Wheeling & Dealing

The pitfalls of private purchases

- Stuart Reichardt

Buying a used caravan or trailer privately is very much the same as buying a used car privately. Buyers need to be aware of the pitfalls and inherent risk that is associated with private purchases. Let’s delve into the difficulties associated with private purchases and highlight the most common problems and pitfalls.

NO REGISTRATION PAPERS

It makes no difference whether you want to purchase the smallest trailer or the largest double axle caravan, no deal should ever be concluded without the handover of the registration document and the signed transfer of ownership form. What are the implications of a deal without papers? Should you take the seller’s word for it that the caravan is in his name? Again no money should change hands before the original registration papers have been scrutinized by the purchaser. If no registration papers are present, request these from the purchaser before continuing with the purchase. If they can’t supply the registration document, walk away from the deal.

IS THE CARAVAN REGISTERED IN THE SELLER’S NAME?