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ARTICLE Buying used

Buying a used car from a dealer in NSW: inspections and your rights

You can have a dealer's used car independently inspected before you buy. This guide covers how it works and the protections that apply.

By Green Bean Auto · Reviewed by Luke, licensed mechanic (MVRL60337)·Updated ·2 min read
QUICK ANSWER

Yes, you can have a dealer's used car independently inspected before you buy, and most dealers will allow it. Green Bean Auto inspects on the dealer's lot across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. NSW dealer sales also come with consumer protections, including a statutory warranty on many used cars; check the details with NSW Fair Trading.

Buying from a licensed dealer gives you more protection than a private sale, but it doesn't replace an independent check of the vehicle's condition.

Can I get a dealer car inspected?

Yes. Ask the dealer to hold the car and arrange a time for an independent inspection on their lot. A dealer who refuses a reasonable request for an independent inspection is a warning sign.

How it works with Green Bean Auto

  1. Book online or call with the dealer's name, the stock number and the vehicle details.
  2. We arrange a time with the dealer.
  3. We inspect the car on the lot, including a diagnostic scan and road test where the dealer allows.
  4. You receive a written report with photos before you commit.

Your consumer protections

In NSW, many used cars bought from a licensed dealer come with a statutory warranty, and the Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply to dealer sales. The rules depend on the vehicle's age and kilometres, so confirm the current details with NSW Fair Trading before you buy.

A warranty covers faults after you buy. An inspection helps you avoid buying a car with problems in the first place, and gives you leverage on price.
Book a dealer inspection →
SOURCES & FURTHER READINGNSW Fair Trading ↗ACCC ↗
General information only. For advice on a specific vehicle, book an inspection with a licensed mechanic.

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GUIDE The used car buying checklist Everything to do before you hand over the money, from the first phone call with the seller to transferring the rego. GUIDE How to test drive a used car A 20-minute drive tells you a lot, if you know what to listen and feel for. This guide covers what to check before, during and after the drive. GUIDE Buying a used car from interstate or out of town A step-by-step guide to buying a car you can't easily see in person, without getting caught out.