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If a dealer does not show registration plates in the pictures of the car he is advertising, is it not possible to have the above conducted? If the car is not shown as registered, what are the implications for the prospective buyer? I am in Australia and wanting to come over and buy a used car in Auckland, sorry if my question sounds a bit silly. Thanks, Craig

Hi Craig. It's not a silly question at all. If the vehicle is a recent import and never been registered in New Zealand, there is no known history to check, so no, you can't do a Vehicle History Report.
You are safeguarded in other areas when buying from a Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer. You are guaranteed to receive the vehicle with clear title (so no money owing), the vehicle will have had a recent entry certification inspection when it entered New Zealand and the dealer is obligated to disclose if the vehicle was a damaged import.
Other things we advise are to check with the dealer to make sure the vehicle had been odometer verified (to ensure no odo tampering has taken place), ask if there are any additional on-road costs applicable (as often the dealer will add the cost of compliance, registration, plates, WoF etc) and it still pays to have a Pre-purchase inspection carried out to ensure it is in sound mechanical condition.

I thought my comment may have some value for prospective buyers of used vehicles, not withstanding the excellent reports from AA, brief reports of vehicles can be obtained free from http://www.carjam.co.nz/