When buying a used car, budget may be the first thing you think about, but you also need to consider:
- The makes and models you like
- Fuel consumption versus performance i.e. the higher the performance, the higher the fuel consumption
- Running costs – high tech and luxury imported models can be expensive to service, repair and insure, so check spare parts costs and insurance premiums; and
- Your needs – think about whether you use your car just for getting from A to B or for more long-distance travel. Also, will it be garaged or parked on the street? Consider how many passengers you usually carry; if you need power to tow a trailer or boat; or if you need space for work materials or sports gear.
Step 1: Get an inspection
While most of our cars have been inspected for any major mechanical problems, it’s in your best interests to get the car checked before you buy. Sydney Vehicle Inspections offer an "ONSITE'' visual inspection service which is independent and thorough, providing you with a detailed description and condition report of the vehicle.
Step 2: Ways to pay
The general rule about borrowing money is the longer you take to pay it off, the more you pay. Only borrow as much as you need, and don’t over commit. Try and pay by cash or bank cheque and you will get an official Form 4 or Form 8 dealers receipt from us. Generally, when you’re buying a vehicle, any agreement you make is verbal. But to avoid any confusion later on, always leave a deposit which will secure the vehicle and you can pay as little as possible.
Step 3: Transferring registration
The registration has to be transferred from the seller to the buyer. It’s your responsibility as the buyer to make sure the registration is transferred according to the law. The Form 8 buyer's receipt and the completed application for transfer must be taken to the RTA within 14 days of purchase or a late surcharge of $86 will be charged.
Step 4: Warranty
With a Form 4, you get a dealers warranty in NSW and ACT on any defects which occur within three months or 5000km (whichever occurs first) if the car is less than 10 years old or done under 160,000km. A Form 8, has no statutory warranty but a standard used car warranty applies. The dealer is not under obligation to repair certain items that don't affect safety (ie. air conditioning, Radio/CD).
Essential numbers and websites
– To check no money is owed on the car call 9633 6333 (Sydney); 1800 424 988 (outside
Sydney).
– For all registration and pink slip enquiries call 13 22 13 (NSW); 6207 7000 (ACT)
– For free legal advice on your rights as a buyer call 8741 6280 (Sydney); 1800 427 426
(outside Sydney)
– For advice on what car best suits your needs, or any mechanical or car buying questions
– The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) gives consumers consistent information on the level of occupant protection provided by vehicles in serious crashes.
– Provides pricing and identification data to the automotive insurance and finance industries as well as to many web sites and is the pre-eminent operator in this field.
- Find used car values using the free car valuation tool at carsales.com.au
– A convenient on-line directory to assist you to compare CTP Green Slip prices in NSW. Find the cheapest price, obtain a green slip quote and buy with a minimum of fuss
– Facilitates a fair and efficient motor vehicle repair industry in which repairers are
appropriately equipped and trained to achieve effective and safe repairs at a reasonable
cost to consumers.
For further questions or information please feel free to contact us for assistance.
