🚗 Complete Buyer Guide
Never bought a car in Australia before? New arrival? Don't know where to start? This is the complete step-by-step guide to buying your first used car safely — without getting ripped off.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow every step. Skip any of them and you increase your risk of being sold a problem car.
Don't just think about the purchase price. Budget for registration transfer fees, CTP insurance (Green Slip in NSW), comprehensive insurance, first service, and a small repair buffer of $500–$1,000. A $10,000 budget for the car itself might mean total first-year costs of $13,000–$14,000.
For under $10,000 focus on Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Toyota Yaris, or Hyundai i30. These have strong reliability records, affordable servicing, and good parts availability. Check RedBook.com.au to understand fair market pricing before you start looking.
Search Carsales, Drive, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace. Shortlist 3–5 options. For each car that interests you, ask for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) before visiting. If a seller won't provide the VIN — that's a red flag and you move on.
Visit ppsr.gov.au and search the VIN for $2. This tells you if the car has finance owing on it, if it's been reported stolen, or if it's a written-off vehicle. If anything negative comes up — do not buy the car regardless of what the seller says.
This is non-negotiable. Book an independent mobile mechanic to inspect the car at the seller's location. Cost from $280. They check 100+ points, scan for fault codes, test drive the vehicle, and send you a full written report. Use it to negotiate or walk away if serious faults are found.
Ask the seller to show their driver's licence. Confirm the name matches the registration certificate. Check the VIN on the dashboard matches the rego papers. Confirm the car is NOT on the WOVR (Written Off Vehicle Register). Do all of this in person before paying.
If the mechanic found issues, use the report as leverage. Present specific faults and request a price reduction. Most sellers will negotiate when faced with documented evidence. If they won't budge at all on a car with clear faults — walk away.
In NSW: complete a vehicle transfer form, visit a Service NSW centre within 14 days, and transfer registration into your name. Set up comprehensive car insurance before you drive the car away — CTP alone does not cover damage to other cars or your own vehicle.
Best First Cars in Australia
These models consistently deliver reliability, affordable running costs, and easy resale. All prices are approximate Sydney market rates.
Essential Checks
Print this. Take it with you to every inspection.
Get the VIN before visiting — run a PPSR check
Confirm seller's licence matches the rego name
Inspect in daylight — never at night
Book an independent pre-purchase inspection
Ask for service history / logbook
Check VIN on dashboard matches rego papers
Confirm car is NOT on WOVR (write-off register)
Take a test drive — listen for any unusual noises
Negotiate price using inspection report findings
Transfer rego within 14 days at Service NSW
Get comprehensive insurance before driving away
Never pay full cash without completing all steps above
New to Australia?
You can drive on an overseas licence for 3–6 months depending on your state. After that, convert to an Australian licence. You can OWN a car without a licence, but can't legally drive without one.
Compulsory Third Party (Green Slip in NSW) is mandatory for all registered vehicles. It's often included in registration costs. It does NOT cover damage to other cars or your own — get comprehensive insurance separately.
When you buy a used car, transfer registration into your name within 14 days at a Service NSW centre (or your state equivalent). You need ID, the signed transfer form, and payment of stamp duty based on the car's value.
Follow the guide, book an inspection, and buy with confidence. Don't let anyone rush you.