Kereta Potong

CUT-AND-JOIN CARS

When a car had been badly damaged in an accident and the insurance company declares it a total loss, it means that the costs required for the repair would be very high. You may think that these severely damaged vehicles will be dumped to the junkyard but instead, do you know that many of these wrecks get back on the road and turn out to be cut-and-join cars?

"Get your car inspected by the Computerised Vehicles Inspection Centre (Puspakom)" A cut-and-join car or "kereta potong" is created when sections of two cars of the same model is cut and attached together. These cars have usually been involved in accidents - they are then reconnected either at the front or rear panel post with other car body parts. There are dangerous risks involved when using such a car as it would prone to splitting into two in an accident. The potential damage on the car will also be higher on a cut-and-join car compared to an original shell. There are cases however where buyers would prefer to purchase cut-and-join cars from unscrupulous dealers rather than face the high costs of paying for spare parts or repairs to a damaged car. Sourcing for second-hand parts from "kedai potong" or chop shops have now become common business. A cut-and-join car may be discovered in the following situations: You have been detained in a Road Transport Department (JPJ) roadblock; applying to change number plates; misplacing your registration card or when JPJ thoroughly checks the details of your car when your road tax has expired for more than one year. Don't be a victim of cut-and-join cars! Before purchasing the car, make sure you get it inspected by the Computerised Vehicles Inspection Centre (Puspakom) to avoid buying a cut-and-join car and to ensure the car is in road worthy condition. Other than getting your car inspected by Puspakom, here are some ways to avoid being cheated when you plan to buy a used car: Bring a friend along, one who knows cars to help you check the condition of the car Ask the seller directly whether the car has been in accident and gauge his or her reaction Make sure the vehicle chassis number has not been tampered with Make sure that the vehicle has not been black listed Make sure that the details contained in the vehicle registration card matches Make sure that the seller has settled all problems pertaining to registration and licensing before confirming the sales transaction The Government has implemented a new ruling that required all second-hand cars for sale to undergo Puspakom inspections and receive an approval from the Road Transport Department. A number of financial institutions have also set a condition that necessitates used car dealers to send their vehicles to Puspakom for inspection before the loan is approved. In this respect, it is advised that you refer your vehicle to the nearest Puspakom office.