Your rights and responsibilities with regard to buying a vehicle are different depending on the type of car you buy, where you buy it and from whom. There are also a number of organisations, publications and websites that supply very useful information about buying a vehicle in Victoria - see the Find a service section.
In particular, Consumer Affairs Victoria has a website that contains information relating to the purchase of both new and used cars. To view a web page featuring this information go the Consumer Affairs Victoria website - www.consumer.vic.gov.au.
If you buy a new vehicle, you are responsible for checking that vehicle thoroughly before you buy and again before you take delivery. Check that:
- all the extras you ordered are there and that you have a spare tyre, jack and tool kit; and
- everything is in working order, and that nothing has been damaged, such as bodywork, upholstery, trim, wiring, etc.
Do not sign an order form until you have definitely decided to buy the vehicle. Once you have signed, you are legally committed to buy, and could be sued if you change your mind. Make sure the order form states (in writing) exactly what you want it to state, for example:
- you will buy on condition you receive finance from your credit provider;
- your vehicle will be delivered no later than a certain date;
- your trade-in will be worth a set amount; and
- the price you pay for the new vehicle will not be increased.
When you buy a new car you do not get a cooling-off period unless the agreement was made at:
- a private home; or
- your workplace.
(This does not apply if you asked for the agreement to be made at either of these places.)
If you do get a cooling-off period, it will be three business days (any day from Monday to Friday, not including public holidays).
Prev
Next
Table of Contents
Index
Search Law Topics
