"at the end of the day her fault.. always do a revs check with every car so avoid bullshit hassles later on... the amount they charge for a revs check could save you thousands!!"

I really don't think we need to blame the victim in this situation, so no, at the end of the day it is not her fault, but thanks for your compassion.

As for REVS I did a revs check when I bought the car, and last time I checked it was the register of encumbered vehicles, that means cars with money owing to finance companies, it doesn't have any money owing on it.

Today they gave the car back, it cost her $400.

Maybe there was a better explanation given than the one I have shared but my friend is partially deaf and talking on the phone to government departments or me is not easy for her.

They gave her some paper work when she picked up the car that said just because they let her have it doesn't mean its not stolen or previously written off.

As for not being roadworthy, when I had the car it appeared to be very original and went really well no sign of ever being in an accident.(it was a Barina, but later than the Suzuki Swift ones)