This saves time as you know exactly what you can afford and enables you to act quickly when you find the right car for you so that you can negotiate the best deal possible. As part of our service to you one of our Car and Finance Direct Specialist will assist you to verify correct and proper ownership of the car that you are purchasing and will arrange insurance for you prior to taking delivery of the car.

2. Shop Around Before Spending

Don't purchase the first car that you see. Shop around and get a good idea of the prices, average odometer readings and general condition of cars on offer so you have the power of knowledge aiding your negotiations. Internet search sites also provide a great indication of what is on offer in the marketplace. Visit our cars for sale page to view thousands of used cars online.

3. Service History

Ask to see the car's service book and check its service history. Check that the kilometres on the odometer tallies with service and repair receipts.

4. Gain a VCheck

Visit http://www.checkitout.com.au/ and check the car's history by using the vehicle's VIN number. There are some mysteries that even a mechanical inspection cannot uncover for example how many owners a vehicle has had or what the vehicle has been used for.

5. Get a Professional Inspection

Before purchasing a private car have it checked by a professional mechanic and provide an estimate of the cost of any repairs required. You can then ask that the cost of repairs be deducted from the seller's asking price.

6. Transfer of Registration Ability

To enable transfer of registration, the vehicle should also have a completed mechanical check in accordance with the relevant State registration transfer authorities. If there is no certificate provided, transfer of registration may not be possible.

7. Ask about the Warranty

If the vehicle is out of manufacturer's warranty expensive mechanical repairs could become a financial burden. Your Cars and Finance Direct specialist can assist by arranging an extensive warranty cover for you.

8. Ensure The Vehicle is Free of Any Financial Obligation

Many finance companies take security over a vehicle when lending to consumers or companies. Any such encumbrances are registered by the relevant state authority and a search of those databases providing the VIN number, the engine number and the registration number will confirm if there are any funds owing.

If it is found that there are funds owing on the vehicle, the encumbrance must be cleared or discharged prior to your purchase of the vehicle or simultaneously with the purchase of your vehicle otherwise title to the vehicle cannot pass onto you as the purchaser. Once again if you are arranging finance for the vehicle, Cars and Finance Direct can assist you in ensuring that ownership to the vehicle flows correctly through to you. You can also access a PPSR check by going to the relevant website.

9. Test Drive

Before test driving a car make sure it is registered and never drive an uninsured car!

10. Beware of Scams

When viewing advertisements online from private advertisers you need to be aware of common internet scams. These usually involve the advertiser requesting you transfer money before you've seen the vehicle but there are several variations. The Australian Government has a helpful website called "SCAM Watch" with information about common car scams. You can find it here http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is! If you feel uncertain about making a private vehicle purchase look for a Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealer to mitigate the associated risks with buying privately.