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HI there,
A dealer can't sell a vehicle with security interest owing, so if they do the debt will stop with the dealer. But I recommend them showing you proof it is lifted in writing before handing final payment.
The vehicle usage will need changing with the NZTA back to private and then you would need to just update the wof, which the seller should do before you buy.

Thank you :-) We have the AA prepurchase check and there are a couple of issues. Driveshaft: LH front outer CV boot leaking grease Assembly: Front area: Oil leak, wet, should be investigated. - These don't mean much to us but it says they need investigation and sound concerning. Your advice is much appreciated, thank you!

Hello,
CV boots are one of the most commonly replaced parts on a vehicle, just a rubber boot filled with grease to prevent the joint from wearing out and clicking as you turn which you can hear on some cars. It should take an hour to replace and the boot itself costs around $30. The engine may need cleaning down and the source of the oil leak investigated, it might be something simple but hard to tell until it's cleaned down first.

Thank you. We really appreciate your advice on this. - The inspector did say it was quite wet and hard to tell where leak is coming from. - Can we go back to the dealer and ask them to have these jobs done before purchase? And then once we purchase, if we took it for a service and found the jobs hadn't been done properly, would we have any recourse? Thank you again!

Yes you can ask the dealer to address both issues before purchase, the repairs must meet the standards under the CGA so need to be of acceptable quality.
Yes if it was found that the issues were not addressed satisfactorily or not addressed at all then you would go straight back to the dealer and give them first chance to put it right.

Hi again, sorry this is an ongoing saga. The dealer has come back and said the rental service centre has had a look and done the following: Driveshaft: LH front outer CV boot leaking grease - Drive shaft has been replaced with a second hand unit.

Assembly: Front area: Oil leak, wet, should be investigated – Leak was from the blanking plate on top of the engine, we have replaced the gasket.

They have sent photos of the parts etc. Does this sound like a suitable repair? Is the blanking plate gasket something that would be expected at this mileage 159K. - Also is a secondhand driveshaft likely to last.

Thank you again for your help.

Hi there,
I would have thought it more economical to replace a boot, however at this mileage maybe the joint might be compromised and so a used one off a lower mileage vehicle could have seemed a better option- hard to know why they chose that remedy- unless the CV joint wouldn't come off and the boot was unable to be replaced. Yes it is common for some of the top gaskets to leak and require replacement, and be considered normal at this mileage.

Thank you. They have advised the driveshaft came from a 2015 model which they use for spare parts and they have said it is in perfect condition. - I will keep everything as it is via email so we have a record in writing. They are now putting on the pressure to make a decision which we will do tonight but just trying to check we are not going to end up with a lemon! Thanks again for your help and advice, we appreciate it.