Buying A Car In Brisbane: Auction & Dealer Tips

Buying a car in Brisbane from dealers or auctions can give you more choices and save you money. Discover affordable ex-government cars for sale.

Buying a Car in Brisbane from a Car Dealer

Buying used cars from reputable car dealers will usually be a little more expensive than buying from a private sale. The reason is Brisbane car dealers have to offer and do more for you than a person selling their car privately. Here’s what you usually get:

Car Dealer Guarantees and Warranties

• A Statutory Warranty – Depending on the age and kilometres of the vehicle travelled. Dealer statutory warranty protects you from financial loss. If the vehicle happens not to live up to its intended purpose or is worn out and no longer works you have protection.
• Cooling-Off Period – Most states and territories
• Guarantee Clear Title – You are not buying a used car with finance owing (encumbrance)
• Disclose if it’s a statutory or repairable write-off
• Test-Drive Vehicle – You can drive the vehicle on your usual driving route or even ask the dealer if you can take the vehicle home overnight to see if it fits in your garage.

Even though you mostly pay a little more buying from a car dealer it’s still the safest way of buying a used car because you also get access to a guaranteed claim fund compensation if you are out of pocket due to something the motor dealer does wrong. If you’re buying your first car and want to avoid any unnecessary risk this could be the better choice for you.

Another reason people buy from dealers is they get to trade in their old cars and they offer products like vehicle finance and vehicle history checks. You do have to do your due diligence as to what it is costing you though. Also, those who have a bad credit history can find offers from dealers to obtain finance. Once again you have to be careful that you don’t buy with your emotions meaning you don’t want to overlook the condition of the car for being able to get finance. Get a pre purchase vehicle inspection before you buy a used car. If you do get approved for finance then you have the opportunity to repair your credit score which will benefit you in the future.

Do Licensed Motor Dealers in QLD Have to Provide a Statutory Warranty?

In most cases, yes they do.

Statutory Warranty Used Car Queensland

The Queensland government has set out a statutory warranty for the sale and purchase of used cars. This warranty is designed to protect buyers from any defects that may be present in the car.

Class A Warranty

If the odometer reading is less than 160,000 km on the day of its sale and has a built date of no more than 10 years before the day of its sale it comes with a class A statutory warranty. The warranty expires after 3 months or the first 5,000km.

Class B Warranty

If the build date is more than 10 years old before the day of its sale a class B statutory warranty will apply. The warranty expires after 1 month or the first 1,000km.

What are Certified Pre-Owned Dealer Vehicles?

Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles is the new buzzword going around in the automotive marketplace place so let’s find out what this all means in simple terms.

Pre-Owned Meaning?

A Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle commonly known as CPO is any vehicle that meets certain criteria. The vehicle usually has to have a:

• Mechanical Inspection
• Full-Service History
• Low Age
• Low Mileage
• Factory Backed Warranty*
• Like New Condition

The term Certified Pre-Owned does have its variations so be careful. CPO vehicles are sold at franchised licensed dealers and offer factory extended warranties. *Independent dealers can also use the term Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle but they offer alternative inspections and warranties.

Consumers are now more educated and confident than ever before when it comes to buying and selling second-hand vehicles thanks to online automotive classified sites like CarSales. With the increase of private sellers and buyers along with car auction houses targeting the general public, car dealers are hurting. This is why car dealers have needed to reinvent themselves and look to the future so CPO is their best chance.

Why Buy a Dealer-Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?

Car buyers can save thousands by buying a CPO vehicle compared to a new vehicle. Luxury marques were the first to create CPO programs but Toyota Pre-Owned Vehicles are becoming more common along with other mainstream manufacturers.

Also, you still get all the benefits that come with a new car without the depreciation hit new cars suffer. Ok, so it’s not new but if it has been well looked after it should still smell like new.

Where to Look for Used Cars Brisbane Northside?

There are many large and smaller new or used car dealers worth checking out along Gympie Road in Kedron.

More Likely to Find:

• used cars in Brisbane under $15,000
• used cars in Brisbane under $20,000

Where to Find Used Cars Brisbane Southside?

If you’re on the south side of Brisbane you can go to the Magic Mile in Moorooka. There are many makes and models to suit every budget.

