Get A Pre-Purchase Inspection and Buy With Confidence!
The only way to be sure that you are buying a car that is going to give you what you paid for, is to have a pre-purchase inspection completed by experienced and reputable mechanics that specialise in this area.
Time and time again the trust of people can bring them undone and cost them thousands. There are thousands of people out there ready to prey on unsuspecting customers. Between 2 and 2.5 million used cars are sold in Australia every year and there is a considerable percentage of these that are not sold through reputable dealers. We save people from these shonky salespeople everyday and intern save our customers thousands of dollars and the heartache that goes with it.
Don’t be fooled by stories like “it is my grandmothers car and she only drove it to and from the shops, that’s why it has such low kilometres for a 15 year old car” or “ I need a quick sale because I have to go back overseas” or I am selling it for a friend and they hardly drove it” There are thousands of stories out there and it is our job to work out the truth from lies.
There are backyard dealers all over Australia who have a team of people who will all be in on the story in an effort to catch unsuspecting customers. At the end of the day, there is only one way you can buy a used car with confidence and that is to have a pre-purchase inspection completed by an experienced mechanic.
It is our job to make sure you get a car that is at market value, safe and reliable for the money you have paid. Our clients are stunned at what we find after they have looked at the car, had a chat with the owner and or dealer and believe the car is worth pursuing. Some reports have gone back to the buyer with over 40 photographs and a list as long as your arm with issues and or potential issues. These were all cars that had convincing stories of how well it was looked after, it was never in an accident, why the odometer reading was so low etc. What we uncovered was a very different story of odometers that were wound back, cars that had been in major accidents, major oil leaks that had been patched and covered up. The sellers may not be that innocent young lady or that older person as we uncover these people are actually front people for doggy workshops, backyard dealers and professional charlatans.
To assist our customers, I have listed links to the laws around selling used cars in Queensland. If you have had any dealings with the law on minor matters like this, I would like to suggest that you do not rely on these laws exclusively when it comes to buying a used car. The best way to buy a used car is to do all the right things, especially a pre-purchase inspection, to avoid ever having to call on the legal system to help because that path is full of pitfalls and loopholes that shonky dealers are well aware of.
Buying from a dealer
What you need to know and expect from a licenced dealer.
Buying Privately
What to be aware of and the shortfalls when buying this way.
Buying used cars at Auction
Be pre-pared and know what the laws are.
Buying used Cars Online
There are new players in this area. Do your homework
Cooling Off Period
Vehicle Check
The government recommend a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable mechanic or inspection company.
Financial Claim Information
Try to avoid finding yourself in this position however be aware of your rights.
https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/consumer-rights-complaints-and-scams/claim-for-financial-loss
Buyer Be Ware
This has been a saying used by some salespeople to do their best to make a sale at any cost and that cost is normally worn by the buyer in many cases. No salesperson is ever going to advertise that the car they are selling is a lemon, but pay me for it anyway, that just never happens. It is the salesperson’s job to make the sale and it is the buyer’s job to do their homework before they hand over the money.
There are several clear steps you need to take before you venture out to make that all important purchase.
Plan
- What is the main use and purpose of the vehicle?
- What is your budget and stick to it?
- Research the vehicles you are interested in, by googling review sites and forums.
- Ask you local mechanic for their opinion on the vehicles you are interested in as they have most likely serviced numerous vehicles of that model and can give you an informed unbiased opinion.
- Do some price checking and comparisons, so you know the price range you should expect?
- Do an online REVs check on any vehicle you are keen on pursuing?
https://www.revscheck.com.au/sem/revs-check - Find a reputable company to conduct a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection and do not pay any money for the vehicle before this is completed.
- In Queensland, make sure the car comes with a current safety certificate of Inspection. Make sure the company that did the inspection is reputable and has been doing inspections for a considerable period.
If you stick to these simple rules, do your homework and plan, you will get the result you are looking for. If you don’t, sadly all we can do is help you fix your problems as painlessly and cost affectively as possible. We are not miracle workers but we will do all we can to limit the damage and find a solution that we can both work with.
Safe & Happy Driving!
From Grant and the team at East Coast Mobile Safety Certificates and Mobile Tyre & Auto Team
