Free Resource
The Australian Car Buyer's Checklist
Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most Australians make — and the process is stacked in favour of the people who do it every day. This checklist walks you through the whole journey, from research to collection day, so nothing catches you off guard.
Rather have someone in your corner for the whole thing? That's exactly what our YLF Car Concierge service does.
1. Research
- Shortlist 2–3 models that fit your needs — not just the one you fell for first
- Compare private sale, dealer used, demo and new pricing for each model
- Check common issues for the model and year on owner forums
- Look up safety ratings (ANCAP) and typical servicing costs
- Check how the model holds its value — resale matters when you sell or trade
2. Budget & Finance
- Set a total budget before you visit a dealership — and hold to it
- Work out a comfortable repayment if financing, including insurance and running costs
- Consider seeking finance pre-approval before you shop, so you negotiate as a cash-ready buyer (approval is subject to lender assessment)
- Compare finance offers on the comparison rate, not just the headline rate
- Don't disclose your maximum budget to the dealer
3. On-Road Costs
- Ask for a full drive-away price — not the vehicle price alone
- Check stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery charges line by line
- Budget for comprehensive insurance — get a quote before you buy, not after
- Remember new vehicles generally must be registered in your home state
4. Trade-In Preparation
- Get an independent market valuation of your car before mentioning a trade-in
- Clean and photograph your car; gather service history and spare keys
- Negotiate the new car price first, then the trade-in — keep them separate
- Be ready to sell privately if the trade-in offer is well under market
5. Dealer Tactics to Watch For
- "This price is only good today" — genuine deals survive a night's sleep
- Monthly-repayment talk that hides the total price and loan term
- Add-ons in the finance office: paint protection, window tint, extended warranties — decide these in your own time
- The four-square worksheet mixing price, trade-in, deposit and repayment into one confusing figure
- Being handed to a different person each time you push back
6. Contract Review
- Read every figure: vehicle price, accessories, fees, trade-in credit, balance payable
- Check the contract matches the exact car — VIN, build year, spec and colour
- Confirm what happens to your deposit if finance is declined (subject-to-finance clause)
- Don't sign anything you haven't read, and keep a copy of everything
7. Collection Day
- Inspect the car in daylight before accepting — panels, paint, interior, kilometres
- Confirm both keys, service book, floor mats and any promised accessories are present
- Check the registration and insurance are active before you drive away
- Make sure any promised repairs or inclusions are in writing before you take delivery