If you’re living and working in Australia, you might want to buy a car to help you get around. Whether you’re heading to work, exploring your new surroundings or running errands, having your own car can give you flexibility and independence. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.
Set your budget
Think about how much money you can afford to spend. Keep in mind that buying a car isn’t just about the price of the car. You might also need to pay for:
- Stamp duty (a government tax)
- Transfer of ownership
- Insurance
- Registration.
These costs vary depending on where you live and the car you buy.
Choose where to buy
You can buy a car from a car dealership or from a private owner. Private sellers often advertise on websites like carsales.com.au. You can also check local social media pages but be careful of scams – never send money without seeing the car first.
Understand what you’re buying
Find out if the car is manual or automatic and check how many kilometres it has travelled. Lower kilometres recorded usually means the car has been used less, which suggests you’ll get more life out of your new vehicle.
Inspect the car and take a test drive
Look for scratches, dents or signs of damage. Ask the seller if the car has ever been in an accident or had any major repairs. Before you buy, make sure you take the car for a short drive. This is a good way to make sure everything feels right and the car is working well. You’ll also need to ensure that the car has a recent roadworthy certificate. This confirms the car is safe to drive and is required when you transfer ownership.
Make it official
If you’re happy with the car, you can go ahead and pay – usually by bank transfer. Avoid using cash or paying before you’ve seen the car in person to avoid any issues with the transfer of ownership. In a private car sale in Australia, the seller and buyer must complete a transfer of registration form (usually available from the state or territory transport authority), which the buyer then submits – often along with proof of identity and payment of a transfer fee – to officially register the car in their name.
Get ready for the road ahead
Buying a car is a big step – and it opens the door to all kinds of adventures. Whether you’re using it to get to work, explore the countryside on weekends or visit new places across Australia, having your own vehicle gives you more freedom and flexibility. Stay safe, follow the road rules and enjoy the journey ahead. There’s so much to see and do – and now you’ve got the wheels to do it!
