Introduction:
If you buy a vehicle at a registered vehicle dealer, the proceedures can be very simple, as most registered dealers usually does all the work for you. However, if you intend to buy directly from a private seller, this may help you to find your way:

Confirm your buying power:
If you dont buy cash, first call your bank and verbally get guidelines for price consideration to the particular year model and the kind of deposit you may expect to pay, additionally to find out if your income will be considered for this kind of loan, in order not to waste the time of the seller.

Evaluating the vehicle:
If you can afford to buy, it is important that you know the condition of the vehicle, the value that you may get for your money and the fact that it may not be guaranteed.

Vehicles imported from neighbouring countries and overseas, required TAX payment on entry at the border and deregistration in the previous country, before it can be registered locally. Most vehicles are imported in this way and made roadworthy locally, making them safe to buy. (Namibia imports 99.9% of its vehicles from South Africa and other countries.)

Also verify if the seller has fully paid the vehicle and that you know in which way and from where the seller has obtained the vehicle. If there is an outstanding loan, the seller's bank must be consulted to conduct the sale.

Buying Cash without applying for a Bank Loan:

Police Clearance:
The seller must take the vehicle for a legal police clearance certificate, which must be valid during the sale. Do not make payment at this stage.

Further documentation:
If the buyer requires roadworthyness, the vehicle must be taken by the seller for a roadworthy certificate on the expense of the seller. Roadwothiness and the police clearance is used to prepare the transfer documents obtainable from the roads authority. If the buyer agrees to buy the vehicle without roadworthiness, the buyer will be responsible to make it roadworthy providing that the vehicle is De-Registered by the seller at the roads authority.

Proof of Purchase:
The legal owner must provide and sign a dated letter whereby the parties are identified and the vehicle is fully specified and offered to the buyer, voetstoots/or any conditions at a certain price. Let the seller attach a copy of his/her ID. If there is an oustanding bank loan, the sale must take place via the bank of the seller (confirm) and the letter then must also be taken via that bank. Once the transaction is done and proof of purchase for the payment has been obtained by the buyer, the roads authority transfer documentation must be handled immediately.

Disputes:
Remember that this is a civil matter and it is between the seller and buyer only, that risks are applicable to a person making a payment or being in posession or owner of the vehicle. Make sure that your transaction is lawful and secure. (keep your proof of purchase and documents in a safe place, it is good to have at least a 3rd party insurance on your vehicle)

Buying with a Bank Loan:

Police Clearance:
The seller must take the vehicle for a legal police clearance certificate, which must be valid during the sale.

Loan Application:
You will need to apply at your own Bank mostly with the following documents: Signed Letter of Offer by the seller to the buyer, Certified proof of purchase or the Bank Loan details of seller, Police Clearance certificate, Certified copy of present Registration certificate, Certified copy of ID of seller, your ID, your Drivers license and your Salary slip.

Appoval and Registration:
On approval, the bank may guarantee payment to the seller in writing. The seller takes the vehicle for a roadworthy certificate, filling roads authority forms for transfer, as both parties follow the instructions of the bank. The bank will require the buyer to get a full short term insurance on the vehicle. However, if a loan is not approved, the alternative is to try the cash option with a possible overdraft approval.

Disputes:
Remember that this is a civil matter and it is between the seller and buyer only, that risks are applicable to a person making a payment or being in posession or owner of the vehicle. You must understand that the bank is not responsible for risks involved and that you will be liable to settle the loan even if the vehicle condition is not met.

SELLING: HOW TO PRICE YOUR VEHICLE
If your price is too high, you may never sell easily. If it is too low, you may loose money. So, it is important that your vehicle is correctly priced. There are some ways to do this:

(1) For a private seller, a price should not be less than what a second hand dealer could offer. and also not higher than what a dealer would sell it for.

(2) It may be around the price you paid for it, or much less due to wear and tear, or higher due to its age and drastic improvements made.

(3) The exchange rate can influence the price, so would the fuel price in the event of a thirsty engine or in case of a low fuel consumption engine. There may also be restrictions by the tax and trade laws.

(4) Last but not least, the brand name and origin, design, appearance, color, gears, steering, wheels, odometer, malfunctions, scratches and bumps etc, can all have an influence. (some cars are worth their looks and others are devaluated by their design)

Ultimately you should consider all options before deciding on a price. When you advertise, you must use your specific price which you feel comfortable with. a Negotiable price does not exist. (Many buyers will negotiate in any way, if they feel that the price is too high. But do not deter them with an unreasonable price.)

It is not recommended to indicate P.O.R (price on request) in the price tab, but on your discretion you may, remember that it may frustrate some buyers.

Notice: This information is subject to change, issued as guideline, and is not guaranteed to be good or correct. Do consult other sources as well.
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