Used Car Buyers Checklist

o

Decide on your maximum price and stick to it!

Do you have any savings to contribute?

$

How much can you afford to borrow?

$

Total amount available

$

o

Remember to include transfer fees, stamp duty, insurance and registration in your budget – they can add up!

o

Don’t forget to factor running costs into your budget as well and beware, luxury, imported and high performance vehicles can be expensive to service, repair and insure.

o

Consider arranging your finance first, a pre-approved Car Loan can give you peace of mind; check out the interest rates and loan conditions; make sure the repayments fit within your budget.

o

Make sure the vehicle will meet your requirements; consider the kind of driving your will do – long distance or metro only, will you be towing, how many passengers or pets do you need to accommodate?

o

What make and model appeals to you?

o

Is it within your price range? Remember your budget. redbook.com.au lets you check out the market price of different cars as well as providing you with lots of extra information including technical information and green credentials.

o

Check fuel efficiency and if it is environmentally friendly. greenvehicleguide.gov.au not only gives you a green rating it also provides a safety rating on lots of vehicles.

o

Think about insurance; there are different forms of protection and choose a reliable trusted insurer. The cheapest policy is not always the best. To obtain an insurance quote and check that you and the vehicle are insurable by contacting us.

o

You can choose to buy privately, through a used vehicle dealership or from an auction; visit the car yards or search online.

o

Buying privately or at an auction can increase your bargaining power but remember you will not receive a warranty (unless it’s a dealer selling through an auction) and you won’t be able to trade in your existing motor vehicle.

o

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect car to suit your needs within your price range Car Search offers a free, independent service that does the leg work for you and will even help you get the best price.

o

Always arrange your inspection in daylight and try to avoid doing it in the rain. Some problems can be difficult to pick up in these conditions.

o

If buying privately, arrange your inspection at the sellers address. Don’t meet in a car park or similar place; its makes the seller hard to find later if your need to

o

Take a friend or relative with you when viewing cars privately, it’s safer and four eyes are better then two

o

Check the seller’s proof of identity and the car’s certificate of registration, note how much registration remains, as when its renewal time this can be expensive.

o

Check that the engine number, vehicle identification number (VIN – all 17 characters) and body number match the certificate of registration. Check that the numbers have not been altered or interfered with

o

Check that there is no money owed on the car; if there is a loan attached to it, the car can be repossessed leaving you out of pocket and without a car.

You will need the car’s registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number to obtain this information.

This service is generally provided by the Office of Fair Trading in the State the vehicle is registered in. Some will even be able to tell you if the vehicle has been stolen or written off in the past.

o

Don’t be afraid of asking the owner their reasons for selling the car, they might not want it for the same reasons you wouldn’t

o

Check if the owner has maintained car log books that will show you that the car has been regularly serviced and looked after by qualified mechanics

o

Inspect the body of the car for rust spots and accident damage. If you’re not sure of what you should be looking for examine that there is no paint bubbles, variation in paint colour, loose panels or panels that don’t fit properly.

o

Make sure that the boot, each door and window opens and closes securely, and that the locks are in working order

o

Look for signs of poor repair or cover up jobs like paint overspray, chips, dents or scratches, as these might catch up to you soon after the car is yours

o

Check out the tyres for tread, cracks, and uneven wear because these could indicate problems with steering or suspension. Don’t forget to include the spare tyre in your inspection (it’s usually found in the boot!)

o

Check out the suspension. Push down in one corner – if it bounces more than once, the shock absorbers could be worn.

o

The engine and mechanical workings of the car should look clean with no oil spots or signs of corrosion.

But beware, if the engine is spotless and obviously been cleaned beware-it may have been cleaned to hide something

o

Is the water in the radiator clear or green. Rusty water or low levels could mean problems.

o

Check the dipstick – the oil should be between the high and low markers and blackish. Grey or dirty oil can mean problems.

o

Have the car moved from where it may be parked to check that there is no oil leakage on the ground

o

Check out the upholstery, CD/radio, accessories and electrical devices to ensure they are in good working condition.

o

Ensure that the seatbelts retract and are in a good condition

o

Check the headlights, tail lights brakes and indicators to make sure they are working

o

Check the odometer reading to observe the number of kilometers that the car has traveled. This reading should correspond to a service log book.

o

Start the car up and let it idle. Listen for strange noises or knocking coming from the engine compartment.

Look at the dashboard and check for any warning lights

Rev it several times. Is there excessive noise or fumes are not coming from the exhaust, at the rear end of the car?

o

Before buckling up and getting too comfortable in the driver’s seat make sure the car has current registration and ask whether the car is insured so your covered if anything happens whilst it’s not your car

o

Listen out for rattling, or knocking noises as you accelerate as these could be signs that the engine and/or suspension is not working as well as it should be

o

Keep an eye out for overheating on the temperature gauge, where the needle is not centered this may indicate a fault

o

Test out the brakes, the pedal should feel firm on application. Whilst braking the steering wheel shouldn’t vibrate and the car should stop smoothly in a straight line

o

Check the car runs smoothly when driving at different speeds and that the gears change easily (both in manuals and automatics) without any abnormal whining or howling noise.

The car shouldn’t pull to one side when you relax your grip on the steering.

o

If in doubt – don’t buy it.

Consider getting a professional to look it over if you are not sure.

o

Arrange your motor vehicle insurance before you pick the car up. That way you are covered as soon as you’re behind the wheel.

o

Before you drive away:

make sure the old owner has given you all the keys including those for the ignition

ensure you have the registration papers completed and signed

check you have been given the service books

o

You must visit your nearest motor registry within 14 days to transfer the cars registration into your name. You will need you proof of your purchase, at least two forms of identification, and money to pay the stamp duty and transfer fee

Perform simple, regular checks on the car yourself such as checking the oil, that there is water in the windscreen washer compartment and that the wipers and lights work.

Keep up to date with routine maintenance and servicing to help make your car run more efficiently and keep it trouble-free. Every 10,000km or 12 months is typically recommended to have your car serviced

Not only is important to be able to look after your car mechanically but also financially. Create a budget where you allocate enough money to your car every week and be sure to keep on top of loan repayments