Tips When Buying a Second Hand Car

Benefits
September 3, 2024
By the Shevron Team

When buying a used car, it is important to do a test drive, check the vehicle’s history, and get an inspection from a licensed mechanic to avoid buying a lemon.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at these used car buying tips and more to help you buy a second-hand vehicle with confidence.

1. Determine Your Car Budget

When setting your budget for buying a used car, make sure to factors in these costs:

Unexpected repairs after the purchase
Transfer fees
Stamp duty
Registration
Insurance
Maintenance

2. Determine Dealerships vs Private Sale

Once you decide on your vehicle needs and budget, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons of buying a used car from a dealership vs. private sale.

If you choose to buy a used car privately, check your territory/state regulations regarding buying and selling used vehicles.

Here are some considerations when deciding between a dealer vs private sale:

Buying a used car through a private sale is usually cheaper
Buying a used car through a dealership allows you to arrange for dealer financing
Buying a used car privately doesn’t offer the same warranty and coverage as buying through a licensed dealer

3. Take a Test Drive

Always take a used car for a test drive before buying. Find a quiet road without heavy traffic so you can focus on driving and how the vehicle runs. Make sure the vehicle has adequate insurance before taking it for a test drive.

Before a test drive:

Match the engine number, number plates, VIN number, and the date of manufacture with the registration papers
Check the condition of the trim, carpets, and upholstery
Make sure the seats are comfortable and in good condition
Make sure all the electronics, the radio, lights, windows, locks, etc. work
Make sure the seatbelts work properly
Do a quick browse through the service logbook
Check for signs of rust under the bonnet and beneath the car
Check the boot
Make sure it has a spare tyre in good condition
Use a dipstick to check the oil to confirm it is a good colour (look for a consistent brownish/amber)
Check for any leaks, especially underneath the car
Open the oil filler cap to make sure there aren’t any fumes
Check under the bonnet for signs of oil or coolant leaks, grime or build-up in the engine

During the test drive, pay attention to these things:

Watch for any signs of leaks
Make sure there isn’t excessive exhaust noise, smoke, or fumes
Check for odd noises when the vehicle is running, such as rattling in the engine
Make sure all gears change smoothly
Make sure the engine accelerates, cruises, and decelerates smoothly (on uphill, downhill, and stretches of flat road)
Check for any warning lights on the dashboard
Check the temperature gauge occasionally
Listen for any odd knocking or rattling noises in the body of the vehicle
Make sure the steering wheel doesn’t have more than 5 cm of play and that the car doesn’t pull to one side
Make sure it has good rear visibility
Check the brakes (if no other cars are behind you) to make sure the brake pedal feels firm and the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side

4. Get a PPSR Check

I cannot stress this used car buying tip enough: Get a PPSR check (Personal Property Securities Register) for private sales.

Next to taking the car for a test drive, this is one of the most crucial ways to protect yourself when buying a used car.

A PPSR check will make sure:

The owner doesn’t owe money on the vehicle
It hasn’t been a write-off
The seller is the actual owner of the vehicle (to make sure it isn’t a stolen vehicle)
The car hasn’t had any major repairs you aren’t aware of

You can easily get a PPSR Check on the Official PPSR site. Have the chassis number of VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on hand.

5. Get an Inspection

Along with a test drive, interior check-over, and checking the service history, set up an independent vehicle inspection with a licensed mechanic.

A mechanic may find evidence of a previous accident or other issues that indicate serious problems with the vehicle. You can then use this knowledge to decide against buying the vehicle or adjust the price you’re willing to pay for it.

5. Pay Attention to Maintenance

How many kilometres the vehicle has been driven is a crucial factor to consider. But it is also important to know how those kilometeres were travelled.

A vehicle with 25,000 kilometres that was regularly serviced, had proper tyre tread maintained, and was used for simple city driving will likely be in better shape than a vehicle with fewer kilometres that was poorly cared for.

7. Ask the Right Questions

Here are some helpful questions to ask before buying a used car:

Why are you selling?
Can I see the service logbook, registration certificate, and other paperwork?
How many owners has it had?
What did you use the car for?
Can I take it to a mechanic for an inspection? (Make sure you get a ‘yes’ to this question)
Can I take it for a test drive?
Is there anything wrong with it?
Does it have any safety features?
Was it ever involved in any crashes?
Is it currently registered and insured?
Do you have a valid roadworthy certificate?

8. Check the Tyres

Australia requires vehicles to have a minimum of 1.5mm of tread on the tyres to be legally roadworthy.

Tyres that are below this minimum are a red flag. It may indicate the seller did not properly maintain the vehicle. You’ll also have to spend money on a new set of tyres if you do purchase the car.

Tyre wear can also indicate serious issues with the car. For instance, front tyres with uneven wear could be a sign of wheel misalignment. Back tyres with uneven wear may be a result of a warped chassis.

Bought a Used Car? The Next Steps

When buying a used car, here are the next steps:

Fill out the transfer of registration on the back of the rego form (compare the seller’s driver’s licence to the registration papers to make sure the name matches)
Always get a written receipt for the sale that features: both of your full names, the make, model, and VIN, the purchase price, and both of your signatures
Exchange the payment for the keys
Pay your transfer and stamp duty
Transfer the registration to your name at your local government road authority
Make sure you obtain an RWC on transfer if your state requires it
Arrange insurance before you drive it anywhere

Here are other helpful tips we put together on what to do next: New Vehicle Checklist: 8 Must-Dos Post-Purchase.

We also have a guide on making an old car look new again so you can have your used car purchase looking great: Tips to Make Your Old Car Look New Again.

If you need personalised advise for accessorising your car, give us a call at (08) 9451 4155, email us at sales@shevron.com.au, or fill out our online form and we’d be happy to offer product recommendations for your vehicle.