When buying a new car, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
- know what you are buying
- Do your own research (e.g. look at RACV road test reports and operating cost
- Be aware of what features are standard and what are optional extras.
- Shop around for any finance, insurance and extended warranty and read the detail about the product before deciding to buy it. The best product for you may not be available through a dealer.
- Properly test drive the vehicle before deciding to buy. Check visibility, how easy it is to operate all the controls and how comfortable you feel driving the car.
- Check to see if there is a full size tyre or a space saving tyre. Try to negotiate for a full size tyre.
- know what you are paying
- Negotiate one total drive away/ change over price, including government charges, any extras and trade in value. Afterall, that is all that counts.
- Research the likely ongoing costs (e.g. fuel consumption, servicing, insurance, registration, finance repayments) prior to purchase. Get quotes on insurance and finance products for the particular car prior to purchase and see RACV’s vehicle operating costs information.
- know what you are signing
- Read all documents carefully before signing.
- Make sure there are no blanks; that all details are filled in.
- Make sure the colour, any extras and agreements with the seller are noted in the contract.
- Include a “delivery by” date rather than just “ASAP” otherwise you could be left waiting for longer than you are prepared to wait.
- know your rights There is no cooling off period for new cars unless it is an “off trade premises” sale. When you sign the contract, you are bound by it as a legally enforceable document. All new cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The most common warranty is three years or 100,000 km, or whichever comes first. This can vary, so check with your dealer. Study all warranties, including extended warranties, because the warranty terms and conditions vary between companies.
- don’t be pressured
- Deal with people you feel comfortable with. Go elsewhere if you have doubts.
- Know what you want from a car and take the time to find it.
- Shop around.
- Don’t be rushed to sign – take time to consider the deal.
- If you are trading in your old car for a new car, you should keep your trade-in vehicle until you pick up your new car.
- do your own pre delivery check Before paying and taking delivery of your new car, thoroughly check the vehicle over to make sure it is the one you ordered and everything is in order. Your dealer should check the car, however it is a good idea to check the following yourself:
- Check the bodywork for dents, scratches or chips
- Check the interior for scratches, marks, stains and cuts
- Be sure any accessories and modifications are fitted and working correctly
- Make sure your spare tyre and wheel changing tools are included
- Make sure all items are working e.g. lights, indicators, wipers etc.
