car buyers Archives - M1 Safety Certificates https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au Mobile Roadworthy, Safety Certificates, Gold Coast | Brisbane Thu, 03 Oct 2019 13:53:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.2 https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cropped-M1-Logo-compressor-32x32.png car buyers Archives - M1 Safety Certificates https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au 32 32 What to look for when buying a vehicle https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-vehicle/ Thu, 27 Jun 2019 11:34:47 +0000 https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au/?p=1392 Share on facebook Facebook Share on google Google+ Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn What to look for when buying a vehicle Shopping for a new vehicle is not only confusing with all the variety on the market but the language spoken by the automotive industry isn’t always clear on what you are […]

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Buying a new car
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What to look for when buying a vehicle

By Lisa Cockerill

By Lisa Cockerill

Shopping for a new vehicle is not only confusing with all the variety on the market but the language spoken by the automotive industry isn’t always clear on what you are actually buying.

Some buyers may find that the colour of the vehicle and how it looks is the most important part of the purchasing process however careful consideration needs to be taken in the safety aspect of the vehicle.

When buying a vehicle it is always a good idea to do research on the safety features and how they have been tested.

Car manufacturers spend a lot of time and money in their Research and development departments to ensure the safety of the occupants. We have all seen the crash test dummy advertisements appealing to our safety. The advertising qualities that safety features have on influencing buyers is very heavy and if it comes down to two brands with similar features, the safety features are often the tipping point for the buyer. The manufacturers have recognised this and focus a lot of attention to it.

There are many different types of features and trying to compare apples with apples can sometimes be confusing. We have broken down the safety features into categories and explained what you should be looking for.

Seat belt

Seats and seatbelts:

In the unfortunate event of an accident, seatbelts have been proven over and over again to be the life saving devise that otherwise would have resulted in a fatality.

We are taught from a young age to “Buckle Up” but why is it that the most at risk groups are males between 17-24 and 30-49 who don’t wear them?

For those who do put their seat belts on what are the things that you should be looking for?

The main factors is that it properly retracts, engages the pre-tensioner when you pull on the belt and that there are no frays in the belt in a second hand vehicle.

If you are buying a brand new vehicle ask the salesperson what the features are on the vehicle in relation to the seatbelts. Some vehicles actually have a mechanism that will adjust the seat as well as the seat belt to increase your rate of survival in the event of an accident.

Just wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of survival by 50%.

Safety Certificate Tip: If there are any rips or holes in the upholstery in the seats or frayed seatbelts the vehicle will not pass even if you have seat covers on the vehicle.

Air bag-Car-Safety

Air Bags:

Airbags are no longer just located in the steering wheel. Ask the sales person how many are fitted to the vehicle and where they are located.

Some vehicles can have as many as 10 or 11 airbags.

Some of the different types of airbags are:

  • Drivers steering wheel airbag
  • Passenger dash air bag
  • Side Curtain/sheet air bag
  • Pelvic Air bag
  • Seat mounted side air bag – deployed chest level
  •  Seat mounted side air bag – deployed hip level

 

Once again ask the salesperson for more information and know where they are located in both new and second hand vehicles.

Safety Certificate Tip: If an air bag light is on, it will not pass.

Safety Tip: Visit www.ancap.com.au to search the vehicle you are buying. It will allow you to see how many airbags are in the vehicle and where they are located. It will also show the star safety rating of the vehicle.

Crash and Crumble Zones:

Many of the latest vehicles are designed to take impact of an accident to better protect the occupants in the vehicle.

This will lead to smaller accidents looking worse than what they would normally as the panels will crumble essentially writing off the vehicle in most cases.

However, the occupants have decreased injuries from whiplash as a result and the cabin stays intact. The stability of the cabin will reduce the risk of other parts of the cabin breaking away or bending into the occupants’ area causing injury or death.

Tyres:

This is your contact to the road surface and just like anything there are many different levels of quality that tyres come in.

In the case of a second hand vehicle if the brand is not familiar then research them. Cheap, low quality tyres are a risk factor when you are in an accident because they will not handle the same way as a high quality tyre. Braking distances and ability to change direction in the vehicle to avoid an accident is compromised with the low quality.

The lower quality tyres will wear faster and in the long run cost you more.

