The Car Buyer's Checklist: Tick-Off List from Budget to Drive-Away

1Budget

Worked out a total monthly budget including insurance, fuel, rego and servicing Decided on a deposit amount Set a maximum price I will not go above Checked my budget against a repayment at a higher rate, to see how it holds up

2Shortlist

Picked two or three models to compare Compared at least two listings for each model Decided between dealer and private seller Looked up the model's common faults and any recalls

3Check the car

Ran a PPSR search using the VIN Asked for the logbook and service records Checked the odometer reading against the service history Booked an independent pre-purchase inspection Test-drove it on varied roads, cold start included Checked the safety rating for the model and year

4Finance

Know the loan term I want and why Asked about fees, early repayment and total repaid Compared more than one finance option Checked how the car's age affects the loan term Got a comprehensive insurance quote for this exact car

5Sign

Read the whole contract, including the fine print Numbers in the contract match the quote Declined any add-ons I do not understand or need Kept copies of the contract and receipts

6Drive away

Know my state's transfer and registration deadlines Insurance starts before I collect the car Diarised the first service and rego renewal Set repayments to line up with my pay cycle

General information only. This page is not financial, credit, tax or legal advice and does not consider your personal situation. Figures are illustrative; actual rates, fees and eligibility vary by lender.

Need finance for the car you have found? Start a free enquiry. Selling your current car first? Consider listing it on Anything Marketplace.