Tips for buying and selling a car
Buying or selling a car can be stressful, but it’s also a great opportunity to find the perfect vehicle or a fantastic deal. To make the process as easy and safe as possible, it’s important to be prepared and think ahead. In this article, we share our top tips for buying a car, and what to do when selling a car privately.
Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article.
5 Tips for Buying a Car
Do your research
Before you buy a car, take the time to research different models, to find one that best fits your budget and needsi. Consider the following:
- Space: How much room do you need in your car?
- Safety: How safe are the options you’re considering? Check the ANCAP ratings to understand how good different models are at keeping you safe on the road.
- Fuel economy and the environment: Is the model you’re looking at fuel efficient, or a fuel guzzler?
Always test drive
Test drive a car before you buy it, especially if it has been used. Try to choose your own route, and drive in a variety of conditionsi. You can even take a friend and share your thoughts.
If you’re driving a used car, look for mechanical issues byii:
- Using the full steering wheel range
- Testing the handbrake on a steep hill
- Listening for irregular noises, especially from the engine
- Checking the transmission shifts and handling in a variety of conditions.
Visit an independent mechanic when buying used
If possible, have the car inspected by a qualified and independent mechanic before you buy it. Don’t accept the car if you’re not satisfied with the results. Don’t agree to take a safety certificate or warranty instead of an inspection, and make sure you see the outcome personally.
Negotiate terms and check your contract
Read the terms of the sale thoroughly. Make sure that none of the fields have been left blank, including the delivery date. Don’t sign the contract until everything has been negotiated, as you are unable to make adjustments once it has been executedi.
If you’re buying a used car, make sure the registration and service history paperwork is correct, and matches the seller’s details. Also, it is important to check the history of the car and if it has been reported as a write off or has hail damage. Always ask for originals, not copies
ii.
Insure your car before you drive away
Hitting the road without the right insurance is a risk, so it’s important to protect your car before you drive itiii. When registering a car you will need to purchase compulsory third party (CTP) which covers liability you incur for injuries you cause to others on the road. You may also want to get car insurance, and Allianz has two options to choose from:
To find out the cost of car insurance get a quote here in 2 mins
.
6 Tips for Selling a Car
Prepare your car and make sure it’s at its best
When selling your car, make it as appealing for buyers as possibleiv. Clean your car thoroughly, both inside and out. If it’s been a while since the last clean, consider having it detailed and polished by a professional. Inflate your tyres to the recommended air pressure, complete a wheel alignment and get the wheels balanced, so your car performs at its best during any test drivesiv.
If you’re selling a car and keeping the number plates, contact your state road authority to cancel the registration of those number plates, and register new number plates to attach to the car you are sellingv.
Create a great ad
Putting in the time to create a great ad will help your car stand out from others on the marketiv. Include a precise description of your car, with details of important information such as model, year, and any extras or modifications. Invest the time to take high quality photos, to show off your car in the best light.
Set the right price, but be prepared to haggle
Do your research, and set an appropriate market price for your carvi. The higher your price, the more time it is likely to take to sell. Beware, many car buyers will expect to haggle, so you may have to settle for a little less than you advertisedvi.
Get your paperwork in order
Different states and territories require different paperwork for selling a car, so check what is required in your location. Common documents include service log books, current registrations, and warranty informationv. Some states and territories also require a safety inspection by a mechanic, such as a roadworthy certificate in VIC, QLD and ACTvvi.
Ensure you advise your car insurance provider that you have sold your vehicle.
Do your due diligence on the buyer
When arranging an inspection, ask for the buyer’s contact details such as name, phone number, and if possible, address and driver’s license numberiv. Before finalising the sale ask for a second form of identification and always obtain payment in full before you hand over the keysiv.
Prepare for a test drive
One of our top tips for buyers is to always test drive the car – as a seller, you will need to accommodate test drives in a way that is safe for you and your car.
If a potential buyer wants to test drive your car, make sure to record their license details before you start. You should also contact your insurer or check your car insurance Product Disclosure Statement to make sure your car is covered if a potential buyer takes it for a spin. Always accompany the buyer on the test driveviii. Going along for the ride is also a great way to explain your car’s features and answer the buyer’s questions.
Lastly, help look after your own safety by starting and ending the test drive in a public location during daylight hours.
i Choice, How to Buy a New Car, viewed April 2020, https://www.choice.com.au/transport/cars/new/buying-guides/cars
ii Carsguide, Best Used Car Buying Tips, viewed April 2020, https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/top-10-used-car-buying-tips-29028
iii Moneysmart.gov.au, Choosing Car Insurance, viewed April 2020, https://moneysmart.gov.au/car-insurance/choosing-car-insurance
iv Carsguide, How to Sell a Car – Hints & Tips, viewed April 2020, https://www.carsguide.com.au/about-carsguide/selling-hints-tips-23578
v Vic Roads, Sell and Transfer a Registered Vehicle, viewed April 2020, https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/buy-sell-or-transfer-a-vehicle/sell-a-registered-vehicle
vi CarSales, Do I Need A Roadworthy Certificate to Sell My Car?, viewed April 2020, https://help.carsales.com.au/hc/en-gb/articles/205449205-Do-I-need-a-roadworthy-certificate-to-sell-my-car-
vii Practical Motoring, Top 10 Tips on Selling a Used Car, viewed April 2020, https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-advice/top-10-tips-selling-a-used-car/
vii Allianz Australia, Product Disclosure Statement and Policy Document, https://www.einsure.com.au/wb/public/openCurrentPolicyDocument/POL891DIR/$File/POL891DIR.pdf
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (“Allianz”). Information contained in this article is accurate as at 15th June 2020 and may be subject to change. In some cases information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way. Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.