Buy a car |
We all want to pay a fair price for a car that´s going to last. Before you sign anything you should ensure that the car is in good working order, is registrable and doesn´t have any money owing on it.
We have plenty of information to help you buy a car including:
- Your rights and responsibilities when buying a car
- What to look out for when buying a new car
- What to look out for when buying a used car from a car yard
- What to look out for when buying a used car from a private owner
- Buying a car at auction.
You should also check if the car you´re looking at:
- Has any money owing on it
- Is water damaged
- Can´t be registered.
Before you start looking
- Ask yourself: What type of car do I need and can I afford it?
- Shop around for the best car deal.
- If you´re not paying cash, look for the best loan to suit your budget (xls, 268 KB).
Before you sign the contract
- Don´t buy the car without seeing it first.
- Check the car dealer is licensed with the Office of Fair Trading.
- Check the car is registered and has a safety certificate.
- Get the car checked out by a qualified mechanic or RACQ.
- Get a PPSR certificate.
- Check that it has a cooling-off period. Generally, when buying a used car from a licensed dealer, you´ve got one business day to change your mind provided you don´t take ownership of the car.
- Ask about the warranty. You should get a one month or 1,000km warranty for cars older than 10 years or over 160,000km if buying from a car dealer.
- Take the car for a test drive.
- Before you sign, read and understand the contract. Ask questions if you´re not sure.
After you sign the contract
- Get a copy of the registration and contract and keep them in a safe place.
- Get the car registered under your name with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Tips
- Not sure? You have the right to say NO to an unfair deal.
- Don´t sign on-the-spot loan contracts (at car yards) without shopping around.
Need help?
For more information on buying a car, visit our Motor vehicles section or download a copy of Car smart.
Don´t take the risk - check it´s registered and safe and don´t pay more than the car is worth!
Darrell got a $5,000 loan to buy his first car from a car dealer, Johnno. Darrell couldn´t wait to go cruising with his mates. Darrell bought the first car Johnno offered because he knew Johnno only came to town twice a year. A month later, Darrell´s car broke down on the side of the road. He couldn´t fix it and it was too far to tow the car home, so he left it there. Darrell had bought an unroadworthy car from an unlicensed dealer, but he still had to pay off his $5,000 loan.
Last reviewed 30/01/2012 |
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