check if everyone is belted well before you hit the road and make sure you do, even on short trips.
• Seats must be suited to your child’s size , weight, and for your vehicle. They must be properly fastened as well. Avoid using second-hand seats; only brand new and reliable brands.

2. Wake yourself.

• Don’t risk driving when you’re sleepy.
• If you do, chances are you’ll keep nodding while driving.
• Research shows that the greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel is between midnight-6am and 2-4pm; so get enough rest before setting off.
• If ever you feel drowsy while driving, pull over; experts suggest to get a cup of coffee or an energy drink with caffeine. After drinking, park beside a busy and well-lit area and nap for a few minutes to give time for the caffeine to kick in.
• Start driving only if you are alert again.

3. Sober yourself.

• Don’t drive under the influence of any substance.
• Don’t drive if you feel heavy and tipsy after drinking; trying to look sober won’t work and there’s a big chance you’ll doze off and crash. Sleep it off somewhere until you get sober.
• Don’t be an idiot. Alcohol slows your responses, dulls your judgement and vision and impairs your ability to drive; same goes for illegal drugs.
• If you go out to drink with friends, it’s better to let your sober friend (with a driver’s license) drive on the way back home.

4. Control yourself.

• Don’t overspeed.
• Check your speedometer and don’t go over the speed limits. The faster you go, the harder you’ll hit anything or anyone.
• Watch for the speed limits by the side of the road. In some countries, speed cameras are installed and you’ll have to pay a hefty amount of money or worse, crash your car.
• Don’t attempt to overtake if you’re not so sure the road is clear.

5. Prep yourself.

• Drive wisely in bad weather conditions.
• When it rains, make sure your headlights function well and keep them on a dipped beam when necessary.
• Slow down especially when you’re on wet and snowy roads; you might skid and topple over.
• Drive at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle infront of you and avoid braking and steering sharply.
• Make sure to bring an emergency winter kit stocked with cloth, ice scraper, glass cleaner, anti-freeze, kitty litter, jack and wrench.

6. Alert yourself.

• Don’t get distracted while driving.
• Pay attention to the road and avoid answering your mobile phone or changing a CD or song in your mp3 player. It only takes a split second to overlook potential danger.
• Be fully aware of your surroundings and you’ll be able to avoid hazards along the way. Driving is a complicated activity that requires your full concentration.
• Cyclists and pedestrians need to be watched out for especially in round abouts and pedestrian crossings.

7. Check yourself.

• Inspect gear and vehicle fluids.
• Worn out tires may cause serious accidents. Use a tyre pressure gauge to make sure they are also properly inflated and do not have tears.
• Do you have enough break fluid? Is there a leak? Check for scheduled check ups on your vehicle.
• Also make sure your head lights are cleaned properly and bulbs aren’t blown. You need ample visibility on the road.

Looking for a cheaper deal? Whether for personal use or business, new vehicles mean more money and during hard times it’s practical to set aside luxury for necessity.

There are lots of ways to get a better bargain. Used Japanese vehicles are a safe bet, since most used vehicles from Japan are fairly in good condition. Buying used Japanese vehicles could be the cheaper and best alternative and here are a few smart tips on how to start.

1. Do your home work.

Search used Japanese vehicles in your local trade magazines, publications or online.

Motohound.co.nz, for instance, is a trusted source of used Japanese vehicles with an extensive inventory to choose from online. You get to search the inventory and also get to choose the dealer depending on your location without worrying about shipping.

Some online and offline publications by Auto Trader, have classified ads of used Japanese imports as well.

If those options still don’t work for you, you may check out IBC Japan. IBC Japan is the leading vehicle exporter in Japan with a wide-ranging vehicle inventory. You can also access their online auction service-iDirect and get to bid daily and purchase vehicles from more than 100 auctions held weekly in Japan, with over 150,000 units to choose from.

2. Review your notes.

Take time to see which vehicles and dealers work better for you while taking into consideration the Freight on board (FOB) and Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) fees as they may add up to roughly 10% of the total price.Skim through and check the pictures and vehicle specifications for further reference.Avoid dealers who do not provide condition reports, stolen vehicle checks ,odometer certifications and accident histories.

There could be better sources just around the corner and some local dealers might just have the right models and services you are looking for.

Some online sources include shipping costs on the price of their vehicles but make sure you carefully read and understand the trade terms.A test drive is a must and if you can’t do a test drive on the vehicle you are about to purchase, make sure to buy only from a reputable source.

3. Stock the docs. (pre import)

Before you import, it is pertinent that you check and stock the important documents. Be sure to secure vehicle registration documents and previous ownership records.

Light and heavy vehicles previously registered in Japan must have an original deregistration certificate or export certificate issued by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MILT)

Make sure to also provide certified translations of all the non-English documents. (eg, bills of sale, purchase receipts etc).

4. Ship wisely. (pre import)

After ordering your vehicle, see to it that you understand the shipping details and options.

Containerization could be a better alternative to Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and be sure the company handling this follows the best practices and safety procedures. You wouldn’t want your vehicle to arrive with scratches and dents .

5. Immigrant?

For immigrants who want to import a preregistered vehicle in New Zealand, read here or log on to www.ltsa.govt.nz for other queries.

We’ve seen how vehicles evolved through the pictures in history books and museums. They had different forms and functions. However, function wasn’t the only important factor to designers and consumers. Aesthetics and style played crucial and constant roles as well.

Ancient civilizations have started the tradition of designing and embellishing their chariots, wagons and other ancient forms of transportation. Egyptian chariots of gold and silver decorated with date palm branches, animals and other motifs were the most preferred.

Today we see how different people especially the men, choose to buy cars with slick wheels and other parts and accessories. The whole craze is absolutely nothing new and as the famous saying among men goes- “you don’t drive a car, you wear it”. A car can magnify a lot, if not all of the traits of its owners and here some of those clues.

• For the women, safety, reliability and value are at the top of their list while men prefer performance, power and style.

According to Imre Molnar, dean of College for Creative Studies (Detroit), men’s desire to showcase power and aggression with the vehicles they drive stems from an “animal nature”. They dress up their vehicles as if it’s “mating season,” he quips. Molnar further elaborates that these attributes of masculine, big wheels, flush or protruding wheel faces and high “shoulder line” and taut lines can be found in most vehicles men drive today. Predator-looking vehicles that sit higher at the back have the “ready to pounce” look and this has become very common among sedans. At the top of the list are vehicles made for looking good and going fast or as Molnar calls them “testosterone show-off devices”.

• Studies, however, prove that most women prefer vehicles that are understated, opulent and with a comfy interior.

“Ease of entry and useful interior storage, including space for a purse, are elements that make vehicles especially attractive to women,” states Brigid O’Kane, a design professor and coordinator of the Transportation Design Track program at the University of Cincinnati.

• To create a distinctive look, women wear jewelry, high-end fashion and expensive handbags rather than cars while men create an image of wealth and influence by the cars they “wear”.
• Buying used vs. buying new: While men are most likely to buy used vehicles if they can’t buy the flashy new one, women are prone to settle for a new affordable car rather than their dream model.
• In general, men are more willing to sacrifice a smooth ride for sharp handling than women or to overlook an impractical cargo arrangement for an engine more pep, experts say.
• Strategic Vision’s new-vehicle experience study shows that 31 percent of men said driving is one of their favorite things to do, while only 18 percent of women said the same.
• According to the experts, SUVs with a “big and powerful” look resonates with men, while small, inexpensive vehicles are preferred by women.

So now you’ve got clues on what vehicles most men and women want. These studies and indicators fairly explain what vehicles both sexes prefer to drive or “wear.”