Buying A Car

If you are going to be studying in Adelaide for a number of years and can afford it, buying a car is an attractive option. The second-hand car market in Adelaide is huge, and it is possible to buy a reliable, used vehicle for an excellent price. At the same time, you can buy an absolute lemon and spend the rest of your time paying for repairs. First, decide if you really need a car and factor into this equation the cost (which includes parking, petrol, insurance, registration and maintenance). Then, you are ready to look. The following tips should help you:

· You should also know your budget, so you aren't tempted and overspend.

· There are two options: you can go to a licensed used car dealer, or you can buy privately. The used car dealerships along Port Road or Main North Road are a good place to start, as there are quite a few in a small area. Don't let the dealers pressure you, tell them your budget and what sort of car you are looking for.

· Compare prices at a few yards to decide whether a price is good or not.

· Once you have decided on a car, you can ask to take it for a test drive. The dealer will want a copy of your licence, and will not allow you to drive the car unless they have this. You should not go too far from the yard, but you should go far enough to allow yourself to get a proper feel of the car as this may be your only opportunity before buying it. You should ask the dealer if the odometer reading is correct, and ask about previous owners and whether the car has ever been in an accident.

· If the test drive goes well, you should ask other people's opinions of the car, especially those with a good knowledge of mechanics and of car makes. You should have an independent mechanic inspect and report on the condition of the car. The RAA conducts independent mechanical inspections tests for around $100 (call 8202 4688 to book). The mechanic will let you know about the condition of most aspects of the car. You may need to pay the dealer a deposit to hold the car before a mechanic checks it. This is normally not refundable, so get the dealer to agree to refund your deposit if the car is no good - in writing, as you could lose your deposit.

· Do not sign anything until you are sure you want the car and it has had all necessary checks. Read all the papers before you sign. If you have any doubts, get advice on them, for instance, from the Office of Consumer Affairs, which gives free information and advice (tel: 8204 9777, Level 4, 91-97 Grenfell Street). In South Australia, cars costing over $3000 are covered by a warranty, which should be set out on the side window notice of the car alongside the price. During the warranty period, you can have your car repaired for free. However, the warranty does not cover repairs if the car cost under $3000, if the car is over 15 years old or has done more than 200 000kms, if you abuse the car, or if you have an accident.

· Before paying for the car, you should make sure that the car is not stolen and that there is no money owing on it by any previous owners. You can check these details by calling the Vehicle Security Register on 13 10 84. You can find out these details over the phone, but to be absolutely certain, you can pay a small fee to receive a certificate saying that no finance is owing on the car, so that you can prove it later if necessary and no one can repossess the car because of previous debt owing on it.

· If you choose to buy a car in a private sale from the newspaper, matters are not necessarily as simple. The Saturday edition of The Advertiser is a good place to start, as is the The Trading Post, which is published every Thursday. Cars sold privately do not come with a warranty. However, by buying privately, it is possible to get a car for a far better price. In the case of popular models of cars and cars that seem to be advertised for a fair price, a potential buyer needs to react quickly before the car is sold. The same principles apply as for buying from a car dealer. Test drive the car, ask a friend for advice, make sure that you organise a mechanical inspection, and be sure to ask the owner about the car. Many owners keep the receipts from everything that they have had done to the car, so that they can prove that the mechanical work and repairs have been performed, and is a good tip for the time when you plan to sell your car.

· After you have purchased the car make it is registered. In addition, you should have insurance, in case you are involved in an accident, or for an additional amount, you can insure the car against theft, break-ins and fire. You should also join the RAA, which provides roadside assistance for any problems you may have with the car. > Things to Know

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