QLD Car Care

things you needto know to stayon the road & earning

What To Look For When Buying A Used Car

August 06, 2024

Summary: When buying a used car, it’s crucial to conduct a quality check on the advert before contacting the seller to avoid scams and low-quality sellers. Verify the seller’s profile on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and check reviews if buying from a dealer to ensure authenticity.

Look for detailed ads and avoid those with insufficient information. Verify the car’s existence and condition by arranging an in-person inspection and test drive. When dealing with dealerships, ensure the ad details match the actual car to avoid buying a problematic vehicle.

These steps help you make an informed decision and reduce the risk of encountering scams or hidden issues.

Quality check from the advert before you contact the seller when buying a used car

Before you purchase a used car, it’s best to do a quality check on the advert before you speak to the seller.

Fake sellers account for around 70% of used car sales scams. They often advertise vehicles they don’t own, at prices that sound too good to be true.

We come across so many frustrated customers talking about all of the different scams across the Facebook Marketplace and socials. This also happens a lot with dealerships needing to be more authentic and genuine.

By conducting a quality check beforehand, you are going to be filtering out the scams and low-quality sellers to ensure that you are going to avoid ending up buying someone else’s problem, or a big mistake that will cost you in the future.

So, when looking to buy a used car, we always recommend doing a quality check beforehand. Here are some further things you can include in your quality check.

Look at the sellers profiles if it’s from Facebook

When shopping for a used car online, be smart in your approach to avoid scams. To make your Facebook Marketplace experience successful and stress-free, make sure to check the seller’s Facebook profile.

Check through their history and friends list to determine authenticity, you can likely find if they are fake or not. We come across so many of these dodgy profiles, and it’s fairly easy to identify them. If buying a car from a dealer, search for reviews and recommendations outside of Facebook and be sure the dealer’s name matches what is on Facebook.

By doing this, again you are saving yourself from being scammed and putting yourself into a good position to buy a good used car.

Be smart in your approach to avoid scams to make buying a used car from Facebook Marketplace a successful and stress-free experience.

Find out if they have any other adverts

When purchasing a used car, it’s important to be thorough in checking various ads and cautious of potential scams. Checking car adverts is also crucial as it helps you understand the market value of your preferred used car and spot any red flags.

Pay attention to ads with comprehensive information about used cars, as this transparency helps you know what you are getting.

We suggest avoiding ads with insufficient information to prevent buying a car that does not meet your expectations.

Ads with insufficient information might also indicate that the seller is not committed to providing potential buyers with all the relevant information. Such ads could also be a sign of a scam.

Fake advertisements often appear on genuine car sales websites, classifieds, and online auction sites claiming to offer used cars for lower-than-expected prices, but sometimes the cars don’t exist.

With the current hot used car market, scammers are likely trying to make a quick buck. If a deal for a car seems too good to be true, it probably is. We recommend you never buy a car without seeing it or having it independently tested.

If possible, arrange to see the car in person before you make a purchase. Approach in-person meetings with caution by having a friend or family member accompany you and meet in a neutral public place.

To avoid scams, always verify the car’s existence and condition before purchasing, and take precautions when meeting sellers.

Dealerships have an increased chance of used selling cars with problems

Dealers sometimes sell cars with problems to try and flip them for profit, often without knowing the bad condition. Scammers can also pose as dealers and take unsuspecting buyer’s money.

Dealerships can sometimes sell vehicles with known problems, this is referred to as “selling a lemon.” However, buying from a dealership will come with consumer guarantees, ensuring the car you’re buying is as advertised.

Verify that the information in the dealership ad matches to help ensure you’re not buying a car with undisclosed problems.

Be cautious when buying from dealerships and always verify the car’s details to avoid purchasing a problematic vehicle.

Get more information and track repair work from private used car sellers

If you buy from a private seller, usually the seller lets you test drive and tell you about the history of the vehicle, however, you have no guarantee of their truthfulness.

You need to take extra care if you decide not to buy a car from a licensed motor dealer or auction, as a private seller is not bound by consumer guarantees. When you buy privately, ensure the car is not stolen by contacting your local police station and giving them the VIN number, registration number and engine number. Also, check if the car is registered and has a current safety certificate.

