Take care when choosing a car to buy. Taking the time to research your choices and rights before buying can help avoid problems.
Before buying a car, you should:
- compare on-road and operating costs including:
- including registration
- compulsory third-party insurance
- stamp duty
- additional insurance
- fuel
- servicing and spare parts.
- get an independent safety assessment on new cars through the Australian New Car Assessment Program
- test drive the car
- get an independent vehicle inspection on a used car by a qualified person
- check the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to make sure there’s no money owing on it (there a small fee to check vehicles)
- ask about and compare after sales support and warranties that different sellers and manufacturers offer
- understand the purpose of fuel consumption labels on new cars
- note there are no statutory cooling-off rights or “lemon laws” for motor vehicle sales in Tasmania.
All motor vehicle traders in Tasmania must have a licence to sell used cars.
Search for a vehicle trader licence to make sure the dealer is licensed.
This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.