Our consumer tips provide advice to members and the public, including articles on vehicle safety, advice on Backyarders and a list of locations offering Driveway Service for those who, due to a disability or medical reasons, are unable to fill their car themselves.
The links below and to the left focus particularly on buying and repairing a car. You can also complete our on-line scenarios (which will open in a new browser window), if you have any questions about:
Cooling-off Period
Statutory Warranty
Vehicle Repairs
Pre-purchase Advice
It's not every day you buy a used car so protect yourself
Here are two ways of protecting your investment and your best interests:
ONE: Get the car checked thoroughly by an expert before you buy. Small problems, or wear and tear below the 'skin', can easily become big problems which can cost a lot of money to fix. A pre-purchase inspection is a small investment for peace of mind.
TWO: Buy from a Licensed Motor Car Trader, an LMCT. LMCTs are obliged by law to guarantee clear title on every car they sell. That means, if the car is found to have been stolen, or rebirthed, or has a security registered against it by a finance company, the LMCT must 'make good' the tile or, if this cannot be done, provide a full refund. They must also provide a three day cooling off period (in case you change your mind), and a three month or 5000kms statutory warranty for cars built less than 10 years ago which have also travelled less than 160,000kms.
When you buy privately, you have none of these protections. And if you buy trouble, you are on your own. For better protection, buy from a VACC LMCT Accredited Used Car Dealer.
Related links:
Media Release - December 9, 2008: Thinking of buying a new car? Now is the time to act.
Media Release - December 10, 2008: One in three vehicles in Victoria fail safety check.