Home / Dealer vs private
Dealer or private seller?
Where you buy shapes the protections you get, the paperwork you handle and how finance is arranged.
| Question | Licensed dealer | Private seller |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer protections | Australian Consumer Law applies; statutory warranties on some used cars depend on your state or territory | Fewer protections, so inspection and paperwork matter more |
| Money owing on the car | Dealers normally have to deal with any security interest, but confirm in writing | Always run a PPSR search yourself |
| Price | May include dealer delivery or admin charges; ask for drive-away | Often more room to negotiate |
| Finance | Offered on site; you can still compare elsewhere | You arrange your own, so line it up before you commit |
| Trade-in | Convenient, though the value may differ from a private sale | Not available |
| Paperwork | Dealer usually handles transfer | You and the seller complete the transfer |
General comparison only. Rules differ by state and territory. Check your local fair trading or transport authority and the ACCC for current requirements.
If you buy privately
Arrange finance before you hand over any money, because private sales often move quickly. Ask the lender what they need about the car (make, model, year, VIN) and how a private sale is settled. Never pay a deposit to someone you cannot identify, and be cautious of listings priced far below similar cars.
If you buy from a dealer
Ask for the drive-away price in writing and ask what is included in any warranty. You can ask the dealer's finance team for a quote and still compare with other lenders before agreeing. Declining add-ons you do not understand is your choice.
Selling your current car
If you plan to sell rather than trade in, compare both routes. You can list a vehicle on Anything Marketplace to see what interest it gets, and then weigh that against a dealer's trade-in offer.
When you are ready to compare finance, start a free enquiry.