What would you do with an extra $4117?

What would you do with $4117? You could take the family on that getaway that you’ve been planning or maybe get that awesome 3D TV you’ve been eyeing at the shops. You might put it towards the mortgage or your kids’ college funds or just save it for a rainy day.

What you don’t want to do – is throw that money away on unnecessary repairs on a car you just bought. But for as many as 5% of Australians that’s exactly what’s happening to their money, thanks to vehicle fraud and dishonest car deals.

Vehicle fraud is costing us money

A recent survey of over 1000 Australians conducted by Carhistory.com.au reveals that 5% of Australians have been affected or know someone in their family who has been affected by vehicle fraud. The average incident cost used car buyers $4117 in unnecessary repairs – that’s money that will never be seen again.

Many Australians are finding that sellers are not disclosing important information about the vehicle’s history – such as whether the car has been written-off or has actually been registered as stolen. As a result, serious problems can go undetected and the buyer is left to pay for repairs on a car that really should have been in good working order. Many buyers are shocked to find out that even when buying from a car dealer they can still be a victim of car fraud – 32% had bought their car from a certified dealership.

Save money and protect yourself

What if there was a way to protect yourself from vehicle fraud and save yourself from throwing away your money?

A car history report does just that. For as little as $30, a car history check done on the unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will give the buyer such useful information as all known odometer readings and if there is any finance owing on the vehicle. It will also inform you as to whether the car has been previously written-off or is registered as stolen. Armed with this information, you’re much less likely to subject yourself to vehicle fraud.

Then you can relax and think about how to spend your money in a much more enjoyable way.