Car Sales in Brisbane: 5 Tips for Detecting a Bad Deal

1. They Don't Allow a Vehicle Check

Before you buy any used vehicle, check the compliance date and the build date. The date the car was legalised to be driven in Australian and met Australia's safety standards is the compliance date. When the vehicle was manufactured is the build date, which is also used to value the car.

Before you purchase, verify that the build date matches the manufacture date advertised. Both dates can be found on the vehicle's fitted plates. If you these plates aren't available to reference or don't match up, walk away.

2. It Doesn't Have a Clear Title

If the used vehicle does not have any outstanding debt, it has a clear title. If the previous owner still had unpaid debts on the car when you purchase it, the lender still can repossess the vehicle. That's right; your vehicle can be repossessed to cover the previous owner's debts. Never buy a car that does not have a clear title.

Licensed motor dealers and auctioneers must guarantee a clear title. If you are buying from a private party, the responsibility falls on you -- the buyer -- to verify if it has a clear title. You can do this through the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

3. There Is a Run-Around About Warranties & Guarantees

Warranties sometimes come with a used vehicle at no extra cost when purchasing from a licensed dealer or auctioneer. This saves your wallet and you from paying loads of money towards anything defective with your vehicle.

There are two different types of stationary warranties depending on the vehicle you purchase: Class A and Class B. Whether you receive a Class A or Class B statutory warranty depends on the vehicle's odometer reading and manufacture date. If you buy from a dealer or auctioneer, they must inform you if your car does not have a statuary warranty.

4. They Want You to Give Away Your Consumer Guarantee

Dealers can not make you sign away your consumer guarantee; neither can they refuse to honour it. As a consumer, you have rights when purchasing a vehicle even if your warranty has run out or did not come with a warranty.

The consumer guarantee protects you from hidden unpaid debts on your vehicle, ensures you receive repairs in a timely manner, and that the car can fulfil any purpose it was advertised for.

5. Signing a Contract Before You Decide

A rule of thumb for vehicles and life does not sign a contract before you know what you want to buy, or the contract is entirely written out, especially for new car buyers. Always ensure you have a copy of the contact. A dealer contract must include the total cost, including the vehicles' total cost, delivery charges, fees, and other cost breakdowns.

New vehicles do not include a cooling-off-period. Used car purchases have a cooling-off period of one business day that allows you to return the car to the licensed motor dealer after you sign the contract, and you will not be legally bound to the car.

Browsing car sales in Brisbane requires you to be on your game. Make sure you find a credible, reliable dealer. Ask questions and know your rights when purchasing a car.