26th November 2020

Do your research on cars

Work out a list of what makes and models you're interested in and start researching. Then you can check out car sale sites and compare the different options. Think about what you need now and what you might need in the next few years (i.e. if you're planning to start a family, that two-door convertible might not be a logical choice). Think about whether you want a brand new car, or if it's worth buying second-hand.

Struggling to narrow down your options and make a short-list? Ask friends and family for their thoughts and read plenty of third-party reviews.

Ask the right questions if you're buying second-hand

If you've found a car (or a short-list of cars) that meets your criteria, it's time to get in touch with the seller. But before you organise to meet in person and inspect the car, ask a few questions first. For example, how many owners has the car had? What was it primarily used for? Is there any existing damage? Has the car been in any accidents? If it's a private seller, perhaps it's even worth asking why they are selling the car? You could also try sounding out if there's any flexibility in the price before you meet and start negotiating properly.

If you end up deciding to buy the car, check for things like:

Check on the Australian Government Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) for any outstanding debt owed on the car, if for example, it was financed.

Book a test drive

Negotiate the price

Get your car insurance sorted

When buying a new car, you'll also probably start to thinking about car insurance.

In some states Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is part of the cost of registering your car. In other states you may have to take it out separately. Refer to your state or territory's road authority for more information.

CTP provides cover for compensation claims from people injured in a motor vehicle accident, but it doesn't cover damage to your vehicle, other vehicles or property. That's where Bingle car insurance can come in.

While Bingle doesn't offer CTP, we do offer Comprehensive Car Insurance and Third Party Car Insurance:

For full inclusions and exclusions, please refer to the PDS.