Visit a car supermarket where you can see a wide range of vehicles displayed in categories. This allows you to compare different makes and models side by side without dealing with aggressive sales tactics. Although these dealerships often have fixed prices, it’s worth asking about discounts. Be aware that they might sell ex-rental or ex-mine site vehicles, which are often well-restored but might come with higher price tags.

Car supermarkets typically have a high turnover of vehicles and may push warranties and finance options. While they often work on lower profit margins, their stock may not always be the cheapest, so it’s essential to compare prices. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, explore other dealerships and private sales for potentially better deals.

For cars under five years old, or Japanese/Korean cars under 10-15 years old, you’re generally less likely to encounter major issues. To further assess reliability, search for reviews and owner experiences on YouTube. This will provide insights into common problems and maintenance tips, which can be particularly useful when considering used cars or electric vehicles.

High-performance and luxury cars often come with higher maintenance costs, including tyres, brakes, insurance, and fuel. These costs can be significantly higher compared to standard vehicles. If you value performance and luxury, be prepared for these additional expenses.

Choosing the right vehicle is crucial as it impacts your satisfaction and financial investment. For example, I once bought an economical car but changed it within a year due to boredom. Take your time to research and select a vehicle that fits your needs and preferences to avoid making frequent changes.

Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance in choosing the right car or have any specific questions about vehicle options.

Oil Leaks: Check where the car has been parked for signs of oil leaks. You can also look underneath the car. Oil leaks can be costly to repair and are often not covered under warranties.

Cold Start: Watch the car start from cold. Listen for unusual rattles and check for a large puff of smoke. This can indicate potential engine issues.

Service History: Ask for the service history and find out when the last service was done. Taking a picture of the last service stamp and contacting the service center can reveal if any major repairs were advised but not completed.

Timing Belt: Check if the timing belt is due for replacement. Google the intervals and costs associated with this maintenance to avoid unexpected expenses.

Bonnet and Panels: Examine the bolts on the bonnet hinges. They should have no paint damage; cracks in the paint can indicate that the panel has been removed. Look for overspray or new panels as signs of previous paintwork. While these issues don’t necessarily mean the car is a no-go, they warrant further investigation.

Yes, it’s highly recommended:

Independent Inspectors: Companies like Todd offer thorough inspections for $200-$250, often providing more detailed reports compared to larger companies.

Mechanic Inspection: You can ask to take the car to your own mechanic or have your mechanic inspect it.

Supercheap Auto: They offer a service for $30 ($24 for members) that plugs into the car’s computer to read stored faults. Historical fault codes may appear, which can be either benign or indicate current issues.

Q: What are common inspection services

Independent Inspectors (e.g., Todd): $200-$250

Larger Companies (e.g., Redbook): Up to $350

Supercheap Auto Diagnostic Service: $30 ($24 for members)

Having a professional inspection can provide peace of mind and potentially save you from costly repairs.

Keep emotions out of the purchase. Emotional decisions can lead to trouble, especially when investing a significant amount in a new car.

Slow Down: Before making a decision, take your time. Consider if you genuinely need the car and discuss it with your partner. Evaluate if it fits your and your family’s needs compared to other priorities.

Pre-Discussion: Have a realistic discussion with your partner about the timeframe for purchasing the car. This helps in making a well-considered decision rather than an impulsive one.

Stay Professional: Approach salespeople with respect and politeness. Treating them with a cold shoulder or rudeness can hinder negotiations and create unnecessary tension. A friendly demeanor can foster a better relationship and often leads to more favorable deals.

Peace of Mind: Securing your financing in advance minimizes potential issues and provides reassurance that the funds are ready.

Know Your Repayments: With pre-approved financing, you know exactly what your repayments will be, making budgeting easier.

Show Seriousness: Presenting a pre-approval to the seller signals that you are a serious buyer, which can strengthen your negotiating position.

Dealer’s Perspective: Salespeople prefer buyers with pre-approval as it reduces the risk of losing deals due to financing issues.

Quicker Purchase: Having financing lined up often means you can complete the purchase more swiftly.

Research Common Problems: Google the brand and model of the car you’re interested in to identify common issues. This helps you avoid cars known for frequent problems and makes you a more informed buyer.

Have a Backup Plan: Schedule to view another car after the one you’re considering. This reduces the pressure to buy on the spot and provides a fallback if the first option doesn’t meet your needs.

Manage Pressure: Inform the salesperson that you have another car to view. Whether true or not, it gives you leverage and a reason to take your time, helping avoid hasty decisions.

Understand Contractual Obligations: In WA, a signed dealership contract is legally binding. If you change your mind after signing, the dealership can take legal action for up to 15% of the car’s purchase price. However, if you place a deposit and cannot secure financing, you should be entitled to a refund as the contract becomes invalid.