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 Australian Government: vehicle recalls
- ☐ 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
- ☐ 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
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
Keep your next move on MotorLoop
Compare cars or prepare your listing at motorloop.com.au. 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
- ASIC Moneysmart: car loans
- ANCAP: safety rating questions
- Australian Government: vehicle recalls
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.