Used Cars

[harryopal1]

Good evening all,

Buying a used car anywhere is a serious buyers beware matter and I daresay buying a used car in Bali has some extras. But here's the thing. It seems that motor cycling in Indonesia is a rather hazardous occupation and more so with extra considerations for a Bule.

Late model cars are beyond budget but have in mind to look for a late 90s Suzuki. Getting to odd beach spots with a bit of clearance is a consideration and the 4 x4 , if it is working, can have advantages.

How does one check ownership to be sure we are not looking at a "liberated" car? (Stolen.)

What are the change of ownership processes like and are there roadworthy certificates required?

I would have an international licence but would like to get an Indonesia licence What are the processes with that?

And then there is insurance. Many insurance companies are eager to take your money but can be dodgy when it comes to making a claim. Any recommendations?

I usually expect that with any used car one may spend a couple of thousand on repairs in the first year or so. Hopefully not, but things happen.
A key then to running a car is finding a reliable and trustworthy mechanic or workshop.

I would be most appreciative of your thoughts on all of this. Thanks in anticipation.

Yours tropically, Harry

 

[scouser59]

honestly harry , 2nd hand cars here are generally very close to new price , without the benefit of warranty .
I use Zurich its a little bit more than local companies but better benefits, allianz is also good.

4 wheel drives here are expensive , bear in mind the problems with old cars in a tropical climate ie rust , and spare part availability and cost.

good luck!

 

[dafluff]

How does one check ownership to be sure we are not looking at a "liberated" car? (Stolen.)

What are the change of ownership processes like and are there roadworthy certificates required?

I would have an international licence but would like to get an Indonesia licence What are the processes with that?

And then there is insurance. Many insurance companies are eager to take your money but can be dodgy when it comes to making a claim. Any recommendations?

I usually expect that with any used car one may spend a couple of thousand on repairs in the first year or so. Hopefully not, but things happen.
A key then to running a car is finding a reliable and trustworthy mechanic or workshop.

I would be most appreciative of your thoughts on all of this. Thanks in anticipation.

Yours tropically, Harry

Make sure the BPKB (little car deed book) is presented to you. Make sure all the details match. The registration of change of ownership usually occurs when you renew the STNK (registration), which is before the month shown on the license plate.

Also Bali has recently toyed with legislation to ban cars over 25 years old, which may be a reason you're getting a bargain on that one.

Finally, finding a reliable mechanic is like finding a winning lottery ticket, but that's not a problem unique to Bali.

 

[Scooterindo]

Also Bali has recently toyed with legislation to ban cars over 25 years old, which may be a reason you're getting a bargain on that one.

No they dropped this one after a torrent of outrage from classic car owners and classic car clubs.

 

[jstar]

Next to the Jimny, Vitara and Katana, you might find a Trooper for a similar price (60-100 juta) from that period. But ground clearance obviously has nothing to do with 4WD and AWD. So there are many more options if you are willing to compromise and go for two wheel drive. I just wouldn't trust a car from the nineties with off road specs here, esp. if you don't have the mechanical expertise or interest yourself.

 

[harryopal1]

Thanks for the responses.
Insurance? My primary concern would be 'knock' insurance to cover the cost of running into someone's Mercedes? Comments?
Thanks.
Yours tropically, harryopal

 

[scouser59]

third party risks are based on the value of your car , most local comprehensive insurance is only 50% , I increased the 3rd party risks to 100% with zurich. ya still not as good as europe but ok for here.

 

[Wisnu]

my experience with car's insurance was very pleasant. They responded quickly and recommended very good garage even asked them to fix some dents which were not caused by the incident.

 

[Jim69]

Thanks for the responses.
Insurance? My primary concern would be 'knock' insurance to cover the cost of running into someone's Mercedes? Comments?
Thanks.
Yours tropically, harryopal

From experience, you often do not end up paying for the other car. They pay for themselves. Most insurance is just to cover your car, and if you should hit a Mercedes, then they are bigger than you, so its their fault anyway. (thats the weird rule here)

 

[waarmstrong]

my experience with car's insurance was very pleasant. They responded quickly and recommended very good garage even asked them to fix some dents which were not caused by the incident.

Same here; car insurance in Jakarta is a good value, as well as quick and dependable when a claim is made.

 

[Scooterindo]

Just wondering how long until it becomes mandatory to have car and bike insurance here like in the UK. Especially when insurance companies realise there are millions of dollars to be made out of ripping people off and then fucking them over like the UK, all backed up by the law. The legalized extortion that happens in the UK especially to young drivers is a total fucking disgrace. Given the choice I wouldn't have car insurance again as most of it, especially bullshit policies like third party fire and theft isn't worth the paper its written on.

For example in the UK I was charged 3000 GBP a year to be covered for TPFT with a 500 quid excess. I was 21 years old and driving an Ford fiesta XR2 with a clean driving license. My car cost me 3750 GBP second hand and was written off after I was hit by another driver that didn't stop. I reported the accident to the police who breathaliased me at the scene and determined I was not in the wrong and no prosecution was made against me (innocent party - side swiped).

