Motor Cars-Used

Businesses selling second-hand autos.

It sometimes costs more to buy a used car from a licensed motor car trader than from a private seller, but this option gives you greater protection under the law. The benefits of buying through a licensed motor car trader may include a cooling-off period. For more information, a three-month/5,000 kilometre statutory warranty if the car is not more than 10 years old and has travelled less than 160,000 kilometres (this does not apply to commercial vehicles, motorcycles and vehicles bought by owners corporations, formerly body corporates) and a clear title, which certifies that the vehicle is not listed as stolen or written off, and that money is not owed on it.

The notice of particulars is an important document that should be displayed on the car’s rear side window. The notice gives details such as if the car is covered by a statutory warranty, its build date, the name and address of the previous owner, whom it may be wise to contact to find out details about the car and why he or she sold it, the odometer reading, and whether the car is on the written-off vehicles register. When you buy a used car, you must sign the notice and the trader must give you a copy.

All licensed motor car traders are required by law to display a licensed motor car trader number. If you have any doubts about whether a trader is licensed, you can check the register of motor car traders with the Business Licensing Authority (BLA).