Cars, Caravans and Other Vehicles

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections

Before you buy a vehicle anywhere in Australia, you need to understand the laws about pre-purchase car inspections; not only will you need certain paperwork and proof of this inspection before you can register certain vehicles, but you may also want to go beyond what's required by law in order to protect your purchase. Note a few commonly asked questions about a pre-purchase vehicle inspection to help you to know what to schedule and what to expect when buying a vehicle.

1. Is this required for new vehicles or just used cars?

Note that every state in Australia has different laws about pre-purchase vehicle inspections, and their laws will vary as to when the inspection needs to be done and if it's required for new vehicles. In the Australian Capital Territory, this is required for new vehicles, but usually the dealer conducts the inspection and has the paperwork prepared for you when you purchase the vehicle. In the Northern Territory, the inspection is required once the vehicle is more than five years old, and then at 10 years, and then every year after that. 

2. Are there exceptions to the rules about a vehicle's age?

You may need to have the inspection performed if the previous owner had the vehicle modified in any way, such as adding a custom exhaust; this is especially true if the modifications may affect anything related to the safety of the vehicle, such as the brakes. In Queensland, your vehicle may be subjected to a random road emissions test and you may get a summons if the vehicle doesn't pass, or if it emits visible smoke. This is true even if it's passed any type of pre-purchase inspection, as the random road emissions tests are not related to the pre-purchase inspection.

3. Does the inspection include an assessment of a used car's value?

This would depend on the inspector you choose; this assessment of value for a used car is not required by the states that require a pre-purchase inspection, but you might find an inspector who includes this if you're buying a used car and want to ensure you're getting a good deal. The condition of the car's major systems and its expected lifespan should be considered when negotiating the price, so it's good to include this assessment of its value in your report. This is especially true if the inspector finds anything wrong that would require some major repairs or parts replacement down the road, as you may want to include these expected costs in your overall car buying budget.


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