• used cars in Brisbane under $5,000
• used cars in Brisbane under $10,000

Used Car Auctions Brisbane

Buying a car at auction is a great way to save money. If you know what you’re doing, it’s relatively easy. Learn about the pros and cons and how to keep safe.

Many car auctions are going on around the country every day including online car auctions too. Many specialize in repossessed, seized or foreclosed, surplus, government including ex-police and general fleet vehicles. Let’s take a look.

How Does Buying a Used Car at Auction Work?

A car auction is a public event where dealers, individuals, and even government agencies can buy and sell cars. Dealers need to have cash on hand to accept their inventory of vehicles. Individuals may be looking for a specific car that they want to buy or sell. Government agencies may need to get rid of seized vehicles or repossessed cars.

There are two types of auctions: live auctions and online auctions. Live auctions are the most common type of auction because they allow buyers to inspect the items before bidding. Online auctions are good for sellers who cannot attend the live auction themselves, but it is more difficult for buyers to examine what they are buying because they can’t see it in person before bidding on it. keep reading for my bonus tip on how to minimize the risk when buying from an online car auction.

But the thought of buying a car at an auction can be somewhat scary. So this car auction guide takes a look at the pros and cons and gives you expert tips and tools on how to reduce the risk and bid with confidence.

How Much Cheaper Are Cars at Auctions?

The price of the vehicle is going to depend on the competitiveness of anyone at the auction or interested in that same car. If no one else is bidding for it, you might be able to get close to the reserve price.

For cars bought at auction and prices paid for cars recently sold in your area see Manheim auctions. Their guide gives you the make, model, year, location, and other information. You can use this to compare auction prices with vehicle market value for popular makes and models to see how much you can save.

What Are the Pros of Buying a Car at Auction?

Many Types of Cars Bought at Auction

• You can buy any type of car that you want, and there are no restrictions on what you can buy. With car auctions, you can get savvy by doing all your research from the comfort of your own home or office. You can check out all the types of vehicles online with new makes and models being listed frequently and check the auction condition reports as well.
• Knowing what you need and want the vehicle to do for you, your family, your work, or your business before categorizing the vehicles into specific groups, like SUV, 4WD, and commercial vehicles will help you get started.

You Can Get Great Deals

• Trying to find real bargains can be difficult for those who are not professionals like car dealers. Let’s face it they will always have the advantage because that’s what they do every day. So that’s why you need to focus on large reputable car auction sites that are open to the general public.
• You have the opportunity to purchase vehicles for less than their retail price, which can be beneficial if you’re looking for a deal. When you buy cars at an auction, there are no hidden fees or charges. You know exactly what you’re paying for because all charges are included in the final bid price.

Balance of New Car Warranty

• If you’re buying near new vehicles it may still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Kind of like having the best of both worlds.

Can Be Quick and Easy

• After you have done your homework and gained the knowledge and confidence it’s usually a straightforward process to buy an auction car. Some auctions are open 24 hours

What Are the Cons of Buying a Car at an Auction?

Can’t Always Test Drive

• Not being able to test drive the vehicle can be a little hard to accept.
• Also, you may see the terms, vehicles sold at auction “where-is” and “as is” emphasizing consumers usually have no comeback if something major is wrong.

Not Everyone Can Buy A Car at Certain Auction Houses

• Some Brisbane dealer auctions are not open to the general public. Just check this before attending so you’re not wasting your time.

Government Auctions

Ex-government cars for sale in Brisbane are usually the best vehicles to buy at auctions. If you’re looking for ex-government vans for sale in Brisbane to start a business or buying your first car this can be an excellent way to get a late-model car with a 5-star safety rating. The vehicles are more likely to be one owner, have a good service history with a fully documented service book, and limited wear and tear around the interior. Also, most come with a safety certificate and statutory warranty. There are government auctions held around the country all the time like QFleet Auctions in Brisbane.

Fleet Car Auctions

Fleet car auction where most vehicles are used as a sales rep’s car. These vehicles may have higher-than-average kilometres but they’re still a great buy because at an auction they sell for less than their book value. They nearly always have a full dealer franchise service record and the interior is usually in good condition. Most times the back seats have never been sat on.

