Research checked 11 September 2026. Australian passenger cars and light vehicles.
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Buy a new car
From shortlist to delivery. Add a powertrain guide and your state card.
Before visiting a dealer
- ☐ Set a total drive-away budget, including options, registration, duty, insurance and delivery. Keep a running-cost allowance.
- ☐ Compare the exact grade, model year and equipment. Check the ANCAP rating date and variant coverage, plus recalls. ANCAP: safety rating questions (opens in a new tab) Australian Government: vehicle recalls (opens in a new tab)
- ☐ Test your real needs: child seats, boot, parking, accessibility, payload and towing limits. Get an insurance quote.
Before signing or paying a deposit
- ☐ Obtain an itemised drive-away quote. Separate the car price, trade-in value, finance and optional products.
- ☐ Read the comparison rate, fees, loan term, total repayments and any balloon. Check deposit and cancellation conditions. ASIC Moneysmart: car loans (opens in a new tab)
- ☐ Record the exact vehicle/specification, build details, agreed delivery date and remedies for delay or changed specifications.
- ☐ Put finance approval and other conditions in writing. Ask which cooling-off rules apply; do not assume a universal period.
- ☐ Confirm whether the car is factory-new, demonstrator or pre-registered, and when its warranty began. ACCC: new and second-hand cars (opens in a new tab)
At delivery
- ☐ Match the VIN, grade, colour, accessories and odometer to the contract. Inspect paint, glass, wheels and cabin in daylight.
- ☐ Test lights, air conditioning, cameras, driver assistance, phone pairing and both keys. Add the powertrain handover checks.
- ☐ Record defects and promised fixes in writing before accepting the car. Keep the order, invoice and inspection photos.
- ☐ Confirm registration and compulsory injury cover, then activate your chosen property-damage/comprehensive insurance before driving.
- ☐ Receive manuals, service schedule, warranty terms and roadside assistance details. Check that all paid extras are fitted.
Dealer consumer guarantees are separate from a manufacturer warranty. Ask about your rights even when a warranty has expired. ACCC: new and second-hand cars (opens in a new tab)
Keep your next move on MotorLoop
Compare cars or prepare your listing at motorloop.com.au (opens in a new tab). Use accurate vehicle details and supporting records to make your next buying or selling conversation more useful.
Research sources
- ACCC: new and second-hand cars (opens in a new tab)
- ASIC Moneysmart: car loans (opens in a new tab)
- ANCAP: safety rating questions (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Government: vehicle recalls (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Verify current government rules and vehicle-specific contract terms before committing. Auctions, imports, write-offs, deceased estates and commercial-use vehicles can require additional checks.