Used Car Buying Tips

Buying a used car can sometimes be trickier than buying a new car, especially if you're not a car expert.

Used car buying tips

Research the type of car you want to purchase, and make yourself aware of the basic facts so that you know what your car should have. Dealing with a private seller. You can ask as many or as few questions as you like, but as a bare minimum ask the following questions

• Why are you selling it?
• How long have you owned the car?
• How many owners has the car had?
• How many kilometres has it done?
• Do you have a full service history for the car?
• Does the seller actually own the car?
• Has it ever been in a crash?
• Is it garaged?

You are trying to establish a basic history of the car, and what kind of life it has had. This will give you an insight into potential problems the car may experience in the future. For example, a high mileage car with many past owners suggests it has had a rough life, where a low mileage car with one owner (even if the car's ten years old) suggests that person took care of the car.

Vehicle checks

• As a general rule, buy the newest car with the lowest number of kilometres you can afford. Try to avoid looking at cars on rainy days, because it can hide imperfections in the paint that could indicate previous panel damage.
• If a car has been properly serviced, it should be in reasonable mechanical condition. New cars come with a handbook, with pages that are filled in at each service.
• Vehicle inspection reports can help give peace of mind when buying a car privately. However there are some things that you can look out for yourself. DIY Inspection
• Licensed dealers are obliged to guarantee that no money is owing on the car, it has not been de-registered due to parking fines or previously declared a wreck. If a car turns out to be stolen, the purchase price must be refunded by the dealer.
• If buying privately, check with your state transport authority (see table below). This will tell you if a car has been reported stolen, written off by an insurance company, there is money owing on it or if the rego has been canceled due to unpaid fines.

Platinum Protection Pack

There are many traps that buyers can fall into when purchasing a used vehicle from a private seller, a non franchise dealer or auction. This is why we have created Platinum Protection Pack! For just $195.00 you receive the following:

Marshall's Vehicle Inspection

This is a sighting inspection performed by one of Australia's most respected roadside automotive battery providers. They will check and verify all vehicle identifiers and take photo's for the financier.

V Check

This checks original vehicle identification details and history including first date of registration, transfer history, and purpose of use, odometer readings at transfer where available. it also details stolen status, written-off status, and effective date of registration.

Register of Encumbered Vehicles, REVS check

Checks for money owing on the vehicle.

At Platinum Direct Finance, we want all our clients to enjoy their new vehicle purchase and with the help of the Platinum Protection Pack, its the first step towards making a successful purchase.

Helpful Links

• NSW - Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA)
• VIC - VIC Roads
• QLD - Department of Main Roads
• WA - Dept of Planning and Infrastructure
• SA - Transport SA
• NT - NT Transport and Infrastructure
• TAS - Transport Tasmania
• ACT - ACT Territory and Municipal Services

Stamp Duty

Consider the additional cost of stamp duty / transfer fees when you're working out the total cost of the purchase.

Get started today!

Save time, hassle and money! Take the first step towards a Fleet Discount and call us today on 1300 554 553 or complete our friendly enquiry form and we'll help you save money on your next car purchase.