About buying a car and RWC

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

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 ^^

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 ?

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.

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

Sorry if I clouded your judgement. You will require a rwc to transfer the registration into your name. Once you have an rwc you then take it and the transfer papers to a vic roads office. You will have to pay a transfer fee as well! What I meant when I said It would be easier to go through a dealer was that they will usually provide an rwc and 12 months registration. Of course you will pay retail prices but it will save you the hassle of obtaining the cost of the said items yourself. By the way, It should be in the best interest of the seller to provide the transfer papers, but if for some reason they don't get one, you will be able to obtain them from a vic roads office. It's important you have the sellers details and signature. 

$600 for 12 months rego
$150 for the RWC
Plus whatever it needs to pass the RW

Doesn't matter because you have the new owner's details on your copy of the transfer form. It is a legally binding document.