Hey guys,
 
Im moving to Melbourne in three weeks and already looking at the cars on the market but there's one thing i don't get...
 
I've collected information about that matter and it seems like a RWC is mandatory to sell a car in Victoria. Nevertheless, when i look at the car ads, 90% of them state they don't have a RWC because no time, money, etc.
 
What's up with that ? Can these people actually sell their car as is where is ? Can i legally buy a car that has no RWC ?
 
Thanks

Yeah this happens a lot.
Previous owner will leave the car registered in their name and you fill out the transfer form as normal. Just leave the RWC part of the form blank.
Then go and get the RWC done yourself, fill in the rest of the form with the details, and take it all to Vicroads to complete the transfer.
 
If you buy the car unregistered, then all the same applies but Vicroads will also want to see the car in person to check the VIN and engine numbers.

Ok thanks.
 
So basically, i can buy the car without the RWC but will need to have it done before transfering the ownership.
 
I guess that's something i can use to lower the price ^^

You get 14 days to transfer the rego into your name. Most mechanics can perform a roadworthy inspection. The transfer papers will be the sellers proof that the car has been sold. Roadworthys cost around $100 not including labour and parts. But are very extensive so the latter has the potential to sky rocket. 

Wow, thanks for the usefull information ! I thought it was much cheaper aha...
 
So what would you advice ? Im thinking about asking the seller to get it roadworthy or reduce the price from about 500$. Or is all those matters already included in the usual asking price ?

IMO they know its just going to cost them a bit/illegal modifications to get it RWC so just try pass it off as they dont have time.
 
 

na/sdub You get 14 days to transfer the rego into your name. Most mechanics can perform a roadworthy inspection. The transfer papers will be the sellers proof that the car has been sold. Roadworthys cost around $100 not including labour and parts. But are very extensive so the latter has the potential to sky rocket. 

I know it says 14 days on the form but I don't know anyone who's been pulled up for it. Earlier this year I transferred a Commodore into my name about 9 months after the sale. Vicroads didn't say anything to me when I did the transfer. But yeah, best to get it done asap just in case.
 
Also it will cost more like $150 these days. Prices went up recently because some rules changed and the process has become more time consuming for workshops. They need to take photos of the car and stuff like that.

Cheers for the update Zerogk. It's been around a year since I had to get a vehicle road worthy'd. I'm familliar with all the photos they need to provide. My mechanic tossed in his rwc licence in part due to that and also due to them telling him his brake testing machine would need to be replaced. 
Back to the topic!  touge charmer, You might find it difficult to negotiate a road worthy into the deal. Modifications are usually frowned upon, forcing you to return the car back to original condition in order for it too pass. Your better off going through a dealer than private if you require a road worthy. Don't be fooled into thinking the car will be flawless though. Most used car dealers will do the bare minimum required. 

Hey na/sdub,
 
I don't really get it. It is not me that requires a RWC, but i need it to drive legally.
 
I don't know, there's something in the way you say "Your better off going through a dealer than private if you require a road worthy." that seems to mean that i could also do without it and be fine. As if there would be another way to do things that most people would choose and get away with it.
 
Could you please be more specific ? Thanks

You need to give Vicroads the RWC to be able to transfer the vehicle's ownership.
If the seller dose not provided a RWC they are ment to hand the plates back in to Vicroads.
 
Negotiate a price with a RWC and give a deposit so they have money to fix whats needed. If they use the no time excuse, think is it really that hard to drop your car off at a mechanic.