With demand for pre-owned cars on the rise, the used car market is more competitive than ever in Australia. Finding A Good Used Car Deal Requires Some Combination Of Strategy, Knowledge And Patience. If you are a potential buyer of your first new car or have already bought many cars over the years, knowing where and how to look for the best car deals Australia will save you money and help you land the right cars. This blog provides actionable suggestions on how to find good deals, avoid common mistakes and maximise your investment in a hot used car market.

The Explosive Growth of the Used Car Market In Australia

There Is An Unprecedented Demand For Used Cars In Australia For A Number Of Reasons. Due to supply chain issues, there are very few new cars available; therefore, pre-owned cars have become an affordable and practical way to purchase a new car. Buyers Are Also Looking To Purchase Pre-Owned Cars For More Value. The depreciation of a new car is generally at an all-time high during the first three years of ownership. While there are some great deals to be found in the used car market, you must conduct exhaustive research and planning to make an informed decision. Navigating the used car marketplace can be daunting; however, if you follow a practical approach, you can successfully purchase a high-quality car at a price that is affordable for your budget.

Tips to find a good deal

1. Do your research.

First do your homework, look for the used car in Australia and become knowledgeable. You need to first determine what kind of cars fits your needs (compact car, SUV, pickup truck, etc.) Then, find out what the average selling prices of your preferred cars are and what they're worth (the fair market value). One of the best ways to do this is through Australian car-selling websites where you can compare prices. Also, use tools to help determine what the particular car you are interested in is worth. This valuable information will assist you in making a more informed decision during negotiations.

2. Do a thorough inspection of the cars

When searching for used cars, one thing you should take into consideration is the quality of the cars, not just the price. It is important to have a full inspection of any used car you are considering purchasing to see if it has visible signs of wear and damage, such as scratches, dents or rust. Do an overall inspection of the cars, including checking the tyres, brakes and lights for proper function. If possible, take the cars for a test drive and pay attention to how the cars handle, if there are any unusual noises and the level of comfort. If you are unsure about what to look for during the inspection, schedule your test drive today so that you can experience the cars in person.

3. Obtain a car's history report.

When considering the purchase of a pre-owned car, it is essential to obtain the car's history report. A car's history report provides insight into an automobile's past through accident, service and owner information. 

4. Think about Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars

If you are worried about quality, try to find a certified pre-owned car (CPO). CPO cars have been inspected thoroughly and usually come with warranties, so you can have a better understanding of how the cars were cared for before your purchase, which can give you more comfort in buying the cars. Even if you're paying a little more than average for a CPO car, many people feel that the reliability and perks of CPO cars more than justify the extra expense.

Negotiating for the Best Deal

1. Set a Budget and Maintain It

Setting your budget should really happen before looking for a car. In addition to the cost of the cars, you should also include the tax and fees associated with purchasing the cars along with the estimated insurance and maintenance fees. If you will be financing your cars, you should apply for financing before looking for cars so that you will have an idea of what your buying power is. Once you have been approved, you can look into several loan options that best meet your needs.

2. Use market research to negotiate your car.

While you are in the process of negotiating a price for the cars, use the information you have collected through your own market research to give you an advantage. Inform the seller of what you have discovered about the fair market value of the cars, and let the seller know you are willing to walk away from the deal if the seller is not willing to agree with your price.

3. Find out When Season Sales Take Place

Many dealership sales are held at specific times of the year, such as at the end of a month, the end of a quarter, or during the holidays. Take advantage of these sales by shopping during those times for the best deals.

Red Flags to Avoid

When you are on the lookout for a great bargain on a car, you need to keep your eye out for certain indicators that may suggest something could go wrong.

• Unreasonably Low Price – If the price is significantly lower than the market value (even if the car is not damaged), this could indicate trouble in the sale of the cars.

• Lack Of Paperwork – Always ask for complete and accurate documentation of ownership (title), maintenance records (what was done, how often it was done), etc.

• Reluctance To Allow Inspections – A seller who does not want to allow an inspection or test drive should raise your suspicions.

Conclusion

In order to find the best cars deals Australia must have continued research, due diligence and determination. Once you have the right vehicle in mind, inspect its condition thoroughly (e.g., check the body of the car, tyres, etc.) and negotiate a fair price; each of these steps should help you find a quality vehicle and secure a good deal. To start your journey, you can view our dealership's used-car inventory, apply for an auto loan, and schedule a time to test drive the car/truck. By following these steps, you can leverage the tools available to you to successfully purchase the perfect vehicle at an incredible price. To get started finding your ideal vehicle, please visit our used-car inventory, apply for a loan, or call to schedule a test drive – your new car is waiting for you!