Private sale or dealer: what are your rights?

Buying from a registered motor vehicle trader

Dealers must be on the Motor Vehicle Traders Register. When you buy from a trader:

• The Consumer Guarantees Act applies. The car must be of acceptable quality for its age, price and kilometres.
• The Fair Trading Act applies to what they say and advertise.
• A Consumer Information Notice (CIN) must be displayed with the car.
• Disputes can go to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.

Buying privately

• The Consumer Guarantees Act doesn't apply to private sales.
• The seller still mustn't mislead you. If they do, you may be able to go to the Disputes Tribunal.
• Getting an independent inspection matters more, because you have fewer remedies afterwards.

Is the seller really private?

Someone who sells lots of cars may be trading without being registered. On Cruizy we flag sellers who pass the legal threshold and ask them to move to a business account.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check Consumer Protection (consumerprotection.govt.nz) for detail.