Ask an expert

Hi Andrew,

I'm about to buy a car from a dealer tomorrow. I looked at the car om Saturday and it seems good. The only thing was that one of the coils was out which the dealer has agreed to replace as part of the sale. I have already paid a small deposit- once I get there is it as simple as paying the money and signing the ownership papers. Is there something else I should be aware of? Its my first time buying from a dealer :)

Thanks

From a strictly legal perspective, there's nothing else you need to do.
Depending on the car, some of the things we'd normally advise when buying a used car are to make sure the servicing is up to date, cambelt is within servicable limits (if it's a car with a belt), that it has 2 keys, the radio works on all frequencies if it's a recent import, there's a new WOF and reasonable amount of rego (and RUC if it's a diesel) and it's perhaps advisable to have a pre-purchase inspection, depending on the vehicle.
As you've already paid a deposit, it's really too late to start negotiating most of these things, but hopefully, you've already satisfied yourself that you're getting a good deal and of most of the things I've mentioned.