Buying a used car can be a difficult process for anybody to navigate.
Thankfully, there are simple steps to ensure you know what traps to avoid, what checks to do, and what your rights are as a potential buyer.
See below for more information on how to make buying a used car the kind of decision you never regret.
Don’t wait for a problem before asking for help: Victorian consumers can call Consumer Affairs Victoria at any time.
Common problemsthat might arise when purchasing a car include:
To avoid purchasing a car with a defect, it’s best to request the vehicle’s service history, undertake a mechanical inspection, check the car’s roadworthy and registration status, check the age of the car, and purchase a sensible insurance policy. Find out more about what to do before purchasing a used car.
The rules about buying used cars depend on who is doing the selling. The law is different if you purchase from a licensed dealer, a private seller, online, at auction, rent-to-buy, through a novated lease agreement, or through a broker.
There are laws to protect you when purchasing a used car. You can speak to Consumer Affairs Victoria at any time about your rights. The relevant legislation in Victoria is the Motor Car Traders Legislation and Regulations as well as Australian consumer legislation.
If you encounter something you believe may be unlicensed motorcar trading, please report it directly to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Consumer Affairs Victoria takes calls from Victorians every day. They can help with most issues to do with motor car trading, including licensed traders, defects, and how a contract of sale might work. Check out their website for more information.
You can find legal information and may be eligible for free legal advice from Victoria Legal Aid or from your local community legal centre
Otherwise, you can seek help from a private lawyer using the Find Your Lawyer Referral Service. All law firms included in the service provide a free 30-minute interview.
