Buying a used car from interstate?
Seven things to look for when buying a used car from interstate
Do you know what’s involved in buying a used car from interstate?
When buying a car, many of us are looking for something that’s affordable, reliable and safe to drive. Which often means buying a used car. And one option available to you is to buy a used car from interstate.
Of course, in the spirit of being affordable, it’s important to not buy from an interstate dealer; but rather buy privately. This, along with an affordable REV check, can help you to avoid some unnecessary costs.
Seven things to look out for when buying a new car
If you do choose to buy your next used car from interstate, here are 7 things you should consider:
1. Gauge what you need and what you budget is
Before you start looking for a car, figure out what you can afford to spend on it. Once you have an idea of your budget, you should work out what the base value of a car is: you can do this by knowing the car’s year and model.
You can check the value of a car by visiting www.redbook.com.au. When you find the price, remember to add taxes and any additional state fees.
2. Make sure you inspect the car in person
Don’t rely solely on photos and written descriptions. You have to inspect the vehicle yourself. You may have to travel far, you may even have to buy a plane ticket, but it will prove far more valuable to check the car than buy it sight unseen.
3. Have the car inspected by a third party
To ensure the car is reliable and safe to drive you should get it inspected by an inspection service like RACQ, NRMA, and RACV: all who offer comprehensive inspection services to ensure the care meets the state and national roadworthy test.
4. Do a REVs check
A REVs check will ensure the car hasn’t been stolen, or written off and is exactly what the seller says it is. This is an important and necessary thing to do as part of having the car inspected by a third party. In Australia, buying a car that is stolen can often mean you lose the car and receive no financial recompense for your troubles
5. Extended warranties
By Australian law, interstate dealers must provide you with a 3-month warranty for used cars that:
- have less than 160,000kms
- are under 10 years old
- don’t exceed the luxury car tax threshold
Generally, this warranty is for 3 months or 5,000kms from date of sale, and will cover things related to roadworthiness, safety and reliability.
Or course, the one concern you might have is getting the dealer to pay for any warranty repairs without hassle. This is something you will have to think about, and perhaps discuss with the person you make the purchase from.
You can do a cheap, affordable REVs check
6. Logistics of getting your new purchase home
When it comes to getting your interstate purchase from point of sale to your place you have a couple of options. You can either collect the car yourself and drive it home. Which, if you enjoy a road trip could be a fun way of getting it. Or, if it’s neither practical nor appealing to do the drive yourself, you can always hire a vehicle transportation company or a removal company to pick it up and deliver it for you.
7. Remember to register the car
When you finally get the car home: remember. Registration laws are different in every state. And you have 14 days to make sure the registration is transferred to your name and your insurance. This can easily be achieved by called up your local transport authority and your insurance company.
Buying a used car interstate
If you thinking of buying a used car interstate follow these 7 simple steps and it should be easier for you. However, it won’t be an easy process—certainly not as easy as buying local. But it can be an adventure and if you find the right price it will be worthwhile.
Always remember when browsing at cars to do a REVs check. This will prevent you from buying a car that is stolen, written off or has done more kilometres than the seller has said.