Buying a Car — A simple guide

Buying a Car — What to Know

A simple guide backed by official Australian government resources.

✅ 1. Know Your Consumer Rights

• You have automatic consumer guarantees when buying from a licensed dealer.
  
  

• Cars must be of acceptable quality, match the description, and come with clear title.
  🔗 ACCC – Consumer Rights for Car Buyers:
  https://www.accc.gov.au/business/specific-products-and-activities/buying-hiring-and-repairing-cars
  
  

✅ 2. Understand State-Based Rules

• NSW dealers must comply with the Motor Dealers & Repairers Act.
  
  

• Private sales offer fewer protections.
  🔗 NSW Government – Buying a Used Vehicle:
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/buying-a-used-vehicle
  
  

✅ 3. Budget for Ownership Costs

• Consider rego, insurance, servicing, repairs & tyres — not just purchase price.
  🔗 WA Government – Car Buyer Checklist:
  https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/publications/buying-car-buyers-checklist
  
  

✅ 4. Check Vehicle Safety Ratings

• Review Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) before shortlisting.
  🔗 UCSR via NSW Government:
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/buying-a-used-vehicle
  
  

✅ 5. Verify Vehicle History (VERY Important)

• Check for money owing, stolen records, or write-off history.
  🔗 National PPSR Check:
  https://www.ppsr.gov.au
  🔗 Service NSW – PPSR Info:
  https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/referral/personal-property-securities-register
  
  

✅ 6. Inspect & Test Drive

• Drive the car, check braking, performance, noise, and feel.
  
  

• Get a mechanical pre-purchase inspection from a licensed mechanic.
  🔗 NSW – Pre-purchase Inspection Advice:
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/buying-a-used-vehicle
  
  

✅ 7. Check for Open Recalls

• Ensure there are no outstanding safety recalls on the vehicle.
  🔗 NSW – Recall Checks:
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/buying-a-used-vehicle
  
  

✅ 8. Confirm Paperwork & Ownership

• Request logbook, service history, receipts, proof of ownership & all keys.
  
  

• For dealer sales: ensure you receive a Motor Dealer Notice (Form 5-10).
  🔗 Consumer Protection WA – Buying a Used Car:
  https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/buying-used-car
  
  

❗ 9. Avoid Scams & Suspicious Listings

• Be cautious with extremely low prices or sellers unwilling to meet in person.
  
  

• Use only the official PPSR website (many 3rd-party sites overcharge).
  🔗 NSW – Buying Online Safety Tips:
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/where-to-buy-a-vehicle
  
  

✅ 10. After You Buy

• Transfer registration immediately.
  
  

• Arrange compulsory CTP insurance.
  
  

• Store invoices, PPSR certificate & inspection report safely.
  🔗 NSW – Transfer Ownership:
  https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/buying-a-used-vehicle