21 Jul
buying a used car
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Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be a smart financial move, but only if you know what to look for. Whether you’re upgrading your ride or buying your teen’s first vehicle, taking the right steps will help you avoid costly mistakes, hidden faults, or worse, getting scammed.

At Auto Leaders, we help customers in QLD protect their investments with thorough pre-purchase inspections. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to buying a used car, with practical tips and vital checks every buyer should make before handing over the cash.

Step 1: Do Your Homework

Start with the basics, know your budget and stick to it. Then research makes and models that fit your needs. Consider:

  • Fuel efficiency
  • Safety ratings
  • Cost of repairs and parts
  • Insurance premiums

Websites like Redbook and CarsGuide can give you a good idea of market prices, so you don’t overpay.

Step 2: Be Wary of Online Scams

The used car market, especially online, is full of great deals, but also rife with scammers. Some common red flags include:

  • Sellers asking for upfront payments before viewing the car
  • Vehicles supposedly “held in storage” or “shipped from another state”
  • Suspiciously low prices that seem too good to be true

Top Tip: Never transfer money before seeing the car in person. Always view the vehicle AND its documentsbefore agreeing to anything.

Step 3: Check the Vehicle’s History

In QLD, you can use the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) to make sure the car:

  • Isn’t stolen
  • Doesn’t have finance owing
  • Hasn’t been written off or damaged in floods

You’ll need the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to run this check. It’s a small step that could save you from a massive headache.

Step 4: Inspect the Car

Even if the car looks great, hidden issues can cost you thousands down the line. That’s why a professional pre-purchase inspection is essential.

At Auto Leaders, we conduct comprehensive inspections, checking:

  • Engine condition
  • Brakes, suspension, and steering
  • Fluid leaks
  • Electrical systems
  • Tyres and wheels
  • Structural integrity and signs of previous damage

Our expert techs will give you a detailed report, so you know exactly what you’re buying—before you buy it.

Step 5: Test Drive It (Properly)

Don’t just take it around the block, test it under various conditions. Listen for unusual noises, check how it brakes, how it accelerates, and how it handles on the highway. Pay attention to:

  • Dashboard warning lights
  • Air con and heater
  • Steering feel
  • Gear changes (manual or auto)

If anything feels off, raise it with the seller, or walk away.

Step 6: Check the Paperwork

Make sure all documentation is legit and matches the seller’s ID. You’ll want to see:

  • The registration certificate
  • Service history and logbook
  • Roadworthy or safety certificate (mandatory in QLD)
  • Receipts for major repairs or parts

QLD Note: A safety certificate is required before the car can be listed for sale (unless sold to a dealer or wrecker).

Step 7: Finalise the Sale Properly

If you’re happy with the car, negotiate the price, then complete a bill of sale and transfer the registration with your state’s transport authority.

  • In QLD, use Transport and Main Roads (TMR) online or at a customer service centre.

Don’t forget to update your insurance before driving away.

Bonus Tip: Bring in the Experts

At Auto Leaders, we offer trusted pre-purchase inspections across QLD. Whether you’re buying a used car privately or from a dealer, our thorough checks can give you peace of mind—and potentially save you thousands in repair bills.

Buying a used vehicle doesn’t have to be risky. With the right steps (and a little help from the pros), you can drive away knowing you made a safe and smart choice.

Book your pre-purchase inspection today with Auto Leaders. Let’s help you make your next used car a great one.