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Ten Tips for Buying a Car
Buying a car can be a daunting prospect, particularly for those of us who have little idea of what to look for when evaluating a car. What are the hidden costs? What paperwork do you need to complete? Should you get an independent inspection? These are are some questions we may be able to help you with.
1. Choosing the Vehicle
Buy the type, make and model of car that best suits your needs…and your pocket. Always research the market first so that you know what to expect in terms of value for money.
2. Financing
If you're taking out a loan to purchase your car, work out how much you can afford to pay each week, fortnight or month. This will help you work out what you can afford and how long you need to take your loan over.
Never accept a loan or finance agreement just because it’s quick, easy or convenient. It may be at a high interest rate. Shop around for competitive finance before going car shopping.
3. Consumer Protection
Do not buy from an unlicensed car dealer. Licensed dealers must offer a cooling-off period and Statutory Warranty on most used vehicles they sell.
4. Make Safety a Priority
Choose a car with the best ANCAP crash rating and safety features that you can afford. A minimum should include ABS brakes and front airbags with additional safety features sought wherever possible.
5. Independent Inspections
Always have a used car inspected by a qualified mechanic before you decide to buy it. Don’t rely on the Safety Certificate or Statutory Warranty! Make an independent inspection report a written condition of the contract and don’t accept the car unless you are satisfied with its condition and any agreed repairs have been carried out.
6. Put things in Writing
Ignore any promise, warranty or guarantee that isn’t in writing, or that is conditional in any way.
7. Background Checks
If buying a used car privately, call the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) to check if there is any outstanding finance owing on the vehicle and the Written Off Vehicles Register (WOVR) to make sure the car has not previously been severely damaged and is classified as a write-off. A V-Check report (which can include a REVS Check) can provide additional vehicle history information held by Queensland Transport.
8. Signing a Contract
Never sign a contract until it’s complete, you have thoroughly read and understood it, you are sure you want the car, can afford it, and it is in the condition you are prepared to accept. Once you sign it, it’s usually yours. With new vehicles write on the contract prior to signing, the colour which must be supplied and the date by which it must be delivered. If a dealer does not deliver as agreed, the contract will be cancelled and deposit money refunded.
9. Important Documents
Always get a copy of any contract and warranty documents you sign and a copy of the Safety Certificate. Remember to check the Safety Certificate is valid and all vehicle details are correct.
10. Insurance
Insure your car with a company you feel you can trust to give you good value-for-money cover and an efficient claims service.
HAPPY MOTORING...
The information provided in this fact sheet is intended as a general guide only. You should carry out further research and investigations into the topics outlined above prior to implementing any actions or recommendations.
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