24 October 2021
Buying a used car?
Here’s a helpful guide to buying a second-hand car you’ll love for years (and kilometres) to come.
If you’re in the market to buy a second-hand car, wouldn’t you want to do all that you can to ensure you don’t buy a lemon?
If the task seems daunting to you, don’t fret. It is still possible to spend less on a used car than you would on a new car and drive away with a set of wheels that’s reliable and safe. Below we’ve assembled a handy guide to help you on your way.
Do your homework before you buy
Before you buy be sure to confirm the car’s age, kilometres travelled, its service history and its internal and external condition then compare it against similar cars for sale to make sure you’re not paying too much.
Two vehicles of the same make, model and age can have very different values and be in vastly different conditions, so take the time to do your research.
When it comes to buying a used vehicle, you really don’t know its history until you start digging. It could have been involved in an accident and needed major repairs or still has money owing on it. One way to uncover a car’s past is to run a check through the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). Doing a car search on the PPSR can help you check if the car you’re looking to buy is recorded as debt free, stolen or written off.
Run safety checks for security
It’s common to buy a used car in a private sale. Just be aware that unlike purchasing a car from a dealership that offers protections like warranty and a cooling off period, private transactions can be risky because they're unregulated and don’t come with these safeties. That’s more reason why you need to be extra diligent with your checks before you buy.
Utilise howsafeisyourcar.com.au, an online service for car buyers that provides independent information about the safety of new and used cars on the Australian market.
Get car history and financial checks
A car history report is a complete used car history testimony that searches all states and territory databases. It uses the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) number, which is located on the registration papers and on the manufacturer’s plate in the engine compartment, to provide valuable knowledge on individual vehicles.
A car history report provides detailed information including the car’s previous sales data, its safety rating, valuation, registration details, finance owing, stolen check, written off check and odometer check.
Just make sure the certificate is valid, and that any repairs noted have been completed by the seller prior to your purchase.
Acquire roadworthy and safety certificates
All states require the seller to provide an up-to-date safety or roadworthy certificate which is a legal requirement when buying a registered vehicle. This certificate confirms that the vehicle meets minimum safety standards and requirements for this vary from state to state.
The certificate covers basic things that can affect the safe running of a vehicle such as:
-
Tyres
-
Steering
-
Brakes
-
Lights
-
Windscreen
-
Seats and seat belts
-
Suspension
-
Rust or damage to the vehicle body
-
Exhaust and emission controls
Bear in mind that only approved garages and workshops that have been granted permission by the state or territory transport department can carry out inspections.
A list of authorised inspection stations can be found on state government transport websites:
Get professional advice
Make sure your purchase is mechanically sound. If you buy a used car, have it checked over for safety and reliability, and ensure you meet regular maintenance requirements. An NRMA car servicing centre can conduct this for you.
Protect your car with helpful cover
If you need to get your new used car insured you can compare cover on the NRMA Car Insurance comparison table. Before you lock in insurance for your four wheels, make sure you understand the terms and conditions and the inclusions and exclusions of your cover.
NRMA offers car insurance in WA, QLD and SA. Get a car insurance quote online today or call 132 132 to speak to a helpful consultant.
Disclaimer: Insurance issued by Insurance Australia Limited trading as NRMA Insurance. To see if a product is right for you, always consider the Product Disclosure Statement available from NRMA Insurance.