Checking these details are crucial as buying privately means you are not entitled to the normal protection of the cooling-off period or a statutory warranty. If you do purchase the car through a private seller and something goes wrong there isn’t much you can do. This means you do have to take the opportunity to thoroughly scrutinise the car and determine if it is a good purchase.

Regardless of where you buy your new car, there are some things you should always check before your decision. When buying from private sellers, thoroughly verify the car’s legality and condition to avoid issues.

Do an authenticity check on the car and seller before buying a used car

Be wary of purchasing a car you haven’t seen in person. If you purchase a vehicle online from overseas or in another state, consumer protection laws may not apply or may offer only limited protection.

Dealing directly with the existing car owner comes with more risk as you won’t be protected by Australian Consumer Law. This is also the case when buying from an auction house where the car is being sold on behalf of the owner.

It’s important to know that pre-existing damage is not covered by auto insurance. Pre-existing damage could be minor, like scratches and dents, but it could also be serious and signal a past accident about which the seller may not be forthcoming.

Sellers should be honest about pre-existing damage, ensure photos and descriptions match, and offer a fair price.

It might be worth getting the VIN from the seller to purchase a CARFAX or other VIN-based history report to verify if the car has been in an accident before you meet in person to buy the car.

Buyers should be aware of scams, consider a VIN report, verify the car’s history, and stay safe during the transaction.

Verify your state’s DMV and insurance requirements before purchasing a new or used car to avoid potential fines, penalties or a licence and vehicle suspension.

If you decide to buy a car online advertised by a private seller, ensure the registration plate, car identification and engine numbers match the details you obtained through the vehicle status check. Also physically inspect the car and take it for a test drive before you buy it.

We recommend you always verify the car’s details and inspect it in person to ensure authenticity and avoid potential issues.

Check the rego online for used cars

Getting a rego check before making a second-hand car purchase in Queensland is absolutely essential.

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads legally requires that all motor vehicles on public roads in the state must be registered.

Driving an unregistered vehicle is not only illegal but jeopardises the safety of the car driver and its passengers.

A free registration check can be done via the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ website or app to verify the vehicle’s registration status, registry date and expiry date.

If the vehicle is unregistered, obtain a valid receipt of sale from the seller, detailing the seller’s name, address and all vehicle identification details.

Always check the vehicle’s registration status online to ensure it’s legally allowed on the roads and to avoid safety issues.

Ask some authenticity questions

It is important to ask the right questions when you buy your next used car especially when buying privately.

Whether you’re buying privately or through a more legitimate source, there are certain questions you can ask to safeguard yourself against purchasing a lemon.

Ask questions like “Is it free from debt? Is it stolen? Has it been written off?” Thankfully, this is an easy one to answer. Dealerships and auction houses must guarantee that there is no money owing on any vehicle they sell. For private purchases, you can perform a car search on our website. Simply enter the VIN to get a comprehensive car history and PPSR check. Other questions to ask include:

It is important to ask the right questions when you buy your next used car especially when buying privately.

Whether you’re buying privately or through a more legitimate source, there are certain questions you can ask to safeguard yourself against purchasing a lemon.

What is the odometer reading?
Are there any records of accidents and repairs?
Have you experienced any mechanical issues with the car?
Where has the car been serviced?
Have all logbook services been carried out and stamped?
Can you provide the car’s service history?
Does the car have a current Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)?
Can I get a mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection?
Are you the car’s first owner?
Why are you selling the car?
Is the car still under manufacturer warranty?
Can you provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
Is the car registered and can I see the registration papers?

It’s important to ask thorough questions before handing over your hard-earned money to protect yourself from buying a problematic car.

Get a copy of the roadworthy certificate

A copy of a roadworthy certificate is important paperwork for buying a used car.

An RWC is required for vehicle registration and transfer of ownership in most Australian states, ensuring the car meets the minimum safety standards.

If the car is registered then the seller must provide (at their expense) a current roadworthy certificate. This certificate certifies the car meets the requirements for it to be on the road.

However it is not proof the car is mechanically sound so make sure you also have a detailed conversation with the owner about maintenance records before buying a used car.

