According to a 2024 survey, more than 71% of Australians prefer buying used cars (Find My Car, 2024). If you’re interested in buying second-hand for your next car, this list of 6 important tips for buying a used car can help you protect yourself against scams and get better outcomes.
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Before you go shopping for a used car, it’s important to do some research and understand what type of car will suit your needs. Ask yourself questions like “What size of car will I need? What running costs can I manage?”. There are a lot of unique options available in the second-hand car market and this will help you to narrow down your search.
Once you have an idea of the type of cars that will suit your needs, it’s time to start comparing models in your budget. To do this, you will need to know key specs such as engine type, fuel economy and features. This process will help you to further narrow down your search making it easier to act fast once you find the right car for sale.
Now it’s time to start looking. Begin your search by googling for “second-hand (desired car make and model) for sale”. You can also use platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, as well as local used car dealerships.
Bonus Tip: A lot of new car dealerships will have stock available from car trade-ins. This can be a great way to get a used car that’s in good condition, especially if you are looking for a specific make or model.
Unlike new cars that have lots of stock, second-hand cars are unique and once they’re sold, that’s it. To avoid missing out, go prepared for any test drive or appointment. This way, if you find the right car you can act fast.
Important documents you will need to bring include a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance (if required by the seller).
Bonus Tip: Bring a pen and paper or use your phone to take notes and photos when shopping for a used car.
Just like you would with a rental car, it’s important to document any visible damage, scratches or irregularities on a second-hand car before taking it for a test drive. A great way to do this is by taking photos on your phone. This way they will be time stamped and you can be protected from being blamed for pre-existing damage following your test drive. You also don’t want to purchase the car without being aware of any defects or problems that you may need to fix later. Some lesser known things to check are the lights, wipers and any features in the car such as air temperature control, heated seats or entertainment systems.
During these checks, it’s also important to assess if the car is the right fit for you. Examine the boot space, test out the seat comfortability and ensure you are able to adjust the car’s settings for your comfort. Things like your seat position when driving, mirrors and how easily you can reach controls and pedals will all make a huge difference to your experience so you want to know that you can find the right fit.
Ready to take it for a test drive? Before you hit the gas, ensure to set your seat to the right height and position and adjust your mirrors to the appropriate setting.
During your test drive, it’s a good idea to test driving in different conditions. This means driving both city streets and highways if possible. Throughout your drive, test acceleration, braking and cornering to see how the vehicle handles. You may also look to try some bumps and uneven roads.
Throughout the test drive, it’s important to consider how you feel in the car. A car is a big purchase and you want to know that you’re 100% happy with the vehicle you’ll be driving.
Some ways to do this are by:
Because second-hand cars are usually one of one, it can feel like there is a lot of pressure to make a decision in the moment. But don’t be afraid to take your time and compare notes. It’s better to walk away and consider your options than sign on the spot and be locked into a bad deal.
If you’re looking for a certain model, you may also wish to check online for other deals or look at what options are available, such as a demo model, before committing to anything completely.
The best tip for shopping for a used car that we can offer you is to not be afraid to ask questions. Asking about topics like warranty, servicing and other on-road costs can help you to avoid scams and falling into the wrong deal. You should also clarify any special features or concerns that you noticed. This will give the seller the opportunity to provide you with more information that could be very valuable when considering a decision.
Bonus Tip: Before agreeing to purchase any used car it’s essential to run a PPSR (Personal Property Securities) check first. The check costs just $2 and protects you from scams by sharing important information you need to know about the car you plan on buying. For example, it will tell you if there’s money owing on a car, if it’s been written off or if it’s been reported stolen.
Know your car finance budget. Shop with confidence.
Read our most frequently asked questions below to learn more about buying a used car.
To verify a seller and vehicle ownership, look to see if the seller’s ID matches the registration certificate. We also recommend doing a PPSR check. This is a government resource that allows you to know if there’s any money owing on a car or if it’s been written off or reported stolen.
A PPSR check costs only $2 but could save you thousands of dollars by avoiding used car scams. It allows you to confirm important information about the car you plan to buy before purchasing. For example, it will tell you if there are any outstanding debts on the car, if the car has been written off, or if the car has been reported stolen.
No. Just because you’ve told the dealer that you are interested in buying a car does not mean you are obligated to go through with the sale. The only time that you have to buy a car is once you’ve signed a contract.
Yes. Our conditional pre-approval can give you the confidence to know how much you can borrow, so you can buy the right car when you find it. Most new applications are processed with conditional approval on the same day during normal business hours once all supporting information required has been provided2.
See our car loan pre-approval page for more information on how this process works.
$3,000 - $25,000
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