When the time comes to purchase a used car, consider who you are going to purchase it from. Private sales generally are lower priced than from Used Car Dealers, however, be aware that you should ensure the vehicle is not encumbered in anyway, or stolen, by contacting Transport Tasmania Vehicle Securities Register on 1300 851 225, or visiting the DIER web site. You should also definitely have the vehicle inspected for any defects, as there is no obligation, legal or otherwise, for a private seller to provide any warranty.

If you purchase the vehicle from a reputable Used car dealer, you will have a warranty, per the Motor Vehicle Traders Code Of Practice and the peace of mind that all background vehicle checks will have been carried out.

Before you begin to search for a replacement vehicle, be certain of the make and model of vehicle that best suits your needs, in order to simplify the purchase process. Talk to friends and relatives about the types of vehicles they drive and why. Discuss your choice of vehicle with your local mechanic, because, he will be able to give you an informed view in relation to reliability and cost of service and repair of most vehicles. Ask a friend or relative to go with you when you begin to search for your car. Visit as many car yards as possible, so you can compare deals. Check the warranty conditions, if any, and try to negotiate a price range before you drive the car. Once you have driven the car, and you are happy with it, have a complete mechanical inspection by a qualified mechanic or auto association before you agree to buy.

 The Code of Practice for Motor Vehicle Traders covers a range of issues surrounding the sale of a motor vehicle and by law imposes certain obligations on Motor Vehicle traders. These include:

• In advertising a motor vehicle, a trader must not make a claim which is or may be false or misleading.
• A trader must not conceal or misrepresent the condition of a vehicle.
• If there are doubts about the accuracy of the odometer reading of a used vehicle, the trader must verify the accuracy of the reading and inform any prospective buyer of the cause for doubts and the verified facts in relation to the reading (if known).
• A trader must ensure that a vehicle sold is of merchantable quality.
• Any encumbrances on the vehicle must be discharged at the time it is transferred to the trader - that is before it is sold.
• If a vehicle has travelled less than 120,000 kms and is less than 7 years old, the trader must give a written warranty. The warranty period is 3 months or 3,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

Please note, certain vehicles such as four wheel drive vehicles, commercial vehicles and motor cycles are not required to have a warranty. To view the entire Motor Vehicle Traders Code Of Practice please click here