Tips for Buying Used Vehicles
TIME TO BUY A VEHICLE? TIPS TO BUYING RIGHT.
THERE WILL BE A TIME WHEN EVERY APPRENTICE OR TRADIE NEEDS A VEHICLE TO SUIT THEIR NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS. THE FOLLOWING TIPS WILL ASSIST IN FINDING THE CORRECT VEHICLE.
A TRADESMAN IS AS ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS TOOLS. THE VEHICLE YOU SELECT CAN MAKE OR BREAK A BUSINESS. NO MATTER HOW BIG YOUR BOX OF EXPENSIVE TOOLS IS, THEY ARE USELESS IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE JOB SITE WITH A RELIABLE VEHICLE THAT IS FITTED OUT AND READY TO GO.
FIT FOR PURPOSE
MANY PEOPLE OUTWEIGH THE REQUIREMENTS OF A TRADESMAN’S VEHICLE FOR AESTHETIC DESIRE. YOU REALLY WANT A 4X4 WITH A 2 INCH LIFT, RUNNING ON 33INCH MUDDIES, BECAUSE IT LOOKS TOUGH. SURE, YOU WILL BE THE ENVY OF ALL THE YOUNGER GUYS DESIRING TO BE AROUND YOUR “TRUCK”. LET’S BE HONEST THOUGH. YOU NEVER GO OFF ROAD, AND IT’S HARDLY PRACTICAL WHEN YOU NEED A SMALL LADDER TO GRAB THE LARGE LADDER FROM THE RACKING. YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING AT FEATURES LIKE TIE DOWNS, LADDER RACK, TOOL BOXES, CANOPY, TOWBAR, STORAGE SPACE? IF IT’S NOT FITTED, WHAT’S THE COST OF HAVING IT ALL ADDED?
IT’S USUALLY FAR CHEAPER TO BUY A VEHICLE WITH THE SETUP ALREADY INSTALLED THAN HAVING TO SPEND MONEY AND TIME AFTERWARDS FITTING IT. CAN THE EXTRA REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY FOR YOUR TRADE BE ADDED BY THE SELLER QUICKLY AND WITHIN YOUR BUDGET?
DO YOU NEED AN AUTOMATIC FOR LOTS OF CITY DRIVING? HOW ABOUT GETTING A DIESEL FOR FUEL ECONOMY AND TORQUE? DOES THE VEHICLE HAVE ENOUGH CARRYING CAPACITY, AND IS THE TOWBAR RATING APPROPRIATE? HOW MANY CYLINDERS? QLD REGISTRATION IS EXPENSIVE, SO PICKING A 4 CYLINDER MIGHT SAVE YOU A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT.
DEALER OR PRIVATE PURCHASE
THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY YOU WILL PICK ONE OVER THE OTHER. BUYING PRIVATE IS GENERALLY CHEAPER. THERE ARE NO SALESMEN TO PUSH YOU INTO SOMETHING YOU DON’T WANT OR NEED. YOU CAN SOMETIMES NEGOTIATE A CHEAPER DEAL WITH A PRIVATE SELLER ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE CASH.
DEALERS HAVE MANY POSITIVES THOUGH. THEY WILL GIVE YOU A TAX INVOICE TO ENABLE YOU TO CLAIM COSTS BACK THROUGH YOUR TAX RETURN. YOU CAN ALSO CLAIM THE GST BACK, IF YOU ARE AN ABN HOLDER THAT IS REGISTERED FOR GST. THAT’S IN EFFECT, A 10% DISCOUNT OFF THE ASKING PRICE! YOU CANNOT DO THIS WITH A PRIVATE SALE. DEALERS CAN PROVIDE A WARRANTY, AND ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT NOT COVER EVERYTHING, IT’S A FAR BETTER OPTION THAN HAVING NOTHING. DEALERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO SELL YOU A VEHICLE THAT IS FIT FOR PURPOSE AS PER THE CONSUMER LAW.
IMPORTANTLY THEY ALSO BY LAW, MUST GUARANTEE TITLE. THERE ARE MANY VEHICLES FOR SALE PRIVATELY THAT HAVE MONEY OWING AND/OR MAY BE A REPAIRABLE WRITE OFF. NOT TO MENTION A BUCKET LOAD OF VEHICLES WITH QUESTIONABLE ODOMETER READINGS.
GAINING FINANCE IS POSSIBLE ON A PRIVATE PURCHASE IF THE VEHICLE MEETS THE OFTEN STRICT UNSECURED LOAN CRITERIA AND USUALLY INVOLVES A VEHICLE INSPECTION BEFORE THE LENDER APPROVES THE LOAN. DEALER FINANCE HOWEVER IS MUCH EASIER AND OFTEN AT A CHEAPER INTEREST RATE, AND WHEN BUYING FROM A HIGHLY RECOGNISED MOTOR DEALER THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS WILL GO MUCH QUICKER AND WITH LESS HASSLE.
