Buying and selling a used car can be a time-consuming process.
As a buyer, it is important to make sure that you know exactly what you are purchasing before money changes hands.
As a seller, you have a responsibility to provide up-to-date documentation and be transparent about the vehicle’s condition and history to your knowledge.
In this blog, we will walk you through the process of buying or selling a used car in Queensland and break down your rights and responsibilities.
Selling a used car
As a seller of a registered car, you are legally obliged to provide a buyer with basic documentation ensuring that the vehicle is safe.
If you are selling a registered car, it is mandatory for you to obtain and display a current safety certificate. It is illegal to offer a registered car for sale without one, and you can be issued with an on the spot fine of $550. This is still the case even if you plan to cancel the registration once the vehicle is sold.
A safety certificate is always the seller’s responsibility – not the buyer’s.
In addition to a safety certificate, all cars that run LPG must also obtain a Gas Certificate. Like a safety certificate, a gas certificate requires an inspection by a professional to ensure that the vehicle is safe.
A gas certificate is also required to transfer the registration from one owner to another.
Again, a gas certificate is the responsibility of the seller.
Buying a used car
In addition to a valid gas and safety certificate, we highly recommend doing a few more checks on a used vehicle before committing to purchase.
A safety certificate ensures that a car meets the minimum requirements to be on the roads. But the safety inspection itself does not take into account any future repairs or issues that may be just around the corner. A safety certificate ensures that a car is adequate to drive in the short term, but the only way to know that a vehicle is a good long term purchase is to obtain a pre purchase inspection from a mechanic.
These inspections cover every aspect of car maintenance, from front to back, and usually end up saving you more money than you paid for the check. Best of all, it ensures piece of mind.
A financial history check investigates any outstanding debts against your car. Why does this matter?
If a previous owner of the used vehicle you buy has unpaid debts that relate to the car, their creditor may be within their rights to repossess the vehicle – even if it is now in your name.
This means that you could be left out of pocket, without a car, through no fault of your own.
In addition to running well, it is also important to consider the overall safety rating of a used vehicle. Airbags, crumple zones and tipping point could all mean the difference between a minor and a major accident for you and your family. How Safe is Your Car is an independent information source that provides unbiased safety information about most cars on the Australian market using ANCAP and UCSR safety ratings.
A quick search now can save you injury in future.
Consistency Across Documentation
When dealing with a seller, ensure that the number plate, vehicle identification number (VIN), engine number and construction date are all consistent and match the car precisely. Also check that the seller who signs off on Queensland Transport documentation is indeed the person the vehicle is registered to.
Any inconsistencies could indicate something sinister that may create a big headache down the track.
You can never be too careful when it comes to buying or selling a used car.
