My partner is after a small used car in Pattaya, but neither she nor I has any idea what to check for in terms of ownership or whether the car is still under hire purchase etc. Any tips would be appreciated.

You can get an insurance company to run the vin. Other than that ask the seller every question that’s relevant to the car. 

I'd avoid buying from a Thai, often not maintained i.e. no oil change for years

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

I'd avoid buying from a Thai, often not maintained i.e. no oil change for years

And yet, the dealers are full of folks maintaining their vehicles.  Maintenance require to keep warranty intact.

 

10 hours ago, giddyup said:

My partner is after a small used car in Pattaya, but neither she nor I has any idea what to check for in terms of ownership or whether the car is still under hire purchase etc. Any tips would be appreciated.

if the seller has the Blue book for the vehicle there is no loan outstanding on the vehicle, as the finance company only hand over the book once fully paid for.

7 hours ago, KhunLA said:

And yet, the dealers are full of folks maintaining their vehicles.  Maintenance require to keep warranty intact.

Warranties are usually only for a couple/few years

4 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Warranties are usually only for a couple/few years

Most are 5 yrs now, so covers 50k-75k kms from most local folks driving.  Oil changes about every 10k with most manufacturers, and aside from that, most cars don't really need much, fluid levels, tires & brakes, depending on driving habits.   Maybe a couple batteries.

 

I wouldn't buy anything more than 5 yrs old, and here, I never kept anything over 7 yrs old, (125k-150k kms) and those were bought new.

Blue book - make 100% sure the seller's name is on the book. Not a dead relative 😳 or anyone else.

 

If 5yrs or less, take it to a dealer (or trusted wrench) to check it.

 

If one owner, observe their character.

 

Don't fret over minor cosmetic issues, they're easily and cheaply repaired. Confirm any/all recall/warranty work done.

 

Considering all the above, private sale preferred over dealer.

Check there is no finance company stamp in the reg book. If there is, you will need to talk to the finance company about clearing off the loan.

 

Check that the name in the book matches the ID card of the seller.

 

Take the car to an authorised dealer and have their workshop check it over. If the seller won't agree to this, walk away.

 

Condition of used cars in Thailand is often appalling. Poor maintenance. Accident damage been covered up hiding a bent chassis.

2 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

Check there is no finance company stamp in the reg book. If there is, you will need to talk to the finance company about clearing off the loan.

 

 

If the vehicle is under finance the finance company have posession of the book.

Anyone know why the 2nd hand car dealers show mileage as ' 0 - 5000 kms '.

What does this mean on a 4 Yr old car?

On 11/28/2024 at 4:44 AM, scubascuba3 said:

I'd avoid buying from a Thai, often not maintained i.e. no oil change for years

Exactly. We were going to buy 2nd hand 3 years ago. The 2-3 year old cars were so close to new price we decided to but new. Best decision we made. I bought a 2nd hand car through my BIL and it was real bad.The rad was plugged up with rust and had never seen coolant. A long list of f,d up items. New or nothing from now on.