How to Avoid Buying a Stolen Vehicle

A primary school teacher in Gucha District invested his savings to buy a new car, which he intended to use as a taxi, his colleagues were green with envy. It was a promising business that had brought him good money to supplement his income. So when he was recently asked by three men to take them to a town 20 kilometres away, he was happy for the business. He was to ferry his customers from Mogonga to Etago Market. Then he went missing for days and family members could not reach him on phone.

Days later, his mutilated body was found in a sugarcane plantation in Rongo District. A search for the missing car led to the arrest of a pastor who had unknowingly bought the deceased’s vehicle. The vehicle registration number and chassis number had been changed. The prime suspect was later arrested in a Mombasa nightclub and charged in court with the offence. However, his accomplices are still at large.

Avoid Buying a Stolen Vehicle

Not all stolen vehicles are stolen and stripped for parts. Many are resold to unknowing and unsuspecting buyers. There is little motorists can do to prevent vehicle theft. So buyers BEWARE when buying your used car. Here are some tips to help but always digg for more.

• Number one always be suspicious of any deal that seems "too good to be true."
• When buying from an individual, make sure the registration matches the name and address of the person selling the car.
• Be cautious of a seller with no fixed address, place of employment or phone number.
• Ask the seller for references about past financing, vehicle service history and insurance on the vehicle. Verify the information with the bank, finance company, garage or agents involved.
• Ensure the vehicle identification number on the automobile is present, secure and unaltered.
• Check and ensure the number plate is genuine and not a duplicate of another vehicle of the same make.
• If in doubt about plate authenticity, check with KRA, or contact a law enforcement agency.

If you ever had your car stolen you are familiar with that sickening sense of realization that its gone. Share you experince with us and help us not fall into the same trap.