How to Buy Used Cars in Israel
Buying a used car in Israel is usually a fairly simple process that can take a day or two, once you've found the car you want. However, a more complicated process, known as "passport to passport," must be followed if you are a new immigrant buying a used car from another new immigrant, who is selling it within four years of purchase. In such a case, follow the steps in Section two.
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Things You'll Need
- Car registration
- Israeli identification card (teudat zehut), or passport
- Valid Israeli driver's license
- Immigrant's book (teudat oleh), if buying "passport to passport"
Instructions
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Buying
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1
Verify that the seller's teudat zehut, or passport information, matches the information on the registration of the car you are interested in purchasing.
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2
Take the car to a licensed vehicle testing institute for a complete examination. In addition to verifying the car's mechanical condition, the test will also reveal any significant body work (such as following an accident) which the seller may have failed to mention. The inspectors will also check the chassis number and battery serial number to ensure the vehicle was not reported stolen.
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3
Ask for the examiner's conclusions in writing, or write them down yourself as he explains them. Sign the document. This grants you a one-year warranty on all parts deemed in good condition at the time of the examination.
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4
Negotiate the price of the car with the seller based on the testing institute's report.
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5
Go together with the seller to the nearest Post Office to transfer the registration and pay the fee. The buyer must have a valid Israeli driver's license and both parties must provide their teudat zehut. Congratulations--the car is now yours.
"Passport to Passport"
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6
Verify the seller's information on his teudat zehut and in his teudat oleh with the information on the car registration. The teudat oleh is the dark blue booklet in which government bodies stamp the immigrant's privileges and tax breaks you have used.
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7
Take the car to a licensed car testing institute as outlined in Steps two and three of Section one.
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8
Go with the seller to the closest Department of Customs office. Bring your teudat oleh, valid driver's license and teudat zehut. The customs authority will decide the value of the car, any remaining taxes that must be paid and issue a new four-year restriction on selling the car other than through "passport to passport."
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1
Tips & Warnings
If the name of the seller does not match the owner's as listed on the vehicle registration, ask to see a signed power of attorney and contact the owner directly.
Meet the seller at his home or office, not on a roadside. Be suspicious if he won't provide a landline telephone number or address.
If you have any suspicions that any information on the car registration was falsified, ask the seller to accompany you to the license bureau to confirm he is indeed the legal owner.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit classy car for sale image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
