Used Car Buying Guide Victoria: Warranty, Cooling-Off and Checks

Buying a used car in Victoria

Buying from a licensed motor car trader gives you protections you do not get from a private sale. Here is what they are and what to check.

Statutory warranty

If the car is under 10 years old (going by its build plate) and has travelled less than 160,000 km, a licensed dealer must give a statutory warranty of 3 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first. The dealer must repair covered faults so the car is in reasonable condition for its age. Time spent on repairs is added to the warranty.

The warranty does not cover accidental damage or misuse after delivery, tyres, batteries, light globes and many accessories. Commercial vehicles and cars sold at public auction are exempt. Contact the dealer before arranging your own repairs, or you may void the warranty.

Three business day cooling-off period

You can change your mind within three business days of signing the contract. Weekends and public holidays do not count. You must tell the dealer in writing, and the dealer can keep the greater of $100 or 1% of the price. If you take delivery during those three days, the cooling-off right ends. It does not apply to cars bought in a company name or to commercial vehicles.

What to check before you buy

• The service history and logbook
• A test drive on roads you know
• That the registration and VIN match the paperwork
• A PPSR check, which shows if money is owing or the car has been written off or stolen
• The total drive away price, including any finance costs

Rules are set by Consumer Affairs Victoria and can change, so check their website for full details.

Talk to us

Visit Alan Mance Motors Melton at 1A Holland Drive, Melton VIC 3337, call (03) 9747 5000, or send an enquiry with the form on this page. Sales hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday 9am to 5:30pm. Closed Sunday.