BUDGET/FINANCE
HAVE YOU SAVED UP ENOUGH FOR A CASH PURCHASE OR DO YOU NEED FINANCE? IF FINANCE IS YOUR ONLY OPTION, HOW IS YOUR CREDIT HISTORY? IF YOU HAVE ANY SMALL DEBTS OR BAD HISTORY, YOU SHOULD CLEAR THEM UP BEFORE APPLYING FOR FINANCE. MULTIPLE HITS ON YOUR CREDIT FILE WILL MEAN LESS CHANCE OF SECURING A LOAN AT A GOOD RATE. THE LATEST CRACK DOWN ON CREDIT PROVIDERS HAS TIGHTENED THE STRINGS FOR LENDERS AND BROKERS, SO ENSURE YOU GIVE THEM THE BEST CHANCE IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. APPLYING WITH AN ABN WILL GIVE YOU BETTER OPTIONS WITH LOW OR NO DOCUMENT QUICK APPROVAL FINANCE OFTEN AVAILABLE.
FIND A REPUTABLE FINANCE BROKER. ANY FINANCE PROVIDER THAT QUOTES A RATE OR REPAYMENTS WITHOUT TAILORING IT TO YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION MEANS YOU WILL BE PAYING TOO MUCH! SHOP AROUND, BUT DON’T ALLOW THEM TO CREDIT CHECK YOU UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO GO.
ROADWORTHINESS
BUYING A REGISTERED VEHICLE IN QLD REQUIRES THE SELLER TO HAVE A CURRENT SAFETY CERTIFICATE. IF THE PRIVATE SELLER SAYS, “WILL SELL WITH A SAFETY CERTIFICATE” ENSURE IT IS DONE BEFORE YOU PLACE A DEPOSIT. HOW ARE THE BRAKES, TYRES, OIL LEAKS, SEATBELTS, AND WINDSCREEN? SOME OF THESE CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE SO IF THE SELLER KNOWS YOU ARE DEFINITELY BUYING THE VEHICLE, THEY WILL EITHER PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, OR GET A DODGY MECHANIC TO WRITE YOU A SLIP OF PAPER THAT’S NOT WORTH ITS INK. JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE ACCREDITED AS AN APPROVED INSPECTION STATION, DOESN’T MEAN THEY ARE TRUSTWORTHY.
DOES IT HAVE SERVICE HISTORY WITH LOG BOOKS? IF NOT, WHERE IS IT FROM? AUCTION? WHOLESALE? DOES IT HAVE A SPARE KEY? ANY ACCIDENT HISTORY? HAVE YOU DONE A PPSR AND HISTORY CHECK? PPSR WILL TELL YOU IF IT’S BEEN STOLEN, HAS FINANCE OWING OR HAS BEEN REPAIRED AFTER WRITE- OFF. FOR $2.00 IT’S AN ESSENTIAL CHECK YOU CAN DO WITH THE VEHICLE VIN/CHASSIS NUMBER ON PPSR.GOV.AU . YOU CAN ALSO CHECK FOR MORE INFORMATION LIKE SERVICING DATES AND TIME OF SALE ODOMETER RECORDINGS USING WEBSITES LIKE CARHISTORY.COM.AU AND CARFACTS.COM.AU .
ARE THERE ANY AIRBAG RECALLS OUTSTANDING ON THE VEHICLE? RING THE MANUFACTURER WITH THE VIN AND ENSURE IT’S BEEN REPAIRED IF NEEDED. IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ANY SELLER TO SELL A CAR IN QLD WITH AN OUTSTANDING AIRBAG RECALL. ANOTHER GREAT OPTION IS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE PRE-PURCHASED INSPECTED. MOST MECHANICAL SHOPS WILL OFFER THIS SERVICE, SO IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT, ITS VALUE IS IRREPLACEABLE.
CONCLUSION
IT MIGHT SEEM A LITTLE DAUNTING BUT SPEAK TO MECHANICS, PARENTS, RELATIVES, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND OTHER TRADIES TO HEAR THEIR EXPERIENCES. THERE ARE A LOT OF UNRELIABLE VEHICLES ON THE MARKET AND THERE ARE A FEW EXTREMELY ROBUST MODELS TO PICK, SO DO AS MUCH HOMEWORK AS POSSIBLE BEFORE HANDING OVER YOUR HARD-EARNED CASH. FACEBOOK, GOOGLE AND WEBSITES LIKE WWW.AUSTRALIANCAR.REVIEWS/REVIEWS.PHP GIVE GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE VEHICLE THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN. BUY IT ONCE, BUY IT RIGHT.
