Buying a Car — What You Should Know 

To help protect yourself and make an informed decision when purchasing a vehicle in Australia, here are few key points and trusted government resources every buyer should review.

1. Australian Consumer Law (ACCC) – Your Rights When Buying a Car

• Understand consumer guarantees when buying from a licensed dealer.
  
  

• Rights include: acceptable quality, clear title, matching description, and protections for major faults.
  
  

• Learn what to do if a car has a serious defect or is not as described.
  
  

🔗 ACCC – Buying & Repairing Cars
https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/specific-products-and-activities/buying-hiring-and-repairing-cars

🔗 ACCC – Consumer Rights & Guarantees
https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/buying-products-and-services/consumer-rights-and-guarantees

2. NSW Government – Guide to Buying a Used Vehicle

• What to consider before buying: needs, total cost, ongoing expenses.
  
  

• Understanding dealer guarantees, statutory warranties, and risks with private sales.
  
  

• How to run checks (PPSR, inspections, recalls).
  
  

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

🔗 NSW Government – Where to Buy a Vehicle (Scam Awareness)
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/where-to-buy-a-vehicle

3. PPSR – Check if a Car Has Money Owing, Is Stolen or Written Off

• A must-do check before buying any used car from a private seller.
  
  

• Confirms finance owing, encumbrance, theft status, and written-off history.
  
  

🔗 PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) – Official Search
https://www.ppsr.gov.au

4. WA Government – Car Buyer’s Checklist

• Detailed checklist: logbook verification, odometer, registration, VIN checks.
  
  

• Guidance for buying from private sellers vs dealers.
  
  

• Emphasises pre-purchase inspections and PPSR checks.
  
  

🔗 WA Consumer Protection – Car Buyer’s Checklist
https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/car-buyers-checklist

🔗 WA Consumer Protection – Buying a Used Car
https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/buying-used-car

5. NT Government – Buying a Used Vehicle

• Dealer statutory warranty rules (for vehicles under 10 years / 160,000 km).
  
  

• Importance of PPSR, mechanical inspections, and physical checks.
  
  

• Limited protections when purchasing from private sellers.
  
  

🔗 NT Government – Buying a Used Vehicle
https://nt.gov.au/law/rights/buying-a-new-or-used-vehicle/buying-a-used-vehicle

6. Victoria – Online Buying Risks

• How to safely buy from online platforms.
  
  

• Spotting scams, verifying identity, and checking vehicle history.
  
  

🔗 Consumer Affairs Victoria – Buying a Used Car Online
https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-businesses/cars/buying-a-used-car/ways-to-buy-a-used-car/online

7. Recall Check – Safety Recalls for Vehicles

• Before purchasing any vehicle, confirm whether the model has active recalls, including safety-critical issues like airbags.
  
  

• Check using VIN or model.
  
  

🔗 Australian Government – Product Safety Recalls (vehicles)
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls

8. Pre-Purchase Mechanical Inspection

Government agencies consistently recommend:

• A licensed mechanic should inspect the vehicle before purchase.
  
  

• Helps identify hidden issues, previous damage, or safety faults.
  
  

You can use your state’s road authority or private licensed inspectors.