What do I do now...?

[skinny101]

Hi guys,
2 days ago I bought a car from a private seller, I didnt get it inspected myself cause I figured a roadworthy certificate would be enough (thought they actually meant something). So Theyve removed the back tint and changed some rear brake pads and said yea thats roadworthy.
Day I get it I'm braking and the cars shaking, take it to my uncle and he says it needs new brushes (or something, not sure but its to do with the brakes). And also noticed the front left shock absorber and power steering are leaking. Who knows what else is wrong with the car. Is there any way I can get the mechanic or original owner to pay for this since they obviously got a dodgy rwc? Or am I screwed?

[Veriton]

There's not alot you can do. Cars (unless sold by a dealership) are sold on an "as is" basis and considering the problems with the car, good luck getting the seller to pay, or help with the payments to fix the car. If it was a decent car and there were some problems, and the seller was a good guy/girl he/she might help with payments.

[wana s' charge stock vt]

take it for another road worthy and see whats really wrong, if they did a dodgy roadworthy and its really really bad someone will be paying, the fine he'll get for doing dodgy rwc's will be tens times more than what it'll cost to repair plus he'll get rwc licence suspended and loose more money.. if it is real bad tell him you'l go to vic roads..... i really hate when shit like this happens to me. i've done it a few times, and the second ya mention vic roads they shit bricks. but get a second roadworthy for proof.
im pretty sure the person who issues the roadworthy is liable for certian things for 30days or something. read up about it. ACTUALLY THEY ARE- when i brought my vl years ago privately , holden in shep did the roadworthy and the front struts were rooted and we went to holden and told them, my mate did all the talking, but they ended up replacing the struts and a oil leak

[Ado]

All your issues are with the goose that did the RWC,take it to him and if they do nothing report the problem to VicRoads(if in Vic).Trust me the person that did the RW will be screwed if they did a dodgy RW.

[kniever]

take it for a rwc at your own place and what ever they pick up on it take straight back to the original place that did the rwc and they will fix it properly, as said above if they refuse to do anything the tell them you are going straight to vic roads and they will shit bricks and fix it for ya.

[v6lux]

I have nothing to do with anyone related to this case, but being a knowledgable person and having legally watched Underbelly in my home state and having "Been there - Done that" Myself (I didn't get hurt though, just lost money), I will suggest the following;

As mentioned above, try extorting the issuer of the RWC, just take some extra men and weapons in case a debate starts, (sometimes the debate wont start before the action starts).

Second option is to get a good lawyer, to defend the extortion charges the Police might lay if you decide to go with the first option and there is no action.

Third option, go straight to Vic Roads and book the car in for an inspection along with presenting the RWC in question, then live with protection and weapons in case someone knows where you and/or your family live (Vic Roads connection, Seller, RWC issuer)!

Last option - Take it as a lesson in life! You got to ask yourself - If it is such a good car, then why would the seller want it gone, instead of going to a family member? Learn to correctly inspect a vehicle yourself and identify the problems you have identified after the initial Sensory Overload of driving an unfamiliar car once. If you go for 3 or 4 test drives, then you will have a better chance of saying - NO THANKS!

If none of the above options sound good, you could try asking the RWC issuer to fix the problems you have had independently identified and you pay for parts only! It might work out for the best if you don't try extortion up-front!

[skinny101]

Thanks for all the advise. Hmm owner also said it was an S Series when it's an executive. It was hard to notice when it had a clubsport body kit on and new rims etc.

Anyway I've been to VIC Roads in Dandenong (VIC) when we were going to do the rego changeover and asked for them to inspect it cause we think the rwc was dodgy and they said they don't have a mechanic on site

I'm gonna give the seller a ring today, tell him i want some money. If he says no I'll tell him im gonna chase the mechanic about it.

Also meant to say that the front left shock was leaking, not exhaust

[skinny101]

Just called the seller, told him the problems. Man i suck at being an angry guy. He basically said he has nothing to do with it being dodgy and that I should take it up with the mechanic.

I'm thinking maybe I'll get another mechanic to check it out, let them find all the problems. Call up the other mechanic and tell him we'll report him to VicRoads if he doesn't pay for the repairs. If we went straight to reporting to vicroads the mechanic will get fined and/or suspended but that won't get my car fixed will it....?

Please I need advice.

[bandit10]

take it for another roadworthy and ask them to go over it really well, explain to them you just bought it and feel the rwc is dodgy. Then go back to the place that issued the dodgy show them the fail list from your new roady then tell them they have 2 choices #1 they pay for repairs or #2 you go to the RTA with your 2 conflicting RWC's

[Locksmiff]

I would take it to the original RWC issuer and ask him how it past a roadworthy and point out what isn't road worthy and go from there. I would take a witness that way its not your word against his that you have brought it to his attention and also point out it is illegal to issue a RWC on an unroad worthy car.

It would appear agressive if you rocked up with a report from another place and shoved it in his face without first allowing him to rectify his mistake.

The RWC that came with the car, how many days have lapsed since you brought it and it being issued.

[BoNeZ-01]

The only problem here is that even the guy who done the RWC, could say the changes of the cars condition occurred 'after' he did his checks, then it becomes your word, against his word, against the sellers word and so on.. basically a no win shit-fight..
The possible extra costs involved in taking legal action could end costing much more than the few repairs needed on the car itself.