Used Cars Australia

Where to Buy Them?

• various options to buy a used car,
• where to look for them,
• what paperwork to check,
• what to do after purchase.

Be an informed buyer before you purchase anything.

Especially a big item such as a car.

There are several options for buying used cars Australia wide:

• Buying from a licensed dealer
• Buying from a private seller
• Buying at an auction

Clarify what car you need. Is it a family car, a ute (utility car), a sports car?

Australian cars tend to be bigger and more powerful. And the fuel consumption was not an issue up to now. Ask an owner how much petrol their car takes and it’s likely they don't know. But with the oil price on the rise, many people are starting to show appreciation for smaller, smarter cars.

Check car values online, purchase the Trading Post newspaper, or check its website, visit used cars dealers.

Attend auctions to understand how things work. Then set your budget.

Before making the final decision get an estimate on car insurance as cost of insurance may differ with the car model.

Used car prices Australia wide can vary with the state or the city where you buy.

Used Cars Australia - Buying
From a Licensed Dealer

Before visiting a dealership make sure that you check with the motoring or road authority in your state or territory to know what you should expect from a used cars dealer.

If you visit a dealership in Sydney you’ll spot a paper on the windscreen of each used car. It shows the cash price, the engine number, how many kilometres the car has travelled and if it is covered by any warranty.

Ask specific details about what the warranty covers and if there are any conditions attached.

Inspect the vehicle. If you are not mechanically minded call in expert help to do a pre-purchase inspection and give you a report. You will get an idea about the future maintenance costs. Also the report can help with your price negotiations.

Test drive the car if you want to see how it works but check with the dealer if the insurance covers the drive. You don’t want nasty surprises.

Used Cars Australia – Buying
From a Private Seller

But you should double check the car papers.

Ask the owner to show you the certificate of registration and a proof that the car belongs to the seller.

In New South Wales (NSW) ask for the safety inspection report, also known as pink slip.

Make sure all the information is correct and identical to the data you can read on the car – check the plate number, go under the hood and check the engine number and the chassis number or vehicle identification number.

Once you're done with the physical and papers inspection it's time to ensure there is no finance encumbrance on the vehicle. Buy a car that does not have any loan attached to it. Otherwise you may lose both the car and the money paid for it.

Do a REVS (Register of Encumbered Vehicles) check. It will provide information if anyone owes money on the car or if anyone reported that it was stolen.

Type REVS into your internet browser to get more information about this service and to ensure that the certificate is available in the state where you are buying.

If you are buying the car in a state and transferring it to another state check with the road authorities in both states as requirements may be different.

All the tips about test driving and inspecting the vehicle are valid whether you buy from a dealer or privately.

Used Cars Australia – You've
Bought Your Car. What Now?

For used cars in Sydney visit the Road Traffic Authority (RTA).

Sydney Car Auctions - tips about bidding for a car at a public sale.

Used Cars Sydney - registering your second hand car

Used Car Prices Australia

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