WHEN YOU ARE BYUING:

1. Ensure that the VIN and the registration mark match those listed on the registration certificate.
2. See to that the vehicle's annual vehicle tax is paid and it has been given its periodic (annual) inspection. The vehicle will be prohibited from use and not be approved at the periodic inspection if there are any outstanding taxes. Unpaid vehicle taxes of the previous owners and neglecting to take the vehicle in for periodic inspections also results in the prohibition of vehicle use. If the car body has been replaced, find out the portion of the original vehicle or check for possible debiting of car tax.
3. You find more information on taxes of the previous keepers and owners or such taxes that are due soon at the AKE's vehicle taxation service number 020 696 321 (lnc/mobile charge). Take the unpaid tax into account in the sales contract e.g. by the following phrase: "The seller shall be responsible for all the vehicle taxes concerning the vehicle until signing date of this contract.".
4. Do not buy a vehicle from anyone except the owner named in vehicle register, in order to avoid problems in proprietary rights, insurance and taxation matters. Change of owner and keeper will change also the vehicle tax liability.
5. See to that you get the valid registration certificate from the seller. Do not agree to make the transaction with a deed of transfer. Fill in all the details of the notification portion of the registration certificate together with the seller: details of the new owner, date of transfer and signatures. Check that the serial number listed in the notification and technical portions of the registration certificate are the same.
6. Check the vehicle history, collision damages, body element replacements and the correctness of mileage recorder reading. Get an expert opinion when evaluating the condition of the vehicle. If significant changes concerning body elements have been made for the vehicle (e.g. the technique or the body has been changed so that it differs from the original), make sure that the information on the technical portion of the registration certificate is accurate.
7. Compare the price of the vehicle for sale with other similar vehicles. Comparative data is available from such sources as automotive industry publications or automotive dealerships. If the price of the car appears to be significantly low, be extremely careful and find out the reason why.
8. Test drive the vehicle for a sufficient length of time, driving at different speeds and checking the vehicle’s handling and control when, for example, braking. Check the function of all equipment (e.g. air conditioner as well as emission and safety equipment system) and indicator lights.
9. Check the condition of both summer and winter tyres and of the other equipment that comes along with the vehicle (e.g. motor heater and drawhook).
10. Consider the size of the vehicle you need and the size of its motor as well as the necessary accessories. The annual mileage has a great influence on the vehicle costs. Consider also the safety equipment and consider the vehicle's environmental—friendliness as well when making your purchase decision. The best measurement for the environmental—friendliness is low consumption. Familiarize e.g. with the consumption information on the EKOAKE emission data base, address www.ake.fi/ekoake.

When you are buying remember also:

Take an automotive insurance policy immediately. The policy must be taken within seven (7) days of purchasing because after that the charge is raised. Also the registration notification must be made within seven (7) days of purchasing at an inspection station or with the insurance company where the vehicle has been insured. Remember to take your identity card with you to the registration agency!

The tax demand note will arrive by mail. Rest of the vehicle tax that you have paid for your previous vehicle will be compensated in the vehicle tax of the vehicle you have purchased. Do not pay the tax of the previous owner with his tax demand note. If you do not buy a vehicle you can apply from the AKE for refund of the rest of the vehicle tax you have paid. Without an application the refund is made after one year. You get more information on taxes of the previous keepers and owners or such taxes that are due soon from the AKE's vehicle taxation service number 020 696 321 (lnc/mobile charge) every day from 8 am to 8 pm.

You can check vehicle details by phone, through GSM or Internet enquiry. You find numbers and services at www.ake.fi/rekisterikyselyt.



WHEN YOU ARE SELLING:

1. Remember that it is the seller's duty to give the buyer the notification and technical portions of the registration certificate.
2. Do not sign the notification portion unless the buyer and date of transfer are first recorded.
3. It is advisable to take vehicle tax into account in the sales contract and in the price.
4. Take yourself a copy of the completed vehicle notification portion or draft a separate deed of transfer* containind the same information. If the buyer fails to register the vehicle within the prescribed time, you can make a notification of the sale at an inspection station or in the insurance company of the vehicle.
5. Remember that the ownership of the vehicle is transferred by signing the deed of transfer, not by recording it into the register.