A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic can also reveal hidden defects not obvious during a test drive. Also knowing if the car is still under manufacturer warranty can save you from unexpected repair costs.

Ensure the car has a current RWC and consider a pre-purchase inspection for peace of mind and informed decision-making.

Check the registration is the same person you are dealing with

Ensure that the person selling you the car isn’t taking you for a ride. You must take a look at the Queensland registration certificate or vehicle registration notice.

This information will confirm that the seller is the rightful owner. While you might love the idea of a charming old car with a story, you don’t want that story to include a chapter where it was reported stolen or part of a dodgy deal. Check that the car’s details, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), engine number, and registration number, align with the vehicle in front of you.

Having the car inspected by a professional can offer an added layer of security, especially since private sellers might not be as thorough as licensed motor dealers in checking a vehicle’s history.

So, when it comes to what to do when buying a used car privately in QLD, arrange for a professional to verify everything. Before you hand over any cash.

Do a PPSR vehicle check

Now, let’s talk about the less glamorous but critical Personal Property Securities Register (PSSR) check. Conducting a PPSR check can uncover any hidden issues with the car. It is also affordable to do, we offer these on ASAP Roadworthys for $9.90.

A PSSR check can reveal if the car has had a shady past, such as unpaid debts, if it’s stolen, or if there’s any money owed on it. This helps confirm the car’s legitimacy and matches the details against the seller’s registration papers is a surefire way to make an informed decision.

Without a PPSR check, you risk buying a car with a shady history, which could lead to repossession or being responsible for outstanding debts.

So, do yourself a favour and ensure you’re not about to buy someone else’s problem by undertaking a PPSR check to make sure you aren’t buying a car with hidden issues.

Get a mechanical pre-purchase inspection on the used car

A Pre-Purchase Car Inspection can help you negotiate on price, potentially saving you big money!

Knowledge is power when it comes to purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. Our customers find having a pre-purchase inspection report is a powerful negotiating tool when buying a used vehicle.

A Pre-Purchase Car Inspection by an experienced technician takes the guesswork out of buying a car, ensuring you’re fully informed and empowered to make an educated purchase decision.

Get peace of mind and informed decision-making with a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection before buying a used car. It takes the guesswork out of buying a car and puts your mind at ease by relying on our comprehensive mechanical inspection.

Common scams and how to avoid them

Be aware of common scams when buying a used car. If you’re ever in doubt about a sale, or if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and walk away.

Watch out for scammers! Fake sellers, who account for around 70% of used car sales scams, will advertise vehicles they do not own, often at a price that sounds too good to miss. Scams include test drive scams, fake car ads, and requests for deposits.

Scammers often use stock photos or stolen photos from other listings. If you notice that the same cars appear in various locations across multiple listings, it’s a strong indication that the photos are not original.

Be cautious if a seller insists that the test drive is only for serious buyers. This tactic is designed to pressure you into deciding on the spot. Never agree to anything until you’re completely you’re 100% sure you want to buy the car.

They can also place fake car ad scams, which is pretty self-explanatory, someone will place a fake ad for a non-existent car, usually at an unbelievable price to get your money. If a deal for a car seems too good to be true, it probably is. They may also act interested and ask you to send a deposit for holding, never do this. Be safe out there.

To avoid scams, deal only with reputable dealerships or private sellers. If dealing with a private seller, see the car in person before committing. Bring a friend or family member, and get a vehicle history report to check for accidents or other issues.

With a hot used car market, scammers are likely out there trying to make a quick buck. Stay vigilant against scams, deal with reputable sellers, see the car in person, and obtain a vehicle history report to ensure a safe successful purchase.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to buying a used car which include saving you money compared to buying a new car. However, there are also a number of risks associated with buying a used vehicle from the condition and history of the vehicle to expired warranties and the potential for unseen damage.

Before you purchase a car, it’s essential to do a quality check on the advert before you speak to the seller and buy a new car. Many of our frustrated customers have reported scams across social media platforms and dealerships that are not always authentic or genuine.

By doing a quality check beforehand you filter out scams and lower-quality sellers, ensuring you don’t end up buying someone else’s problem or making costly mistakes with your hard-earned cash! So when looking for a used car, always start with a quality check.