Student Club

Buying a car is always a very exciting moment, especially if it is buying your first car. This causes emotional over-excitement, a moment of happiness from owning your own vehicle, and you have a feeling of freedom. You already imagine how you race along the ocean with your friends, a wave of hot air rushes into the open window, filling the whole car with the smell of the ocean. In this exciting moment, you lose vigilance, and you want to instantly buy a car to drive off into the sunset. The time has come to talk about how to make the right choice, so as not to end up in a bad situation. Of course, you must think twice and make your choice slowly and wisely.

  New or used?

Compare prices for a car in the appropriate price range;

Pay attention to fuel consumption;

Read the customers’ reviews of the pros and cons of the selected car;

Compare insurance prices;

Compare the description of the car with reality;

Check the air conditioner, brakes, headlights, windscreen washer, speakers and turn signals are all working;

Check the service book history: when did the last service take place, if it was conducted at all;

Look closely at the seller. If the seller does not inspire you with confidence, do not buy the car. If the seller is too pushy, politely refuse;

Do not rush your choice, learn in detail as much as you can about the car;

Go for a Test Drive;

If you are satisfied – buy it

Cost of the car

The Registration Transfer Fee

Compulsory Third Party Insurance

Roadside assistance (an annual membership NRMA provides with benefits)

A car history report (Personal Property Securities Registry (PPSR) – check financial debt)

Stamp duty (depends on state & territory and type of a car) The Cars Guide website provides a full range of information on stamp duty matters. It can be varying in different states and territories.

Road Tolls Insurance Registration Petrol or Diesel New parts & Repairs Service & Maintenance

You should know that all consumers are protected by the Australian Consumer Law. In this case, if you purchased a substandard car and the selling party refused to make a refund, you can make a complaint on the website of the agency that provides help in resolving disputes. In the table below you can find the consumer protection agencies in your area.

Australian Consumer Law Go to the website to find out your right and responsibilities (opens in a new window).

Australian Automobile Association Here you can write your story of buying a lemon (opens in a new window).

ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) ACCC provides a full range of information about buying a car (opens in a new window).