See if you can negotiate the price down with the quality of the tyres being so low if they are trying to sell them with the cheapest possible option.

Tyre thread depth

Safety Certificate Tip: The tyres need to be at least 1.5mm across the whole width of the tyre.

Stability Control

Check if the vehicle has stability control and what type it has.

There are different names that the stability control is called.

ESP – Electronic Stability Program

DSC – Dynamic Stability Control

ASC – Active Stability Control

VSC – Vehicle Stability Control

They are all in one the same thing.

So how do they work?

When you are driving your vehicle in a straight line and say for example a kangaroo jumps out in front of you. When you swerve to avoid the animal a vehicle without stability control will swing from the direction you steered towards and then instantly swing back to the opposite direction. This could involuntarily steer you into oncoming traffic or other dangers on the road, which is what you were trying to avoid in the first place.

A vehicle with stability control stops this from happening. When you swerve to avoid the accident the vehicle is stabilised to give the driver control of where it is heading.

ABS – Anti-Locking Brake System:

Always check if the vehicle has ABS. The reduction in the risk of an accident is significant. ABS allows the driver to stay in control of the vehicle in the event of avoidance of an accident. It prevents the tyres from locking up and skidding across the road surface. The contact of the tyres is where the control of the steering is most important. Once that contact is compromised the driver is simply a passenger in the events that are about to unfold without any power to correct the situation.

Braking distances improve especially in wet conditions.

ABS and Stability control increase the chances of survival in an accident enormously and when you are looking at buying a new vehicle these are two of the features that should become a deciding factor.

Recap:

  • Get a pre-purchase inspection, know exactly what you are buying
  • Ask lots of questions on the safety features
  • Research the vehicle and the safety rating on www.ancap.com.au
  • Always make sure that the vehicle has a valid Safety Certificate (Keeping in mind that just because it passed doesn’t mean that it is a great buy) Safe Motoring…
 
 
 
car pre purchase inspection
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Truck pre purchase inspection
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]]> Car Buyers and sellers checklist https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au/car-buyers-and-sellers-checklist/ Wed, 26 Jun 2019 10:21:54 +0000 https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au/?p=1290 Car Buyers’ and sellers’ checklists Share on facebook Facebook Share on google Google+ Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Buyer’s Checklist Is the current registration certificate is in the seller’s name? (although this is not proof of ownership) Does the seller’s name on the transfer application form match the name on the current […]

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Car buyer and check list queensland

Car Buyers' and sellers' checklists

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By Lisa Cockerill

By Lisa Cockerill

Buyer's Checklist

  • Is the current registration certificate is in the seller’s name? (although this is not proof of ownership)
  • Does the seller’s name on the transfer application form match the name on the current registration certificate?
  • The Queensland safety certificate or certificate of inspection is displayed on the vehicle. (Paper copy only)
  • If the vehicle runs on gas or is fitted with gas appliances, fittings or systems the vehicle may require a gas certificate. It is the responsibility of the seller to provide you with this. The certificate cannot not be more than 3 months old and must be from an authorised gas installer.
  • You (the buyer) must lodge Part A (Transfer Application) of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form at customer service centre within 14 days of purchase.
  • You should use the search function on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to make sure that the vehicle you are buying does not have a security interest over it. For example, if you buy a vehicle that still has money owing on it, the vehicle could be repossessed by the person who lent money against it. A PPSR search will also advise whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen or written-off.

    Note: If you buy a vehicle from a motor dealer, they must supply a vehicle search certificate from the PPSR.

Sellers' checklist

  • The current registration certificate is in your name (although this is not proof of ownership)
  • The Queensland Safety Certificate or Certificate of Inspection has not expired. Private Sale: 2 months or  2000km 
  • Valid Gas Certificate if required. A vehicle that has LPG or Gas appliances requires a gas certificate from an authorised gas certifier.
  • You keep Part B (Proof of Transfer/Notice of Disposal) of the Transfer of Vehicle Registration Application form
  • Check the vehicle has been transferred into the new owners name with Queensland Transport and Main Roads
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]]> Smart car buyers guide https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au/smart-car-buyers-guide/ Wed, 26 Jun 2019 04:27:25 +0000 https://www.m1safetycertificates.com.au/?p=1252 Smart car buyers guide Share on facebook Facebook Share on google Google+ Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Warranty In most cases when buying a second hand vehicle from a licensed motor dealer you are entitled to a “Mandatory Statutory Warranty”. This protects you from financial loss if the vehicle is faulty. There […]

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Smart car buyers guide

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By Lisa Cockerill

By Lisa Cockerill

Warranty

In most cases when buying a second hand vehicle from a licensed motor dealer you are entitled to a “Mandatory Statutory Warranty”.

