Car Buying Tips
Car Buying Tips
On the lookout for a new car or used car? CarHistory’s car buying tips can help.
Buying a car can be incredibly daunting. After all, for most folks it’s the second largest purchase they will make after a home.
Here’s how to get it right.
Working with a licensed car dealer carries fewer risks than going private
If you do go private, be sure to have CarHistory search the new Personal Property Securities Register to ensure there isn’t any money owing on the vehicle. You don’t want to shell out the big bucks only to have your car repossessed.
Go in with a game plan
If you hit the dealership without a list of must-haves, you’re more likely to base your decisions purely on cosmetics. Do you research ahead of time. That means studying manufacturers’ brochures to better understand model variants and technical specifications. Independent reviews can also prove invaluable.
Ask around
Word of mouth can help when you’re next on the hunt for a new car or used car. If you know someone who owns the vehicle you’re interested in, ask them what they think. Plus, you local mechanic’s bound to have an opinion or three.
Do you have a vehicle to trade in?
If so, it’s important to decide this well in advance and build it into your buying strategy. Typically the wholesale price will be lower than a private sale price, but it could save you any number of hassles including bounced cheques from potential buyers.
Going once, going twice, sold!
If you’re going the auction route, be sure to check the mechanics of the vehicle out thoroughly ahead of time. Once you buy, you’re locked in.
Budget, budget, budget
Know what you can afford to spend and stick to it. The shine on your new car or used car will soon be tarnished if you’ve overextended your finances.
I found out that the car I was about to buy had been brought up from Victoria having been written off.Doug
Satisfied my enquiry promptly and efficiently with minimal cost. Thank you.Steve from NSW
Excellent resource. Given the average cost of a car it's a small fee to pay for vital information.Nannapat from NSW
The Car History Report revealed the car had been written off 3 weeks earlierTim from Adelaide, SA
It saved me $9,500 after the seller denied (forgot) to tell me it was a repairable write off.William from NSW
This report alone could avert a potentially poor and uninformed decisionRobert from West Pennant Hills NSW
I found the Car History report comprehensive.Ron from Kumbia, NSW
I returned the bike to the dealer with the veda cert and got my money back. Thank you very much.David from NSW
Thanks for the quick instant report that I had in minutes.Francisco from SA
It saved me from purchasing a car that had finance still owing on the car.Yolanda from NSW
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What is REVs?
REVS stands for Register of Encumbered Vehicles. Currently these are state based registers and are known by varying names around the country. REVS was originally started in 1986 in relation to the 'Registration of Interests in Goods Act 1986 (RIGA)'.
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