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Apart from the information on the sheet, what pertinent questions should I ask a dealer when examining a car?

The Consumer Information Notice (CIN) on the vehicle has useful information but there are other things to consider.

You should ask whether the vehicle's engine has a cam-belt and if it does and it hasn't been replaced recently then you need to factor the replacement cost into the price of the vehicle - this can cost anything from $600,00 to over $1000,00 as the water pump is often replaced at the same time. Ask the dealer for proof that it has been done recently - invoice.

Ask whether the vehicle has been de-registered at any stage - this could be an indication that is has been previously written off and repaired.

Find out if the vehicle is an used import or not. Used imports don't normally have service records and if it is a NZ new vehicle then request service history. If there are no service records then you need to consider the cost to do a major service if you purchase the vehicle.

You should consider an AA Pre-Purchase Inspection on the vehicle too.