THERE WILL BE A TIME WHEN EVERY APPRENTICE OR TRADIE NEEDS A VEHICLE TO SUIT THEIR NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS. THE FOLLOWING TIPS WILL ASSIST IN FINDING THE CORRECT VEHICLE.
A TRADESMAN IS AS ONLY AS GOOD AS HIS TOOLS. THE VEHICLE YOU SELECT CAN MAKE OR BREAK A BUSINESS. NO MATTER HOW BIG YOUR BOX OF EXPENSIVE TOOLS IS, THEY ARE USELESS IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE JOB SITE WITH A RELIABLE VEHICLE THAT IS FITTED OUT AND READY TO GO.
FIT FOR PURPOSE
MANY PEOPLE OUTWEIGH THE REQUIREMENTS OF A TRADESMAN’S VEHICLE FOR AESTHETIC DESIRE. YOU REALLY WANT A 4X4 WITH A 2 INCH LIFT, RUNNING ON 33INCH MUDDIES, BECAUSE IT LOOKS TOUGH. SURE, YOU WILL BE THE ENVY OF ALL THE YOUNGER GUYS DESIRING TO BE AROUND YOUR “TRUCK”. LET’S BE HONEST THOUGH. YOU NEVER GO OFF ROAD, AND IT’S HARDLY PRACTICAL WHEN YOU NEED A SMALL LADDER TO GRAB THE LARGE LADDER FROM THE RACKING. YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING AT FEATURES LIKE TIE DOWNS, LADDER RACK, TOOL BOXES, CANOPY, TOWBAR, STORAGE SPACE? IF IT’S NOT FITTED, WHAT’S THE COST OF HAVING IT ALL ADDED?
IT’S USUALLY FAR CHEAPER TO BUY A VEHICLE WITH THE SETUP ALREADY INSTALLED THAN HAVING TO SPEND MONEY AND TIME AFTERWARDS FITTING IT. CAN THE EXTRA REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY FOR YOUR TRADE BE ADDED BY THE SELLER QUICKLY AND WITHIN YOUR BUDGET?
DO YOU NEED AN AUTOMATIC FOR LOTS OF CITY DRIVING? HOW ABOUT GETTING A DIESEL FOR FUEL ECONOMY AND TORQUE? DOES THE VEHICLE HAVE ENOUGH CARRYING CAPACITY, AND IS THE TOWBAR RATING APPROPRIATE? HOW MANY CYLINDERS? QLD REGISTRATION IS EXPENSIVE, SO PICKING A 4 CYLINDER MIGHT SAVE YOU A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT.
DEALER OR PRIVATE PURCHASE
THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY YOU WILL PICK ONE OVER THE OTHER. BUYING PRIVATE IS GENERALLY CHEAPER. THERE ARE NO SALESMEN TO PUSH YOU INTO SOMETHING YOU DON’T WANT OR NEED. YOU CAN SOMETIMES NEGOTIATE A CHEAPER DEAL WITH A PRIVATE SELLER ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE CASH.
DEALERS HAVE MANY POSITIVES THOUGH. THEY WILL GIVE YOU A TAX INVOICE TO ENABLE YOU TO CLAIM COSTS BACK THROUGH YOUR TAX RETURN. YOU CAN ALSO CLAIM THE GST BACK, IF YOU ARE AN ABN HOLDER THAT IS REGISTERED FOR GST. THAT’S IN EFFECT, A 10% DISCOUNT OFF THE ASKING PRICE! YOU CANNOT DO THIS WITH A PRIVATE SALE. DEALERS CAN PROVIDE A WARRANTY, AND ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT NOT COVER EVERYTHING, IT’S A FAR BETTER OPTION THAN HAVING NOTHING. DEALERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO SELL YOU A VEHICLE THAT IS FIT FOR PURPOSE AS PER THE CONSUMER LAW.
IMPORTANTLY THEY ALSO BY LAW, MUST GUARANTEE TITLE. THERE ARE MANY VEHICLES FOR SALE PRIVATELY THAT HAVE MONEY OWING AND/OR MAY BE A REPAIRABLE WRITE OFF. NOT TO MENTION A BUCKET LOAD OF VEHICLES WITH QUESTIONABLE ODOMETER READINGS.
GAINING FINANCE IS POSSIBLE ON A PRIVATE PURCHASE IF THE VEHICLE MEETS THE OFTEN STRICT UNSECURED LOAN CRITERIA AND USUALLY INVOLVES A VEHICLE INSPECTION BEFORE THE LENDER APPROVES THE LOAN. DEALER FINANCE HOWEVER IS MUCH EASIER AND OFTEN AT A CHEAPER INTEREST RATE, AND WHEN BUYING FROM A HIGHLY RECOGNISED MOTOR DEALER THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS WILL GO MUCH QUICKER AND WITH LESS HASSLE.
