Are You Sure Your New Car Is Not a Dud?

With Australian automotive finance rates being at record levels, if you’ve got a car lined up from a private seller then you’ve got the beginnings of a great cash-saver. A privately bought car can work out to be up to 20% cheaper than from a dealer or car yard, but you want to make sure than you’re putting your best foot forward and getting the right deal for you- without any surprised bumps and rattles on the way home. Here is a quick easy checklist to buying your car from a private seller, from our Perth auto finance specialists.

Roadworthiness:

Looking at a car without certification of roadworthiness? Our advice is to not even bother. Your seller should be able to produce service history, and ideally the results of a recent safety check.

Check The Fine Print-Twice:

Without the safety netting of your dealers guarantees, you need to be sure that this car is going to do everything you’ve been promised. You aren’t protected by any consumer laws, as the deal is being conducted between people and not businesses. Ensure that the registrations and serial numbers all match up, and check the Personal Property Security Register. This will tell you if the car your about to buy has any money owing, or any other critical information.

Sweat the Small Stuff:

Sure, that funny rattle in your old car added character- but you don’t know if the little problems you’re about to inherit might turn into big problems. That’s why you should always check;

-for milky residue on the oil dipstick, which is a signal of a problem -the coolant and radiator cooling fans.

-interior wear and tear, such as the upholstery, and rust under the carpet

• paint bubbles, or discolouration. This can be a sign of a rust, or a quick filler job.
• panels or doors that don’t fit correctly

-the engine for any strange noises. Start the car, and listen to the open bonnet for any warning signs.

Test Drive:

Always arrange a test drive first, at a time that suits you and your seller. This will be your practise run behind the wheel and is a great way to tell if this is the car for you. Get a feel for the handling, comfort, and the brakes.

Once you’ve ticked all the boxes and you’re sure that this is the car for you, talk to your lender about creating the loan and repayment plan for you. Here at Allcredit, we’re Australia’s best and most affordable lenders. Our low interest rates and efficient application process mean that you can get the car of your dreams cheaper and easier than ever, while dealing with our friendly team of loan specialists and experts. Use our calculator, or talk to the team today to see which of our options is best for you.