Idiots guide to buying a car !

[bambergasgoigne]

I'm sure this has been answered many times, and I did browse through the first 100 or so topics in the Motoring section, but couldn't find what I was looking for.

Can a farang (is that considered racist ?), who has recently bought legally a car in Thailand and insured and taxed it, take me through the Idiots guide on how a Farang can buy a car in Thailand. The sort of thing I'm looking for is

1. Buy second hand car
2. Make sure you get (what) forms
3. Go to (what) office
4. Fill out (what) form
5. Pay (how much) money
6. Go to (what insurance) office
7. Pay (what) money
etc etc etc.

For the easiest instructions to follow, and the most accurate, I offer a tour of the BBC or a beer (or ten) at a HHAD bash.

Thanks
Bamber

[Rider]

First things first, make sure you've the right visa stamped in your passport.

Second, ensure you have a place of residence to put down as your address.

Third, make sure either you understand the written and spoken thai language or have a trusted translator on hand.
Not sure on the forms as normally I buy brand new bikes(which is less hassle and you know what you're getting) and the dealership does all the necessary.
I think cars need to have an emissions test when you buy them second-hand I'm not sure.

[dr dave soul monsta]

2. Make sure you get (what) forms
Green book , signed photo copy of the sellers id card, transfer form signed by the seller, If the vehicle is being transfered from one province to another you will also need a document from the land transport office this is a very nice pink colour and can onlt be obtained from the office where the vehicle is registered

3. Go to (what) office
Land transport office

4. Fill out (what) form
all the forms listed above plus proof of residence and address( copy of house papers by the owner or if you have company owned home company details , signed copy of your WP, passport and visa

5. Pay (how much) money
Transfer is around 300 thb and must be done within 14 days of purchase to avoid a small fine (or make sure the seller does not date any forms to avoid the 14 days )

6. Go to (what insurance) office
most land transport office have a insurance rep within or near by the documentation will not be processed without insurance or valid tax

7. Pay (what) money
as above

i have only done this with bean cans and not motor cars

http://www.expathuahin.com/vehicles-huahin.php

[bambergasgoigne]

thx guys.
as with all things, it seems a little daunting when you havnt done it b4, but once I get through it, I guess its nothing to shy away from, although it might be a lot easier to rent for a longer term (but probably more expensive)
your help will hopefully be most useful every step of the way.

bamber

[ADW]

I bought my car second hand from a dealer in Bangkok. They did everything for me.... It was great. I just handed over my passport and work permit and signed a few pieces of paper and went back a week later and picked up the car (well actually my friend did and drove it to me!)

Anyway, point being.... I now get my tax done in Pranburi at the local office have also done it in Pattaya when I was living there (takes 10 minutes), insurance is done through Bangkok Bank at the Pattaya branch, again it doesn't matter that I live in Hua Hin now, its all done by post. If I have an accident, they have a claims office in Pranburi.

What I have in the above posts sounds extremelly complicated and daunting. I don't speak Thai and I did all this with my friend who doesn't speak Thai, but knows about cars.... Buying the car was a hell of a lot easier than getting a driving licence here......

Maybe I was just lucky......