new car buying guide
Buying a new car can be an overwhelming experience with so many considerations. This booklet is designed to assist consumers through the entire car experience - what type of car to buy, where and how to purchase, and important things to consider while making your decision. The booklet also suggests a number of steps you can take to protect yourself and lists various agencies that can assist you along the way.
The hard work doesn’t stop once you have purchased a vehicle. Maintaining a car is also a big responsibility and is as important as driver safety. An unsafe car is as dangerous as an unsafe driver. The car buyer’s handbook suggestsways to approach maintaining and repairing your vehicle.
What type of car do you want to buy?
The type of car you want to buy depends on your own The type of car you want to buy depends on your own personal taste and needs, and your budget. A farmer may need a vehicle that will handle difficult and rugged terrain A tradesperson may need a vehicle that will transport all of their tools. A university student may need a cheap yet reliable car to get them from university to work.
Whatever your needs and personal taste, buying a car is like any other serious purchase – deciding on the most you want to spend will help narrow down the options and make choosing easier.
When planning your budget, don’t forget the extra costs like stamp duty, yearly registration, the cost to transfer the registration, insurance and, of course, regular maintenance and repairs.
Buying a car privately
Buying a car privately involves relying on your own judgement and knowledge. tou can arrange for a vehicle inspection at your own cost but there are no statutory warranties. Also, making sure that vehicle is not encumbered, stolen or de-registerd is the responsibility of the buyer.
Always ask the seller for, and note down, the information listed below. Ensure the information shown in the paperwork matches what is on the actual car.• The current certificate of registration.• Proof that the person selling the car is the owner eg. asales receipt or driver’s licence to help identify the seller.• The registration number.• The engine number.• The VIN (vehicle identification number) or chassis number.
Buying from a car market
Car markets bring buyers and sellers together in the oneplace without the need to drive all over town. However, youare still buying ‘privately’ and therefore need to rely on yourown judgement and knowledge. There will be no guaranteeof title or warranties supplied. They are often temporary situations and have become an outlet for backyard operatorsto dispose of substandard vehicles, or even possibly stolen vehicles.
Where to buy a car
There are a number of options available in terms of where Buying a new car can be an overwhelming experience with you can buy a car. They each have their advantages and so many considerations. This booklet is designed to assist disadvantages.
1. Buying from a car dealership
Buying a car from a licensed motor vehicle dealership is the safest way to purchase a car and provides many advantages. Unlike buying privately, the dealer has an obligation to guarantee that there is no money owing on the car. In certain conditions the dealer is also obliged by law to provide a warranty, which gives you great peace of mind.
Also the dealer often provides the opportunity to trade inyour old car. However, you may not get as much money trading-in your car as you would if selling it privately. Unlike buying from an auction, you get to test drive the car and make sure it has the power and features you require. Finance can also be obtained through most licensed car dealers again saving time and headaches.
2. Buying a car from an auction
The benefit of buying a car at auction is that you could pick up a real bargain. The cars come from situations that include deceased estates and repossessed vehicles, and quite often are in satisfactory condition.
The risk with buying at auction is that the cars are not covered by a statutory warranty and generally the auction house will not allow a test drive. You can arrange an independent vehicle inspection at your own cost but not on the day of the auction.Most auction houses will require a 10% deposit or $500 at the fall of the hammer.