There are also vehicles from ex-rental companies that can be worth checking out. They usually have a good service history too.

Repossessed Car Auctions

Ever wondered what happens to vehicles seized by authorities for various reasons? They end up at a Repo auto auction where you can save thousands. These vehicles may have been seized because of a raid or just too many traffic tickets.

Well, once the government no longer needs the evidence or banks have to foreclose on a debtor the vehicles usually find their way back onto the market via an auction. This is how you can save thousands on the most popular makes and models.

Of course, there are certain risks when buying from repo car auctions but the risk level is what you make it. You have already started to lessen the risk by reading this article, and if you continue to read you will be able to locate, research, and buy vehicles in a much smarter way.

How to Buy a Car from Auction?

Research & Prepare

After you have done all your research online and you want to attend an auction be prepared by registering to attend before you arrive to cut the queue. Note down the lot numbers of the items, print out the auction catalogue, and check out payment options like do they accept cash or bank cheques. If paying by credit card, what are the charges? Also, make sure it’s a public auction, not a dealer-only auction.

I also suggest you take advantage of the free buying guides that many companies offer. This will help you attend an auction and not be overwhelmed with the process. After reading you should have a complete overview of the process and understand the ins and outs to make you a confident buyer.

If you know exactly the type of car you need or want, have educated yourself in the market, and know exactly how much you want to pay for the car and you have an absolute upper limit (can’t exceed) you are nearly there.

Most auction sites encourage you to check the vehicle out in person to eliminate any possible misunderstandings but this also favours the auction sites too because inexperienced buyers can end up buying with their emotions and paying more. So go in with a clear plan, and budget and stick to it!

Before the Auction

• Know the absolute maximum you are prepared to spend and know more! Remember you have to include the administration fees, car insurance, and other on-road costs so make sure you calculate that in. Knowing how much to pay is important but you have to try and offset the risk at the same time. Especially true if you’re buying from an online car auction sight unseen.
• Make sure the savings cover any surprises when you drive away. What I mean is, because you usually can’t test drive the vehicle you’re interested in you may find some mechanical issues when you drive away. Like, in the drive-line or transmission, the clutch may be slipping. If you have paid well below market value then it doesn’t hurt so much when you need to put money back into it.
• Also, as a rule of thumb just make sure your bid is well under market value to allow for what is required for Roadworthy and any transmission/driveline/engine faults that may be present when you drive the car. If you have to put money back in the car you want to have something worth spending money on and it doesn’t go over market value because then it’s an expensive and pointless exercise.
• Just remember the maximum price you are prepared to pay and stick to it. Also, remember there will always be another opportunity if you miss out.
• Avoid salvage titles unless you are aware of the vehicle’s true underlying problems. These are cars written off by insurers due to a variety of problems ranging from accidents, water damage, vandalism, etc

Do a Pre-Inspection

Now, let’s be honest I reckon you’d have to be pretty lucky to find a repossessed car in perfect condition but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist either.

What to Check When Going Car Shopping?

Learning how to inspect a used car so you can do your preliminary car history checks, along with other important checks to spot any red flags is a must. You can do these quick and easy checks before leaving home on any used car you might be interested in.

1. The first thing is to check if a car is under finance for free with a PPSR certificate. You can do this from the comfort of your own home so it’s a good place to start. You can get an understanding of the vehicle’s history and if there’s any finance owed. You can see other important information that you need to know before continuing as well.
2. Once you have done all the checks you can do from a computer on the vehicle you’re interested in bidding you should physically inspect the car.
3. Take the time to inspect the overall vehicle and establish if the vehicle’s condition inside, outside, and underneath is consistent with the age and kilometres travelled. Also, does everything match the auction’s condition report including kilometres travelled?
4. Ask to view the logbooks and more importantly the service book. Look for the servicing dealers or service centres then call them to verify:

• Servicing
• Recalls that have been done and any outstanding
• Any reported problems

After you have done your DIY inspection I recommend you get an independent inspection by a qualified mechanic. Book a pre purchase vehicle inspection today.

Some Frequently Asked Questions