Buying Guides

Buying a used car is one of the larger purchases most people make, and a little preparation goes a long way. Here is the checklist we would give a friend before they hand over any money — whether they are buying from us or from someone else.

1. Run a PPSR check

The Personal Property Securities Register tells you whether a vehicle still has money owing on it, and whether it has been written off or reported stolen. It costs a couple of dollars and takes minutes. If there is finance owing and it is not cleared at settlement, the financier can repossess the car even after you have paid for it.

When you buy from a licensed motor car trader, this is handled for you — clear title is part of what you are paying for.

2. Ask for the service history

A logbook with regular stamps tells you the car has been looked after. Gaps are not always a dealbreaker, but they are worth asking about. Pay particular attention to whether major scheduled services have been done — timing belts, transmission services and coolant changes are expensive to catch up on.

3. Understand the roadworthy certificate

In Victoria a roadworthy certificate is required to transfer registration of a used vehicle. It confirms the car met minimum safety standards at the time of inspection. It is worth being clear about what it is not: an RWC is a safety check, not a mechanical warranty or a statement about the car’s overall condition.

4. Inspect in daylight, and inspect cold

Overcast daylight shows panel and paint differences that a showroom light or an evening viewing will hide. Look along the panels at a shallow angle for ripples or mismatched colour. Check that panel gaps are even on both sides.

Where you can, look at the car before it has been started for the day. A cold start reveals smoke, rattles and hesitation that disappear once the engine is warm.

5. Make the test drive count

Fifteen minutes around the block is not enough. Try to include a mix of stop-start traffic and a stretch at highway speed. Along the way:

  • Brake firmly once in a safe, clear spot — listen for grinding and feel for pulsing through the pedal
  • Find an empty car park and turn the wheel to full lock in both directions, listening for clicking
  • Turn the stereo off for a few minutes and just listen
  • Check every electrical item — windows, mirrors, air conditioning, indicators, reversing camera

6. Consider an independent inspection

If you are buying privately and you are not confident assessing a car yourself, a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic is money well spent. Any seller confident in their vehicle will have no issue with one.

7. Know your rights

Buying from a licensed dealer carries consumer protections that a private sale does not — including cooling-off provisions and, for eligible vehicles, a statutory used car warranty. The exact conditions depend on the age and kilometres of the vehicle, so ask the dealer to explain what applies to the specific car you are considering.

Have a question about a car on our floor?

Every vehicle we sell is workshop-checked before it reaches the floor, and we are happy to walk you through its history. Browse our current stock or get in touch and we will answer honestly — including when a car is not the right fit for you.