Find and buy a used car
It can be very easy to get ripped off when buying a used car, follow the guide below to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Outcome
To find and buy a used car safely and without getting ripped off
Let's start with why this is important:
- buying a used car is not a simple task and it can be easy for you to be ripped off
- used cars are cheaper and more affordable than new cars
Information
You can buy a car from a licensed vehicle dealer where you will have a warranty and a guarantee of the car. However, it can be more expensive and many people choose to buy their car privately. You can find a car privately via a simple Google search. Remember buying a car privately has a greater risk of being scammed or ripped off. It is always safer to buy with a licensed vehicle dealer.
It is important to know the law that applies to you when you buy a new car, watch the video below to learn all about buying a car and the law.
For video transcript, click here.
Before buying a new car, check out how safe it is with this website.
Checklist for when you have found a car you like with a private seller
- Ask to see the vehicle's service history. Regular servicing by a qualified mechanic, according to the manufacturer's specifications, makes mechanical problems less likely
- Before buying a used car from a private seller, where possible, it is best to physically sight the car and the chassis number or the vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help you avoid being scammed. To check the vehicle status, visit the PPSR quick motor vehicle search website. Fees apply.
- Before you buy a used car, consider having it inspected by the RACV's independent vehicle inspection service, or a Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) member, or an independent qualified mechanic.
If a licensed trader or private seller does not agree to any of these requests, consider not buying the car.
What to do next
Transfer registration
When you buy a car you need to transfer the registration from the old owner to the new, here is all you need to know about the process.
Buying car insurance
Make sure you are insured before you drive off in your new car
You do not have to purchase insurance through a licensed motor car trader; it may be cheaper to arrange your own. Contact other insurance companies to compare the cost of insurance (the premium) and policy coverage.
Premiums vary between car makes and models. Insurance may be more expensive for cars bought under finance and for modified sports cars. You may also pay more if you or someone under the age of 25 will be driving the car.
What to do next
Buy and transfer a registered vehicle
VicRoads guide to buying and transferring a registered vehicle.
Government website outline the steps of buying a used car
All Transport
