Buying my first car in Australia.

josepet on 15/09/2014 - 08:16
Last edited 15/09/2014 - 08:16

Hi there guys. So basically I've been living in Australia for 2 years already and I think its time to get a car.

Having a maximum budget of 15k, I saw a Lexus RX330 for that price. 160k km, sport, luxury blabla pretty awesome. I drove it and it was smooth as <profanity>, lovely car. But Im a newbie and I want to know what questions should I ask about the car. What things to be check before buying it, I don't wanna be scammed xd

And also, some info about RWC, Rego and insurance would be nice.

Thanks fellas!

Automotive

Comments

  • Austin 316 on 15/09/2014 - 08:25
    +1

    It all depends on which state you are in, so putting that in the title/description would help us to guide you.

  • Cheeper on 15/09/2014 - 08:40
    +1

    (I think he is in QLD Austin? from his profile)

    Unless someone replies here go into your local motor registry and ask there what is required. All states are not the same. Like every other country in the world you will definitely have to change the name/address under which it is registered. A transfer fee and most likely a tax of about 2% ? of the purchase price will apply also. Rules vary with inspection certificate requirements.

    If you don't know enough about cars to be positive it is ok then call a mobile mechanic to go and inspect the car. Well worth every cent.

    You can usually check online for any outstanding debts against the car. How and where may depend on the car.

    If you are not familiar with buying used cars then see if a friend with some experience will go with you.

    Is the car from a dealer or private.

    Have insurance arranged before you take delivery of it, mostly for the sake of other motorists.

    If you have been here for 2 years you will need to have an Australian drivers licence as driving on your overseas one will now most likely be considered unlicensed driving.

    • josepet on 15/09/2014 - 08:58

      Yep, living in QLD. Spanish driving licence here. I just paid a fee and now I have QLD Driving one. I've been driving for a year already :)

      The car is from a Dealer. They offer 3 month warranty and if I pay 600$·they offer 3 years. What do you think about that? They have been selling cars for 20 years, that's something to have in mind as well.

      Thanks for the info btw, every tip is much appreciated.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2014 - 20:13
        +2

        Dealer warranty is a scam.

        • Flying Ace on 17/09/2014 - 11:46

          It covered me for something that went wrong with my car soon after purchase. Got the cost back of my warranty immediately.

        • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2014 - 12:33

          @Flying Ace:

          which dealer was it? I think we would all like to know. (In my minds ALL dealers are out to get you, but I would like to be proven wrong because I like the peace of mind when it works)

        • Flying Ace on 17/09/2014 - 19:06

          @lolbbq:

          I bought my car through a Mazda dealer in Brisbane, but the warranty was with another company. I am overseas at the moment so I can't check sorry.

        • josepet on 17/09/2014 - 21:52

          The dealer warranty was offered is AUSTRALIAN WARRANTY NETWORK. My God, not a good single word about them on the internet xddd so basically im gonna avoid it.

          Thanks!

    • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2014 - 22:02

      pretty sure in VIC you can continue to use your exisiting countries license so long as you are still classed as being on a temporary visa…. WHV, student, defacto etc

  • R1ngSt1nger on 15/09/2014 - 08:46
    +1

    "want to know what questions should I ask about the car"

    Is the car a dealer sale, or a private sale?

    If it's with a dealer, you don't have to worry about a RWC, as they supply it. If a private sale, the seller must provide a RWC in order to transfer the registration to your name. Also, dealers may supply a warranty depending on the age of the car.

    If you want peace of mind, I would get your local automotive club to do a mechanical check on the car. Usually costs around $150 or something like that, and they'll provide you with a detailed report on the condition of the car, and what's likely to fail in the short term.

  • IIGnomeII on 15/09/2014 - 08:56
    +3

    Hey OP,

    If you want a lower chance of being scammed (except on the price) go through a dealer.

    Things to look for are:

    1. Check if there are log books and that it matches what the odometer states.
    2. Check the log books for anything the mechanic has noted like leaking radiators etc. Some jobs may have been patch jobs to repair.
    3. Do a REVS check (or whatever the local version may be called) and make sure that there is no money owing on the car, see if you can find out if the car was a repairable writeoff etc.
    4. Check the bodywork over for changes in colour or any noticeable signs of damage
    5. Check underneath the car for oil patches or other leaks.
    6. See if the engine is hot as they may have started it before you looked at it and the car may have issues from a cold start
    7. Check over all the bits (indicators, brakes, wipers (front and rear), washers, speedo etc)
    8. Check the cars internals for damage
    9. Check the spare tire and make sure that the tools are in there as well
    10. Check all the edges for any surface rust or more severe rust

    If all else fails you can hire people to come out and check on a car you are interested in for all the above and more.

    • josepet on 15/09/2014 - 09:02

      I think the car was owned by a 50-60 guy with lots of money. The first 5 years he did all the revisions at Lexus Official mechanic. Then it was sold to another person (I'd say a younger guy) and he did the revisions in a normal mechanic. Nothing special written in the log book.

