I'm about to buy a used car as first car to my wife and have no idea how things works in Thailand. In my homecountry transferring a car to your name is pretty easy and safe. What about in thailand? I will take car to authorized service for check before agree to buy, but how can I make sure the person actually owns the car without any problems?

Can you take a photocopy of bluebook and ask in DLT before pay any cash in advance? I will pay by bank check / cash but want to make sure everything smooth before even I prepare check at the bank (Don't want to deal with check refund).

Is there a guide, DOs and DONT's in this? How long does it take to transfer car to your name in DLT?

I know its a lot of questions but hey, it would be nice if there was a guide before I started to ask questions

Ive only bought 1 Secondhand , but heres MY WAY. .TELL the Seller to arange a time at the Reg Office , and meet him there.They are not interested in whether you have paid or not . They take some etchings off the Car Chassis then change the B Book to your name/ address. When its done, and not before ,the Vendor hands me the Book , i hand him the Cash. Dont know about for the Wife, if she wants one she buys it,in her name.. No comebacks, no gray areas. The more 3Rd parties you cut out here the better. But thats just my take,and not everyones attitude..

Due to the recent flood events buying new or used at this time would be of concern to me, I would go over it with a fine tooth comb.

That aside transferring a car to your name is pretty easy and safe in Thailand too.

1. Car found and like.

2. Get a full independent check-over done.

3. Agreed price.

4. Go DLT check out.

5. Pay money.

6. Book name changes completed.

7. It will have road and compulsory insurance.

8, Drive to a vehicle insurance company and insure to your liking.

Once you have found the car your wife likes get her to get one of the independent companies to check it out completely but go with them at the same time and be in attendances while they check it.

Once satisfied it's then a trip to the local DLT for them to check out your other concerns, when the checks are complete and everything is OK, commence money business cash is better to go then no delays on transfer, can all be done quick and easy.

When you buy from a dealer, I'm worried that they may know somebody inside in nearest Honda/Toyota/Etc authorized dealer, which could easily lie to you (Especially to farang buyer) about car's health, or am I being too paranoiac?

When you buy from a dealer, I'm worried that they may know somebody inside in nearest Honda/Toyota/Etc authorized dealer, which could easily lie to you (Especially to farang buyer) about car's health, or am I being too paranoiac?

You are spot on. Same goes for ID check at authorised garages.

Have vehicle checked by independent. Our Forum sponsor Siam motor world can assist you, in english language

Do not pay until car has been checked (identity) by DLT and transfer accepted

Id never entertain second hand if i didnt know the owner , who lived nearby , they dont drop in value enough to take a chance imo.

Considering the first car excise scheme, I am not crazy about buying a used car while I can buy new one for little bit more (after 100k rebate). But, my wife has no driving experience other than 30+ hour driving lessons and new driving license so used car is better while she gains experience.

A used car also wont depreciate much. But it seems hard to find a car worth the price tag nowadays.

Considering the first car excise scheme, I am not crazy about buying a used car while I can buy new one for little bit more (after 100k rebate). But, my wife has no driving experience other than 30+ hour driving lessons and new driving license so used car is better while she gains experience.

A used car also wont depreciate much. But it seems hard to find a car worth the price tag nowadays.

No Claim Bonus follows car, so check Insurance docs/company for NCB. despite you expecting her to dent car, its good to start with a NCB