Yet Despite having a book value of 3000 GBP the insurance inspector determined the car was only worth 1250 GBP and despite protesting the insurance company didn't want to know and simply gave me a take it or leave it option. Having just lost a shit load of money I didn't have the funds to fight them in court and was forced to take their offer. When I was 17 I also had a Lambretta scooter stolen and despite paying 300 quid for it, 175 quid on the insurance and then over a grand on rebuilding and repainting it, the insurance company gave me just 60 quid as that was what they considered the "book value" despite me having the receipts for all the work done. Like Jonny Rotten said at the last concert the sex pistols did "Ever get the feeling you've ben cheated ??" In the UK the law (at the time) stated that if you were caught driving without insurance you were subject to a fine and 8 points on your license. Given my experience with insurance companies after my car was totaled I did feel cheated and bought another car that I didn't register in my name and spent the next 4 years driving illegally without insurance. The last car I owned in the UK was actually driven to Heathrow airport on the day I left England, I parked it in the multistory car park, left the parking ticket on the dashboard and the keys in the ignition and boarded a flight to Australia, never to return. I doubt you could do any of this now days with the heightened security at airports and the computerization of police patrol cars, but at the time I felt I was making a stand against legalized extortion.

 

[fastpitch17]

The US is just as bad. They have this thing where insurance adjusters can determine the percentage of fault for each involved party. Was rear ended waiting for a left turn arrow to turn green. Police report, other at fault, quite a bit of damage to the rear of my car. Got police report, turned into insurance company, got a call from adjuster to get three estimates of repair cost, did that, took to adjuster, he gave me a figure. 75% of lowest bid to fix. When questioned I was told that the other driver was 75% at fault and I was 25% at fault. How is that, I asked? Because I was in that spot made me 25% responsible. After a lot of argument, I had to take the 75%.

An accident my daughter was in had the three estimates for repair. Adjuster picked up the phone and started calling used parts yards to find used body parts and then would only pay what they cost. When asked how she was supposed to get these parts was told to just let who was making repairs know there are some out there and they can track them down.

Insurance is a scam.

 

[harryopal1]

Good morning and thanks for the responses.
From the earlier reports it would seem that maybe insurance companies are better in Indonesia. Generally in Australia it seems there are plenty of crook insurance companies who do over clients. Recent scandal about companies holding back on payouts for older clients for both medical refunds and superannuation hoping that the client will pass away if the company just obfuscates.
Householders who thought they were fully covered including flood only to be told the damage wasn't caused by flooding it was caused by heavy downpour or some such nonsense.
In Australia I am presently paying cover for a set return for a 2001 car. I guess I will only know if the cover will be honoured if I wreck the car.

By the way, are there any kerbside breakdown assistance companies like the Royal autmobile companies who will start the car or organize tow trucks if necessary for a set annual fee? What do people do ... other than panic... if they breakdown on some obscure road in a rural area? Or the middle of peak city traffic?

Yours tropically, harryopal

 

[Jaime C]

Many insurances include roadside assistance. Many new cars also provide it. Never used mine, though.

Used the insurance 4-5 times, usually for small body damage.

 

[scouser59]

if you buy new , you get roadside assistance free for 3 years with daihatsu and i presume toyota , this can be extended with a further payment .

 

[jstar]

There are brands like Mercedes but even Opel and Nissan, who provide roadside assistance for free during the complete lifespan of the car. That means they will tow you for free to the nearest workshop if it's not an easy fix. Obviously only available in RI for 'premium' brands.

With All Risk / Omnium you're always screwed if your car is a Total Loss. The valuation is always below 80% of the real value. Still, we have insurance even in RI. I am always at fault anyway (cf. the Indonesian mindset) so better take no risk.

 

[Bowsaw]

Why is there no middle ground for used cars? Seems to be new, under 5ish yr old for not much less than new then it seems to drop to old bangers. Or is it just in Jawa Timur?

 

[jstar]

Nope, everywhere. Then it becomes abang abang teriitory. Perhaps it has to do with the life span with major repairs or personal loans. But the premium (mainly German 3, Lexus and RR/LR + Jaguar) keep their value much longer.

 

[waarmstrong]

The US is just as bad. They have this thing where insurance adjusters can determine the percentage of fault for each involved party. Was rear ended waiting for a left turn arrow to turn green. Police report, other at fault, quite a bit of damage to the rear of my car. Got police report, turned into insurance company, got a call from adjuster to get three estimates of repair cost, did that, took to adjuster, he gave me a figure. 75% of lowest bid to fix. When questioned I was told that the other driver was 75% at fault and I was 25% at fault. How is that, I asked? Because I was in that spot made me 25% responsible. After a lot of argument, I had to take the 75%.

An accident my daughter was in had the three estimates for repair. Adjuster picked up the phone and started calling used parts yards to find used body parts and then would only pay what they cost. When asked how she was supposed to get these parts was told to just let who was making repairs know there are some out there and they can track them down.

Insurance is a scam.

Auto collision insurance in the USA is no-fault these days in most jurisdiction and is not mandatory. The only coverage mandated by law is liability, with the minimum amount dependent on the jurisdiction.

 

[fastpitch17]

Auto collision insurance in the USA is no-fault these days in most jurisdiction and is not mandatory. The only coverage mandated by law is liability, with the minimum amount dependent on the jurisdiction.

Just another way to screw you since there are a lot of people driving around with no insurance of any kind. Some states make it mandatory to have but not all. No matter, get in an accident that you are not at fault and your rates drastically jump up.