Can't afford a new car? Think again!

October 2011

Purchasing a new car does not always have to mean buying the latest model with the accompanying price tag - used car dealerships offer customers the opportunity to have a new set of wheels without breaking the budget.

Many of the benefits that come with buying a new car also apply to used cars. In Queensland, a 3-month 5000 km statutory warranty applies to cars under 160,000 km and less than 10 years old. However used car warranties often exclude parts such as the radio, air conditioning or battery.

A one day cooling-off period is valid once the purchase agreement has been signed, providing peace of the mind for wary customers.

When shopping around the car dealership, licensed dealers usually have to display a form on the car's dashboard or windscreen providing basic information such as the year of manufacture, odometer reading and warranty details. Dealers also have to guarantee there's no money owing on the car, and also provide a safety certificate.

Once a decision has been made, a customer may be wondering what to do with their old car - instead of going through the hassle of selling privately, used car dealerships may offer a trade-in service.