This protects you from financial loss if the vehicle is faulty.

There are two types of statutory warranty, Class A and Class B.

CLASS A – Valid for 3 months or 5000 km, whichever happens first.

  • When the odometer reading is less than 160 000 km
  • The car was manufactured less than 10 years before the sale date.

CLASS B – Valid for 1 month or 1000 km, whichever happens first.

  • The odometer reading is 160 000 km or more,
  • Or the car was manufactured 10 years or more before the sale date

 

You are also protected by ‘consumer guarantees’. Visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au to find out more.

 

Warranty Exclusions

Statutory warranties do not cover any defect the following:

  • tyres or tyre tubes, 

  • batteries,

  • fitted airbags

  • lights other than a warning light or turn indicator light used as a hazard light

  • radiator hoses

  • installed radio, tape recorder or CD player

  • air-conditioning system (for a Class B warranted vehicle)

  • aerial,

  • service items such as spark plugs, wiper rubber, distributor point, oil or oil filter, heater hose, fuel or air filter

  • paintwork or upholstery that should have been apparent before the buyer took delivery of the vehicle

  • accessories not fitted to the vehicle when it was sold.

  • Statutory warranty also does not cover any defect from accidental damage due to your misuse or negligence.
Pushing car

Vehicles offered without statutory warranty

The following vehicles do not have a statutory warranty:

  • motorcycles

  • caravans

  • commercial vehicles

  • written-off vehicles

  • vehicles being sold on consignment for a private seller

  • vehicles sold for restoration

  • an unregistered vehicle that can not be registered in Queensland because of its design.

    Vehicles with no statutory warranty must be clearly identified and advertised. Auctioneers and motor dealers must place notices on the windshield or price tag, place signs at the main entrance to the premises or give them to you.

     

Cooling-off period

Cooling off periods are valid for one business day when purchasing from a motor dealer. The motor dealer cannot refuse to grant you a cooling off period.

Top 3 things to remember

  1. If you take possession of the vehicle during the cooling-off period, you lose your right to have a cooling-off period
  2. You are allowed to take the vehicle for an independent mechanical inspection and test drive the vehicle

  3. The sales contract is binding for the dealer as soon as both parties sign the contract. As the buyer, you are bound by the contract only after the cooling-off period, unless you take possession of the vehicle during that time.

    Terminating a contract during the cooling-off period

    If you wish to terminate a contract during the cooling-off period, give the dealer written notice before the period ends. You can email, fax or deliver the notice personally.

    The dealer can keep up to $100 of your deposit. They must return the rest of the money you paid and your trade-in vehicle.

Clear title

Buying a vehicle that is free and clear of any debt is known as clear title.

A Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) certificate gives you information about any outstanding debts attached to a vehicle.

For example: if a bank has given a loan to the previous owner of the vehicle, who has not yet fully repaid, the bank has a financial interest in the vehicle. The bank is legally able to repossess the vehicle if the loan defaults.

If the PPSR certificate shows any outstanding debts, make sure the previous owner clears them before you pay for the vehicle.

If the used vehicle is being sold by a licensed motor dealer or licensed auctioneer, they must guarantee clear title.

Even though they are not required to give you a PPSR certificate, you are guaranteed clear title regardless of whether you are given a certificate or not.

If you buy from a private person, it is your responsibility to get a PPSR certificate.

To obtain information on how to get a PPSR certificate, visit www.ppsr.gov.au or call 1300 007 777.

Mobile roadworthy certificates

Conducting vehicle checks

Vehicle plate checks

Check the build plate to see the construction date of the car. Make sure the advertised year of the car is the same as its true age.

The compliance plate indicates the date the car met certain Australian safety standards, making it legal to drive. This date is not necessarily the same as the manufacture date of the car and it does not indicate the year model.

