Buying a vehicle in South Africa
 

Hi All,

We would like to buy a 4x4 in south africa for a 2-month trip around southern Africa later this year (Oct/Nov). Does anyone have any experience of buying a vehicle (bike/car/4x4) as a foriegner in South Africa?

I have read that it can be time consuming and, in particular, requires a south african bank account in order that the funds can be transferred and receipted so that the money can be taken out of the country again?

I have also heard that just setting up a bank account can be quite a hassle?

Any advice on the proceedure and timescales would be very valuable.

Many Thanks

Try this South African forum: Wild Dog Adventure Riding - Index
he guys are very helpful.

Or maybe the SA automobile association (AA): AA – Automobile Association South Africa

• Identity Document
• Proof of ownership of the vehicle
• Roadworthy certificate (if the vehicle is used).
• A traffic register number (TRN) is issued to foreign citizens who are not in possession of a South African Identity Document and serves the purpose of an acceptable identification number used for road traffic transactions.

Steps to get a TRN:

• Visit your nearest traffic office
• Complete form ANR, Application and Notice in Respect of Traffic Register Number.

Required Documents:

• Certified copy of a passport or temporary residence permit
• Identity document issued by a recognised authority.

When registering the vehicle you will need the original of the current registration certificate as well as the transfer document completed and signed by both the transferor and the transferee. This form is available at any vehicle registration office.

NB: This part is a work in progress:

South Africa

A traffic register number is issued to foreign citizens who are not in possession of a South African identity (ID) document or foreign ID document, and serves the purpose of an acceptable identification number used for road traffic transactions. The traffic register number is required when a foreigner wants to register a motor vehicle in South Africa.
To apply for registration of a used vehicle you will need the following:
• A duly completed application form (form MVR1A or RLV).
• Your RSA identity document (if you are a local resident) or an identity document issued by a foreign country (if you are a person not permanently resident in the Republic) or a traffic register number certificate.
• If the motor vehicle is registered in South Africa, the registration certificate concerned.
• If the tare has changed due to any reason, a mass measuring certificate.
• If the vehicle has a new engine or if the VIN/chassis number has changed, a South African Police Service clearance of the motor vehicle.

• If required by the registering authority, proof of the right to be registered as title holder of the motor vehicle concerned. Such proof may be an invoice, a sales agreement, etc. It is advised that you phone your nearest call centre or registering authority to establish whether they accept or require any other document as proof.
Please note the following:
In order to obtain a mass measuring certificate it is advised that you contact your local registering authority for the contact details of a facility that offers this service.
A South African Police Service clearance will only be issued after your registering authority has issued you with a referral. After the referral has been issued the registration certificate of the vehicle has to be presented to the SAPS in order for the process to be initiated.
The registering authority will perform an assessment on you application and you will pay the fees as prescribed by your province

Buying a vehicle in South Africa
 

Thanks for all the great info:

For anyone else reading this, one point to note from the above link on applying for a TRN (Application for traffic register number)

"It may take six weeks to process the application."

Contact for TRN etc
 

I managed to get my TRN for foreigners and all documentation through a fixer in Jo Burg called Freddie. He is reliable and gets the job done quickly and cheaply. He will make your life easy. His contact is (+27) 078 992 1297 and email is freddyphetolo@gmail.com. Best of luck