How to Buy a Car in Australia

Buying a 4-wheel drive will give you access to Australia's outback.

Australia is a vast, flat country with a diverse landscape. It is roughly the same size as the mainland United States. On the east coast, visitors enjoy diving at the Great Barrier Reef. In the south, hiking across Cradle Mountain on the island of Tasmania is popular. To traverse this continent on an extended vacation, purchasing a car will give you freedom of time and direction. For work or pleasure, a car can be an added convenience and an important tool.

Instructions

1. Decide what purpose the car will serve. This will affect your budget and what type of vehicle you will buy. A 4-wheel drive, for example, is useful for travelling across the desert, while a hatchback is best suited for commuting to work.

2. Decide on a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that additional costs including taxes, registration and compulsory third party insurance will increase the total sum you will need to pay. Investigate these fees so you can account for them in your budget.

3. Make a list of all the features you need in the car. Decide if you want to use petrol, diesel or gas as fuel. Consider optional features you might want, such as a roof-rack for your surfboard or an mp3 dock for playing music.

4. Research available cars at dealerships, used car lots, auctions or online. Websites such as Gumtree or Global Gossip sell used vehicles in Australia. Some cars on these sites come with camping gear included in the sale price as an incentive to buy.

5. Once you have found a suitable vehicle, take the car for a test drive if possible. Use this time to question the dealer about the car's mechanics and interior and assess its suitability for your requirements.

6. Negotiate a price with the dealer or seller of the car. Point out anything that will need to be changed or fixed on the car, which may affect the sale price. Confirm all additional charges, including tax and registration fees, that you will incur. Inquire about availability of warranties.

7. Purchase at least the minumum level of compulsory third party insurance. Purchase more coverage if you desire. Verify all information before signing an agreement to buy the car.

Tips & Warnings

• If you buy a used car in Australia, the different states have different fees and documentation to register the car in your name. In Queensland, you will need to pay a fee and provide a road worthy certificate. In Western Australia, you will need to pay a fee plus ensure the car has an immobilser.

References

• Gumtree: For Sale Vehicles
• Global Gossip: For Sale Cars
• Living In Australia: Buying A Car
• NRMA: Motoring Services

Resources

• Department of Transport : Western Australia
• Queensland Government: Changing Registration Details