BUDGET/FINANCE
HAVE YOU SAVED UP ENOUGH FOR A CASH PURCHASE OR DO YOU NEED FINANCE? IF FINANCE IS YOUR ONLY OPTION, HOW IS YOUR CREDIT HISTORY? IF YOU HAVE ANY SMALL DEBTS OR BAD HISTORY, YOU SHOULD CLEAR THEM UP BEFORE APPLYING FOR FINANCE. MULTIPLE HITS ON YOUR CREDIT FILE WILL MEAN LESS CHANCE OF SECURING A LOAN AT A GOOD RATE. THE LATEST CRACK DOWN ON CREDIT PROVIDERS HAS TIGHTENED THE STRINGS FOR LENDERS AND BROKERS, SO ENSURE YOU GIVE THEM THE BEST CHANCE IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. APPLYING WITH AN ABN WILL GIVE YOU BETTER OPTIONS WITH LOW OR NO DOCUMENT QUICK APPROVAL FINANCE OFTEN AVAILABLE.
FIND A REPUTABLE FINANCE BROKER. ANY FINANCE PROVIDER THAT QUOTES A RATE OR REPAYMENTS WITHOUT TAILORING IT TO YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION MEANS YOU WILL BE PAYING TOO MUCH! SHOP AROUND, BUT DON’T ALLOW THEM TO CREDIT CHECK YOU UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO GO.
ROADWORTHINESS
BUYING A REGISTERED VEHICLE IN QLD REQUIRES THE SELLER TO HAVE A CURRENT SAFETY CERTIFICATE. IF THE PRIVATE SELLER SAYS, “WILL SELL WITH A SAFETY CERTIFICATE” ENSURE IT IS DONE BEFORE YOU PLACE A DEPOSIT. HOW ARE THE BRAKES, TYRES, OIL LEAKS, SEATBELTS, AND WINDSCREEN? SOME OF THESE CAN BE VERY EXPENSIVE SO IF THE SELLER KNOWS YOU ARE DEFINITELY BUYING THE VEHICLE, THEY WILL EITHER PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, OR GET A DODGY MECHANIC TO WRITE YOU A SLIP OF PAPER THAT’S NOT WORTH ITS INK. JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE ACCREDITED AS AN APPROVED INSPECTION STATION, DOESN’T MEAN THEY ARE TRUSTWORTHY.
DOES IT HAVE SERVICE HISTORY WITH LOG BOOKS? IF NOT, WHERE IS IT FROM? AUCTION? WHOLESALE? DOES IT HAVE A SPARE KEY? ANY ACCIDENT HISTORY? HAVE YOU DONE A PPSR AND HISTORY CHECK? PPSR WILL TELL YOU IF IT’S BEEN STOLEN, HAS FINANCE OWING OR HAS BEEN REPAIRED AFTER WRITE- OFF. FOR $2.00 IT’S AN ESSENTIAL CHECK YOU CAN DO WITH THE VEHICLE VIN/CHASSIS NUMBER ON PPSR.GOV.AU . YOU CAN ALSO CHECK FOR MORE INFORMATION LIKE SERVICING DATES AND TIME OF SALE ODOMETER RECORDINGS USING WEBSITES LIKE CARHISTORY.COM.AU AND CARFACTS.COM.AU .
ARE THERE ANY AIRBAG RECALLS OUTSTANDING ON THE VEHICLE? RING THE MANUFACTURER WITH THE VIN AND ENSURE IT’S BEEN REPAIRED IF NEEDED. IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ANY SELLER TO SELL A CAR IN QLD WITH AN OUTSTANDING AIRBAG RECALL. ANOTHER GREAT OPTION IS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE PRE-PURCHASED INSPECTED. MOST MECHANICAL SHOPS WILL OFFER THIS SERVICE, SO IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT, ITS VALUE IS IRREPLACEABLE.
CONCLUSION
IT MIGHT SEEM A LITTLE DAUNTING BUT SPEAK TO MECHANICS, PARENTS, RELATIVES, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND OTHER TRADIES TO HEAR THEIR EXPERIENCES. THERE ARE A LOT OF UNRELIABLE VEHICLES ON THE MARKET AND THERE ARE A FEW EXTREMELY ROBUST MODELS TO PICK, SO DO AS MUCH HOMEWORK AS POSSIBLE BEFORE HANDING OVER YOUR HARD-EARNED CASH. FACEBOOK, GOOGLE AND WEBSITES LIKE WWW.AUSTRALIANCAR.REVIEWS/REVIEWS.PHP GIVE GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE VEHICLE THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN. BUY IT ONCE, BUY IT RIGHT.