Mechanical inspection

Pre-Purchase Inspections can pay for themselves several times over. Having a qualified mechanic complete a Pre-Purchase Inspection can save you money in the long run in unknown repairs. A Queensland Safety Certificate does not mean that the vehicle is mechanically sound. It is always recommended to have a Pre-Purchase Inspection carried out. 

Buying privately

If you are not buying from a licensed dealer, take extra precautions.

Top 3 differences between buying privately versus buying from a licensed dealer.

  1. you do not have a statutory warranty

  2. you are not entitled to a cooling-off period

  3. the seller is not bound by the same laws as licensed dealers 

IMPORTANT: You cannot access the Claim Fund if anything goes wrong (i.e. you won’t be able to make a claim for compensation of any financial loss).

Visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au to find out more about the Claim Fund.

Buying a new car

Contracts for purchasing a vehicle may include some of all of the following:
 
  • Total Cost 
  • Warranty conditions
  • Trade in amount (If applicable)
  • Delivery Date
  • Buyer’s Full Name and Address
  • Sellers Full Name and Address
  • Photocopy of both parties drivers licenses
  • Financial Institution if financed 

 

The contract of sale for the purchase of a motor vehicle
is a legally binding document.

DO NOT SIGN until you are absolutely sure you want to buy the car.

Make sure there are no unfavourable clauses in the contract. Seek Legal advice if unsure

Buying a Brand New Car from a Dealership

When you buy a new car from a dealership, there is no cooling-off period.

Make sure you are completely happy with the car and the contract before signing anything.

A vehicle is classified as a new car if it has never been licensed or registered. A demonstration car is not considered a new car.

Vehicle plate checks

Check the build plate to see the construction date of the car. The compliance plate details the date the car met certain Australian safety standards, making it legal to drive. The compliance date will not necessarily be the same as the build date, especially on imported vehicles. Make sure the advertised year model of the car matches its true age.

The build plate date is commonly used to value a car when you re-sell it. If you have bought a car based on its compliance date, rather than build date, its resale value could be significantly less than expected.

Negotiate the deal

As you visit each dealer, ask them to give you a firm price in writing for the model you want. Get prices from as many dealers as possible.

Pay a deposit

Dealers often ask for a deposit to prove you intend to buy the car. Only pay the minimum deposit the dealer will accept to reserve the car.

Before you hand over your cash, check if your deposit is refundable, and if so, under what circumstances.

Make sure you get a receipt for every payment you make.

Do your own pre-delivery check on the vehicle. Check to see that:

  • there are no dents or chips in the paintwork

  • there are no cuts or scratches on the interior

  • any accessories or extras you have ordered have been included

  • the advertised year model matches the build plate.

     

Resolving disputes

Try to resolve any disputes directly with the dealer.

Ask for all commitments of resolutions/repairs to be in writing.

If you are not happy with the dealer’s response to your concerns, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.auto explore your options.

Auctions

At an auction, you must be told if the vehicle:

  • Does not carry a statutory warranty

  • Has sustained water damage

  • Is a repairable write-off (i.e. it must pass a written-off vehicle inspection before it can be registered)

  • Is a statutory write-off (i.e. it cannot be registered).

    Usually you are not allowed to test drive a vehicle before bidding on it at auction, but you should be able to inspect it.

    The seller must guarantee clear title to the buyer. This ensures there is no money owed on the vehicle and no other party can claim a financial interest in it.

Unless the car has been identified as an unregistered vehicle, you must also be given a safety certificate (previously known as a roadworthy certificate). Visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au to find out more about safety certificates.

When you buy a vehicle, the auction house must give you a receipt and completed transfer of registration form. Transfer of registration forms are available at http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au

Remember, once the hammer falls you can’t back out of your purchase. Carefully study the conditions of sale before bidding.

Restorable vehicle

A restorable vehicle is:

  • 20 or more years old

  • for sale for restoration.

    To bid on a restorable vehicle at an auction you must register yourself with the auctioneer before the auction begins. The vehicle’s statutory warranty is waived as a condition of the sale.

    Resolving disputes

    First try to resolve any problems you have directly
    with the auction house. All auction houses must have complaint handling procedures. Then if you are not happy with the auction house’s response to your concerns, visitwww.fairtrading.qld.gov.au to explore your options.

