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| First Car | |||
So
you want to buy your first CAR........... |
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Warning signs!
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1. | Avoid unlicenced cars or cars with country number plates. Old cars can be expensive to 'put over the pits'. People often sell cars with only a couple of week's licence to go. Typical minimum 6 months licence $200. There is also the licence transfer fee based on the cost of the car. (WA: $2000 car transfer fee is $65) See State Transport authorites. |
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| 2. | Cars with any of the following 'features' should be avoided .. . Irregular worn tyres & wobbling wheels, Missing spare wheel or no jack, Any cracks in the windscreen, Any oil leaks from the engine, gear box and diff (if fitted), A loose feeling steering wheel, Split seats and broken fittings & trims in the car, Window winders, controls & door handles that don't work, A car with no demobiliser (Mandatory in WA since 1999) Cars with obvious serious rust, Vehicles with any obvious & unrepaired accident damage, Brown (water) stains anywhere in and around the engine, No oil, or extra black or foamy oil problems on oil dipstick, Wrapped tape around any hoses or worn belts, A soft brake pedal with spongy feeling, A car with a cold engine that is hard to start and cars with overhead cams where the belt or chain has not been replaced in more than 100,000 kms. (A well serviced car will have a sticker saying when the timing belt was replaced and when due. In an 'interference' engine the belt failure can cause the valves to bend/break & pistons to get holes punched through them. Exit engine!) Check also if radios & CD player (if fitted) and all the lights, front & rear do work. (Take a second person to confirm). If the battery allows it, make sure that the liquid in the battery is up to the level indicator. It is topped up with DISTILLED water. Buying Guide download Alternative: Get to know a good mechanic! |
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| 3. |
Make sure who owns the car? Check the REVS listing in your state. (Only TAS not online)
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| Top | 4. |
Statutory Warranty Statutory warranty is a legal obligation that requires licensed motor vehicle dealers to fix certain defects or problems that occur in a vehicle for a period, (usually 3 months), after the sale of the vehicle. Not all vehicles are covered ... click here Cars in WA under $4000 have no warranty ... click here Buying cars from private people have no warranties. |
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| Paying for your set of wheels Top |
Budget your dollars for buying it, including transfer fees & interest, and then ... running your car, including the obvious like petrol, but also the forgotten costs like licence, insurance, servicing & repairs. Check out the SA Govt's Consumer Youth website |
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| Points to ponder ... | Don't sign a contract until you have read and understood it. Make sure that you want the car, and can afford it. Once you sign it, it's yours! Always get a copy of any contract and documents you sign, and a copy of the Safety Cert. Check that any safety certificate is valid with all vehicle details correct. (Engine & body numbers etc). Insure your car with a company to give you good value for money cover and an efficient claim service. It's wise not to get a "racey or sporty or convertible" as a first car, as they can be too expensive & you might lose it with the 'hoon' laws. They also attract the police who can issue work orders to 'curb your enthusiasm'. |
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| The basics Top |
You are going to need a driver's licence ... so get one! Learn how to change a tyre and check the oil, water & air levels. Carry the basics, including a spare wheel, jack, torch, water, street directory & maybe some vulcanising rubber tape. (Hose fix) |
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| Other useful stuff .... |
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Buying
a first car can be quite stressfull. |
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