Once you have decided what car to buy, i.e. Make, Model, Body, Engine and Transmission you should also set a Budget.  Then, set out to find the BEST car that will fit that Budget. Select a web-site or you may want to check more than one web site, select the web site most suitable for your car and budget.  A good guide is www.tradingpost.com.au for cheaper cars, www.drive.com.au and/or www.carsguide.com.au for standard type of cars and www.carsales.com.au for Luxury and more expensive cars.

1. Enter your search criteria, i.e. make, model, body, engine, transmission, State and City etc.

2. Enter your Budget (the maximum you are willing to spend and also the minimum - set minimum $5000 below maximum).

3. Enter to search for appropriate cars.  If there are many choices, more than 1 page, refine the search by entering in search criteria maximum odometer

    reading/distance travelled and minimum year model.

4. Select the best three cars that meet your criteria (latest model and lowest odometer reading) and call the sellers.

4.1. Ask the seller whether they have the original service book that came with the car, whether they are the original and first owner, or how long they

       have owned the car and ask whether the vehicle has been involved in any accidents or is listed on REVS as a repairable write-off.

       If it the vehicle is listed as a repairable write-off do NOT consider the vehicle unless you are a experienced Panel Beater and you know what to check.

       If the seller does not have the original service book or if service history is incomplete ask yourself is the odometer reading likely to be correct.  An

       average privately owned vehicle travels 15,000 Km per annum.

5. If you are happy with what the seller is telling you, visit the seller to verify first of all that the vehicle is what you think it is, than and test drive

    vehicle.  Drive as long as possible, but a minimum 15 minutes, preferably a little longer.  Do this with at least three cars.

6. Verify the service history. Inspect for repaired and unrepaired accident damage, check all fluid levels, make sure all instruments lights etc. are

    functioning. Check the tyres including the spare tyre. Look for any fluid leaks, check for smoke coming from exhaust etc.  It is best to buy a Car

    Inspection Check list (available from Car Solutions) or better still order a Pre-Purchase Inspection from Car Solutions.

7. Get the seller to agree to a price.

8. Select the car that seems to be the BEST, (NOT the cheapest) and now negotiate the lowest possible price, if you are not comfortable with this process

    Car Solutions can assist. 

9. Once you are happy with the price agreed to obtain the VIN, Engine and Registration Numbers and do a preliminary REVS check. If all is clear go to

    Article 4. for further assistance.

10. Do NOT rush this process.  Take your time to consider carefully - but, do not procrastinate.

For further information Phone 1300 30 30 12 or write to info@carsolutions.com.au
April, 2009