Is this dodgy?

[olddigger]

Went today in Perth to see 2 Navaras, an 08 RX ($28,990) and an 08 RT-X ($31,990). Both automatic, immaculate inside and low kms (under 35,000). Both had spotless, obviously very new bullbars of good quality.
HOWEVER, the RX had NO log book and no record of servicing.
The RT-X had a log book with the only service record being at 30,000km.
When I asked about the balance of the Nisssan waranty, I was assured "you won't need that, we will give you our own warranty free."
My BS detector went off at this stage, so I asked about the missing log book.
Oh, I was assured, maybe the car is from the east. They don't always have books. The detector went into overdrive.
Went out to have another look. The shiny, new, unscratched bullbars looked as though they had been fitted in the last few days, but the tow bars were obviously old and rusty. On a vehicle with under 35,000kms?
The numberplates were suspiciously new, unmarked, flat and shiny despite the rego being due in November.
So, no evidence of previous owner, no service history . . . am I being silly, or should I avoid these vehicles like the plague?
Cheers, Tony

[Kit_e_kat9]

If your BS alarm went off ... well you already know ... Always trust your BS Alarm!

Kit_e

[nic.t]

to me it sounds wrong, get the Vin numbers and ring your local nissan dealer as they will be able to confirm the "out east" statement. Then ring that dealer and see if it has service history.

If it is from QLD there is a high high chance that it was flood damaged earlier in the year, I know of a national auction house that was suspected of moving a lot of these cars west and south to command a higher price under the hammer. do a rev's check to get the full history. In QLD it is a criminal offence for a licensed dealer to sell you a repairable write off and not notify you off it.

www.revs.com.au/

I buy over 200 cars a year, most of them come from auction and never have books or jacks for that matter, so this is easily explained.

Personally, if it doesn't feel right then it is'nt.

NICK

[Bird]

plenty of flood damaged cars around at moment...

[db]

Sounds seriously dodgy.  They should at least be able to give you the previous owners details so you can find out the history and chase up the service history.

Car yard warranties aren't worth a pinch of sh*t (in my humble opinion).  My current car came with a warranty from the yard (large toyota dealer) BUT only if you had it serviced by them for the duration of the warranty and any one claim was limiited to about $1000 - doesn't get much repaired.  Needless to say I didn't worry about the warranty.

[dno]

Be careful checking the previous owner, there sneaky and  put new plates on and put the car in the yards or there own name and you find out bugger all of value and if that's the case leave it out.
I go on . When in doubt leave it out.

[GGV8Cruza]

Car yard warranties aren't worth a pinch of sh*t (in my humble opinion).  My current car came with a warranty from the yard (large toyota dealer) BUT only if you had it serviced by them for the duration of the warranty and any one claim was limiited to about $1000 - doesn't get much repaired.  Needless to say I didn't worry about the warranty.

x2

And I had to have it serviced at there dealership every 3 months as it was a 4wd, I said bugger it too

GG

[bullfrog]

Sounds like the Simpson isn't the only place with a rat problem...........

[sparksy]

Why not just buy a new navara. D22's are going for 32K at the moment.

[davo69 and the Nurse]

Hi Old Digger,

I would also make some enquiries with the Department of Commerce - Motor Vehicle Industry Board as you are in WA. They may or may not be aware of the dodgy things happening at this place, and should be able to look into the practices. It does sound like rebirthing, and it is highly probable that they are flood damaged write offs etc.

I would personally not buy one these vehicles....

the Nurse

[olddigger]

Thanks for the replies, which are much appreciated.
And, hey, I never for one moment thought about flood damaged vehicles!
That would explain the unusually clean underside of the vehicle and the missing (soggy?) log book, among other things (like the rust in the tray of a young ute). The carpet is in good nick (replaced?). Did not look under the bonnet.
Might call tomorrow and ask his attitude to an RAC inspection. Could be interesting.
But I'll be looking elsewhere (or taking Sparksy's suggestion of buying new. Even Ford Rangers are quite reasonable new).
Cheers, Tony

[Barrabart]

If your BS alarm went off ... well you already know ... Always trust your BS Alarm!

Kit_e

X 2

[darren]

Or it could be from a mine. NEVER buy and ex coal mine vehicle.

[Garry H]

If it is from QLD there is a high high chance that it was flood damaged earlier in the year,

rusty tow bar........"ding ding"     alarm bells,

good luck with any electrical/wiring problems down the track as well.............

[Prado BB]

The other thing of course is resale.  I always look for a properly documented service history as this will tell me how well cared for the vehicle was.  In my experience it adds value to any used vehicle. If it were me, I would keep looking.

[crackacoldie]

If your BS alarm went off ... well you already know ... Always trust your BS Alarm!

Kit_e

x3.  Keep walking on this one.

Cracka