What should I do first when buying a used car?

Start by setting a complete budget that includes the purchase or finance cost, insurance, fuel, maintenance, tyres, licensing and an emergency buffer. Then qualify the seller before arranging a viewing.

Should I inspect the car before checking the paperwork?

Both matter. Ask for document and ownership information before travelling, then inspect the original documents, vehicle identifiers and physical condition before making irreversible payment.

Does a private sale agreement transfer ownership?

No. It records the commercial agreement. The seller still completes the applicable NCO notification and the buyer still completes the RLV registration and licensing process.

How long does the buyer have to register a used vehicle?

Official South African guidance provides a 21-day period after the ownership change for the vehicle to be registered and licensed in the new details.

Home / Used Car Buyer Toolkit

Complete buyer journey

Buy a used car with a clear next step.

Move from budget to seller checks, inspection, documents, agreement, handover and registration without losing track of the process.

Start here

Use the journey in order.

Each stage solves a different risk. Do not let a good test drive replace document checks, or a signed agreement replace the official ownership-transfer process.

Start the seven-step journey

Set the complete budget

Choose the car price only after considering the repayment and the costs of keeping the vehicle running.

All car calculatorsChoose the right calculator for the decision. Finance calculatorEstimate instalments, interest, fees and balloon liability. Total cost of ownershipInclude fuel, insurance, maintenance, tyres and resale value. Fuel cost calculatorEstimate monthly and annual fuel spending.

Contact and qualify the seller

Ask the ownership, finance, history and inspection questions before spending time travelling to the vehicle.

Copy the seller messageUse the ready-made questions lower on this page. Read the full buying guideUnderstand the broader risks before viewing.

Inspect the vehicle

Record physical observations, test-drive behaviour, missing checks and questions that require a mechanic or specialist.

Use the 62-point inspection checklistRate each item as acceptable, investigate or serious concern. Understand roadworthy certificatesSee why roadworthiness is not a complete pre-purchase inspection.

Check documents and title

Confirm that the seller, vehicle identifiers, registration certificate, licence and finance position form one credible story.

NaTIS vehicle documents guideCheck registration, titleholder and licence documents. Vehicle paperwork hubFind ownership, NCO, RLV and missing-paper guides. Financed vehicle guideUnderstand settlement and lender document release.

Agree the sale in writing

Record the parties, vehicle, price, payment route, known defects, roadworthy responsibility and handover conditions.

Create a private sale agreementGenerate a printable agreement and payment record.

Complete and record handover

Verify cleared payment and record the exact time possession, documents, keys and included items changed hands.

Use the handover checklistCreate a signed record of payment, possession, documents and keys.

Transfer ownership and licensing

The written agreement and handover record do not update the official vehicle record. Complete the seller and buyer processes.

Change of ownership guideFollow the seller and buyer sequence. Seller: NCO form guideNotify the disposal and retain submission evidence. Buyer: RLV form guidePrepare the registration and licensing application.

Seller qualification

Ask before arranging the viewing.

Clear answers do not prove that the car is suitable, but vague answers can prevent a wasted journey or rushed payment.

Ask the seller to keep the engine cold for the viewing and to allow enough time for document checks, inspection and a proper test drive.

Hi, I’m interested in the car.

Before arranging a viewing, could you please confirm:

1. Is the car registered in your name, and are you authorised to sell it?
2. Do you have the original registration certificate / NaTIS papers?
3. Is the vehicle licence current?
4. Is there any outstanding finance, and who is the registered titleholder?
5. Do you have service history, invoices or digital service records?
6. Has the car been in an accident or had structural or major mechanical repairs?
7. Are there any faults, warning lights, leaks, smoke or issues I should know about?
8. Can I compare the VIN / chassis and engine details with the documents?
9. Can the engine be left cold before I arrive?
10. Are you comfortable with an independent inspection before purchase?

Thanks.

Stop and investigate before paying

The title or finance position is unclear

Do not assume possession of the keys means the seller can transfer clean title or release the registration documents.

Vehicle identifiers do not match

A registration, VIN, engine-number or seller-identity discrepancy should be resolved before payment.

The seller blocks reasonable checks

Pressure, missing originals or refusal of inspection should slow the transaction rather than accelerate it.

Serious test-drive behaviour appears

Unsafe braking, steering, overheating, smoke or major drivetrain symptoms need professional assessment.

Payment depends on a screenshot

Verify cleared funds through the agreed banking channel before the seller releases the vehicle and original documents.

Paperwork will supposedly be fixed later

A sale agreement cannot correct the titleholder, replace missing registration papers or settle finance by itself.

Ready for a viewing?

Take the interactive inspection checklist with you.

Use it on a phone at the vehicle, then save or print the concern report before deciding.

Open the inspection checklist

Frequently asked questions

Should I start with the monthly instalment?

Start with the complete monthly and annual budget. The instalment is only one cost alongside insurance, fuel, maintenance, tyres, licence costs and unexpected repairs.

Does a roadworthy certificate prove the car is a good purchase?

No. Roadworthiness and a buyer’s pre-purchase evaluation serve different purposes. Check condition, history, title, finance and repair risk separately.

Does signing the sale agreement finish the transfer?

No. The agreement records the transaction. The official NCO, RLV, registration and licensing steps still apply.

What should both parties keep?

Retain the signed agreement, handover record, payment evidence, photographs, seller and buyer details, document copies and official submission evidence.

Official sources

Last reviewed: 22 July 2026. This toolkit provides general practical information only and is not legal, financial, insurance, safety or mechanical advice. Confirm current requirements and use qualified professionals where appropriate.