      I didn't check underneath to be honest but I will next time.

      • IIGnomeII on 15/09/2014 - 09:10
        +1

        Okay, just make sure that the log books contain regular servicing etc.

        On another note keep in mind that Lexus is Toyotas luxury brand and you will be paying more for services, repairs and parts. Insurance may be higher as well.

        • josepet on 15/09/2014 - 09:33

          Thanks. Yeah, I assume that. Also drinks a lot but my company is gonna pay for the fuel :D

          The log book says you should do a revision each 10k km, 90% of the revisions were done, they miss a couple or so, still pretty good.

  • suicine94 on 15/09/2014 - 10:53

    Also please tell us where you came from, it helps us recommending you a car.

    • josepet on 15/09/2014 - 11:45

      Spain. But my girlfriend is keen on buying a SUV and I really like that Lexus xdd

  • Richardc on 15/09/2014 - 11:02
    +2

    With this budget u can get TOYOTA Camry from pickles.

    • josepet on 15/09/2014 - 11:46

      I know. It was an option but this Lexus looks stunning :O

  • bradsmrbetty on 16/09/2014 - 09:21

    Get a magnet and double check all of the panels of the car. If it doesn't stick, they have done a cheap repair job with some fresh paint.

    Ask yourself what is the cost of parts and servicing?
    Lexus is good, but unlike the Camery which is common, parts might be hard to find.

    Biggest thing is to know what you want, and what you can spend.
    Good in my your eyes open, otherwise it can be a holiday romance.

    If you have 15 thousand to spend, then take these into account these costs.
    Registration
    Road Worthy Check
    Extended Warranty (not really worth the paper it is printed on)
    Loan protection cover (if you doing inhouse finance)

    With these all included the price of your car needs to be around 12000. These all add up, magically to your budget max.

    If you're paying with finance, you have no ability to negotiate on price.

    Get a bank loan if necessary,and tell them you'll pay with cash. Don't be afraid to walk away from the sale.

    I have been down both roads before bank and finance, bank is often more expensive at first glance, however early exit fees with finance is bad.
    Hope this helps.

    • Soundwave on 16/09/2014 - 20:12

      "If you're paying with finance, you have no ability to negotiate on price."

      Umm that is wrong. Even if you're a financing, you can still negotiate on the price of the car and the interest rate. It's just up to the dealer if they want to budge or not.

      Also, there may be a decent amount of rego left, so they might not have to worry about it straight away.

      The main extra cost they will have to think about is Stamp Duty and Comprehensive Insurance. As well as a mechanic to do a look over if they want to or a REVs check.

      If he is happy with the car, instead of bargaining the price, I would just get them to include the stamp duty. So you're pretty much looking at $15,000 drive away and then roughly $1,000 in insurance. Try and get a full tank of fuel as well as a bonus.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/09/2014 - 12:45

    For dealer warranty, check if its statutory (which is required by law http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/regulated-sectors/motor/bu…) or additional dealer warranty.

    How useful? I think it really depends, even with new cars, unless its something really obvious that is wrong with the car. The report will just come back "unable to replicate problem". In my opinion all dealers will try to wriggle out of any repair obligations possible).

    Get a mechanic to look over the car before you purchase. Negotiate more

    Get to know the market price (on carsales) for such a vehicle. Negotiate even more but be prepared for a approximately 10-15% mark up (which pays for the "peace of mind").

    Get to know your rights, like cooling off period or required documents informing you of your right (the dealer gets some penalty if paperwork is amiss).

    If all goes well, Book yourself an appointment at a reputable RWC place near the dealership on the day you intend to collect the car. Reputable, big chain and cheap (usually strict). Also, a physically bring your car in place. They tend to hoist your car up for underbody checks.

    In Queensland if I'm not wrong you have a 1 day/24 hour cooling of period if you decide you change your mind, however you forfeit the deposit or a 100 dollars (not too sure on the sum).

    Pick the car up in the morning, drive it straight to the RWC place, get it RWC-ed and inform the dealer right away of any faults. Prepare to deliver the fault notice in writing.

    Keep a diary of events the moment you receive the keys to your car. Take note some of these things have very important timelines and the dealership may try to muck you around to delay it. If you are really unhappy with the dealer's response or/and if the faults to the vehicles are really too much. Be prepared to return the vehicle on the cooling off period clause.

    Disclaimer : I really hate new/used car dealers and would strive to never buy from them.

    • ntt on 17/09/2014 - 14:36

      Be noticed that when in cooling off period, you can't take the car with you, it is still in the possession of the dealer

  • ramjo on 01/04/2015 - 14:37

    Hi,

    I've been doing some online research and found a very comprehensive guide on buying your first car. It covers key points about finding the right vehicle, pros and cons of buying new or used, how to test drive the car, and other stuff.
    Here is the link: http://blog.gumtree.com.au/the-p-platers-guide-to-buying-you…

    A cool thing is that it includes a PDF version too.

    Cheers!

    • spackbace on 01/04/2015 - 17:57

      You bumped a 6 month old thread for that?!

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