Buying a used car
Buying a second-hand car can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider these six questions before handing over your hard-earned cash.
1. What’s my budget?
Set your budget before you start searching for the car of your dreams. While you may have enough money for the initial purchase, don’t forget about other expenses like registration, stamp duty, servicing, tyres and insurance.
2. Why do I need the car?
Write down a list of features you want in a vehicle. This will help you decide what type of vehicle you should buy. Do you need a large people mover for your growing family, or are you looking for an economical small car? Maybe you want a hybrid or full EV.
Is the vehicle within your budget? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll know what type of vehicle meets your needs.
3. Private sale or a dealership?
It’s important to understand the difference between purchasing a vehicle from a private owner or a dealership. When buying from a dealer, they usually come with a warranty, and dealerships can only sell a vehicle that is deemed roadworthy.
On the other hand, a car from a private seller is most likely cheaper, but it doesn’t need to meet the same requirements, so there isn’t much protection for the buyer. Answering the next question will help you make an informed decision when buying a used car from a private seller.
4. Do I know the car’s history?
When buying privately, check the Federal Government’s Personal Property Securities Register to see if there’s finance still owing on the vehicle.
When purchasing a used car, find out as much as possible about the vehicle’s history. Ask to look at the service books and see how many people have owned the vehicle. Find out if it was a hire or fleet car and check the kilometres on the odometer.
5. Have I taken the car for a test drive?
A test drive is your chance to find out how the car handles and see if there are any defects. Take a friend along for a second opinion and give the car a reasonable drive so it reaches optimal operating temperature – this may reveal anomalies.
Listen for unusual noises and check for odd vibrations. Make sure the air-conditioning is cold and that all the gauges and controls work properly.
6. Do I have insurance?
Consider buying insurance as soon as possible when you get the keys. This can help if something happens to the vehicle once you have the keys. There are varying types of cover, so consider all options and choose the one that suits you.