Straight answers, written down
29 Sept 2026How to check a used car's history: PPSR, write-off and stolen checksA $2 government search and a few minutes with the car's VIN can tell you whether money is owed on a used car, whether it's been written off or reported stolen, and whether it has an open safety recall. Here's how to do each check.
29 Sept 2026Drive-away vs excl. government charges: what you actually payUsed car prices in Australia are usually shown as drive-away or excluding government charges. What each one includes, what stamp duty and transfer fees look like in Queensland, and the questions to ask so the figure you sign is the figure you expected.
29 Sept 2026Trading in vs selling privately: how to get a fair resultSelling privately can bring a higher price; trading in saves time, paperwork and risk. How the two compare in Queensland, what a private seller has to do, how to prepare for a fair trade-in figure, and what to do if there's still finance owing.
29 Sept 2026Buying a used car with finance: pre-approval and the fine printHow pre-approval works, what a comparison rate does and doesn't tell you, and the fees, balloon payments and add-ons to check before you sign a car loan. General information only, with links to Moneysmart and ASIC.
29 Sept 2026Your rights when you buy a used car from a dealerBuying from a licensed dealer comes with protections a private sale doesn't: consumer guarantees everywhere in Australia, plus state rules such as Queensland's statutory warranty, cooling-off period and clear title. A plain-English summary with the official sources.
29 Sept 2026Safety certificates explained: Queensland's roadworthy (RWC)In Queensland it's a safety certificate; most people still say roadworthy or RWC. What the inspection covers, when a car needs one, how long it lasts, what it costs and what it doesn't tell you, plus what other states call theirs.