It’s time to strengthen private used car sale laws
In SA 250,000 used vehicles are sold privately each year. With no consumer safeguards.
That’s 3 out of 4 used vehicles.
Purchased Privately
No warranty or Australian Consumer Law
No information about condition of vehicle
Written off and flood damaged vehicles circulating Vehicles sold with finance owing
No comeback once you hand over your money
Rosalie Bifulco
Single and part time worker.
“It is absolutely devastating because I cannot afford to make the big payment [to repair the vehicle].”
– Rosalie Bifulco
Spent months looking for car within her $12,000 budget.
Pressured by sellers not to get an inspection.
Up for $6,000+ in repairs after purchasing privately.
Hajar Yassini
“I’ve been saving up my money for years to buy a car. [the seller] was telling us the car is good, the engine is good, everything is fine.”
– Hajar Yassini
Car burst into flames on highway 15 minutes after purchasing.
Limited knowledge about cars and reassured about the car’s condition.
Son bought the car without his knowledge.
Blowing white smoke when idling shortly after purchase.
$1,000 in repairs just so his son could drive to work.
Vehicle inspection identified likely odometer swap and previously in a serious accident.
“
I wish my son was protected by Frank’s laws before he went off on his own to buy the car."
– Joseph Gentile
Put simply, we are the least protected and most vulnerable when it comes to buying a used car privately.
Vehicles inspected at 5 and then annually from 10 years old.
Used vehicles sold privately must be inspected (seller pays).
Annual inspections for vehicles over 5 years.
Used vehicles over 6 years old sold privately must be inspected (seller pays).
South Australia
Worst in the country, alongside WA and TAS - with no protection for consumers.
Used vehicles sold privately must be inspected (seller pays).
66% said Yes, buyers need certainty
34% said No, you buy it as you see it
Source: AdelaideNow - SA MLC Frank Pangallo calls for roadworthy checks to stop dodgy second-hand car sales - published 24 November 2024.
Ensure buyers know the true condition of a vehicle before purchase.
Prevent dodgy sellers from offloading unsafe or defective vehicles.
Disrupt the practice of buying written off vehicles at auction to then be sold privately.
Save consumers thousands of dollars in unforeseen repair costs.
Enhance public safety by removing dangerous vehicles from our roads.
Based on insights from MTA members, pre-purchase vehicle inspections should cost between $100 and $150.
The seller of a vehicle should produce a certificate of inspection from a government authorised and audited inspector detailing:
Lights – Head lights, Tail lights, brake lights, hazard
Warning lights, exterior lamps (Damage and Operation)
Windshield wiper and washer operation
Door strikers/ Hinges/ Bonnet and boot latch
Windshield glass
Internal lights
Cabin/Pollen air filter (if equipped)
Parking brake operation
Tyre sealant canister
Horn operation
Air filter
Battery condition (cable/clamps/corrosion)
Battery
Alternator Performance
Cooling system – leaks
Hoses (cracks, damage, leaks)
Drive belts (cracks, damage, wear)
Radiator core, Air conditioner condenser (if equipped)
Driveshaft (Damage, leaks, joints)
Drive and CV shaft (damage, leaks, boots)
Axle hub and bearing (damage, leaks, noise)
Steering linkage (damage, leaks, worm components)
Suspension (damage, leaks, worn components)
Fluid leaks (Engine, transmission, differential)
Exhaust system (damage, leaks, corrosion)
Fuel lines and connections, fuel tank bands, fuel tank
Vapor vent system hoses (damage, leaks, corrosion)
Engine oil level
Windscreen washer
Coolant
Power steering (if equipped)
Brake reservoir
Clutch reservoir (if equipped)
Transmission / Transaxle
Differential (if equipped)
Transfer case (if equipped)
Front Brake Pads
Front Brake Rotors
Rear Brake Pads
Rear Brake Rotors
Brake fluid lines, hoses and connections
Brake caliper condition (general)
Air Conditioner performance
Cruise control operation
Key transmitter range
Diagnostic System Check
Finance owing (yes/no)
Written off status (yes/no)
Stolen status (yes/no)