Repairs

Find a reputable repairer

Make sure the repairer you choose is reputable, qualified to do the job and has access to the necessary equipment. Going to the same reliable repairer each time will build up a service history for your car. It will also allow the repairer to better advise you of upcoming repairs.

Get quotes

Get at least two written quotes for any repairs or services. Estimates are often verbal and approximate, while quotes are more specific and itemise the work to be done. The quote should outline the repairs and the costs, including parts, labour and any agreements or promises given. Preparing a written quote may involve the repairer having to diagnose the fault. Check before leaving your car whether you will be charged for this.

Don’t be pressured into having a repair carried out. Ask the repairer to explain the fault clearly without using technical jargon. If you are unsure about the repairs or they sound expensive, shop around for other quotes and advice.

Explain the problems clearly

Be clear and specific when describing the problems with your vehicle to a repairer. The more the repairer knows about the problem, the more likely they will be able to find the cause and fix the problem the first time.

It’s best not to ask for specific repairs or diagnose the problem yourself. If you do ask for a specific repair and it doesn’t fix the fault, you cannot hold the repairer liable.

Don't get caught with an unwanted repair bill.

TOP 9 Tips to avoid unwanted repair bills

  1. All repairs for your vehicle should be quoted and agreed upon BEFORE any work is carried out.
  2. Ensure the repairer clearly understands that they can only do repairs that you have authorised.
  3. Any extra work should only be completed if, and when, you give the repairer permission to do so.
  4. Let the repairer know before they commence work if you want any old parts returned after the car is repaired. They should be able to show you why parts were replaced.
  5. Avoid using phrases such as “Do whatever needs to be done” as this can lead to costly repairs you are not prepared to pay for.
  6. If you are unable to pay and haven’t come to any financial arrangement, the repairer is allowed to keep your car until you do pay.
  7. Get an itemised invoice that breaks down the costs of products and labour for instance.
  8. Get a receipt and keep it with your car records.
  9. Keep a record of repairs and services carried out on your car. These will help you with any warranty or repair disputes. If you want to sell the car, these records will show the car has been well maintained.

Steps to take to resolving a warranty dispute

  1. You must take your vehicle back to the dealer and give written notice of the defect to the warrantor.
  2. Try to resolve any disputes directly with the repairer first. Clearly discuss why you are dissatisfied with the repairs or service. If you are not happy with the response, write to the manager.
  3. The warrantor must respond within five days with instructions for getting your vehicle repairs done.
  4. Once the warrantor accepts that the defects are covered by statutory warranty, they have 14 days to complete the repairs and return your vehicle.

If you still are not satisfied with the response, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au to explore your options.

Alternatively you can contact the Motor Trades Association of Queensland for advice if your repairer is a member.

MOST IMPORTANTLY!

  • If you feel you are entitled to repairs under your statutory warranty, you cannot simply have your vehicle repaired and send the bill to the warrantor.   
  • If your vehicle is more than 200 km from the warrantor when you give notice, you can take it to the nearest qualified repairer. The warrantor may decide to use another repairer, but they will have to pay for any delivery costs.
  • If the car dealership you bought from has been sold, the warranty on your vehicle continues to remain the responsibility of the original licensee. If the dealership ownership changes hands then the new owner of the dealership is not responsible for instance.
  • For every day your car is undergoing a statutory warranty repair, another day is added to your warranty period.

Vehicle Maintenance & Servicing

Regular services will help keep long-term repair costs down. They can also identify minor problems that can be repaired before they become more costly major problems. Correctly maintain your vehicle by following the manufacturer’s service schedule. A well looked after vehicle will most likely have a higher resale or trade-in value if you choose to sell.

Checklist

If you buy a new car, check that:

  •   All exterior lights are working

  •   All glass surfaces are clean and free from chips, cracks and scratches

  •   The windscreen wipers and washers work properly

  •   The horn works

  •   The handbrake holds the car still on steep hills

  •   The seat belts are in good condition

  •   The tyres are in good condition and at the right pressure

  •   All gauges and warning lights are working when you start the car

  •   All fluid and oil levels are topped up when needed.

Mobile Roadworthy
Roadworthy inspection

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