1. Organise finance before inspecting any vehicles.

This saves time as you know exactly what you can and can't afford. Pre-arranged finance also enables you to act quickly when you do find the right car and negotiate a better deal. Also ask your finance broker to arrange insurance for you before taking delivery of your car. Your AutoCapital finance broker can assist you in verifying correct and proper ownership of the car you are purchasing.

2. Gain service history.

Ask to see the car's service book and check its service history. Check that the odometer tallies with service and repair receipts. It is worth making a phone call to the service agent to ask them about the car.

3. Gain a Vcheck.

Visit www.checkitout.com.au and check the car's history by using the vehicle's VIN number. There are some mysteries that even a mechanical inspection can not uncover, for example home many owners a vehicle has had or what the vehicle has been used for.

4. Get a professional inspection.

Have the car checked by a professional who can give you a pre-purchase inspection and report on the condition of the car. Also get the professional to estimate the cost of any repairs that may be warranted. You can then ask for the cost of these repairs to be deducted from the asking price. Most reputable dealers will already have an inspection available.

5. Transfer of registration eligability.

To enable transfer of registration, the vehicle should also have a completed mechanical check in accordance with the relevant state registration transfer authorities. If there is no certificate provided, transfer of registration may not be possible.

6. Ask about the warranty.

If the vehicle is out of manfacturers warranty expensive mechanical repairs could become a financial burden. Your AutoCapital finance broker can assist by arranging an extensive warranty cover for you.

7. Ensure vehicle is free of any financial obligations.

Many financial companies take security over a vehicle when lending to consumers or companies. Any such encumbrances are registered by the relevant state authority and a search of those databases providing the VIN number, the engine number and the registration number will confirm if there are any funds owing. If it is found that there are funds owing on the vehicle, the encumbrance must be cleared or discharged before your purchase of the vehicle or simultaneously with the purchase of your vehicle, otherwise title to the vehicle cannot pass onto you as the purchaser. Once again if you are arranging finance for the vehicle, AutoCapital can assist you in ensuring that ownership to the vehicle flows correctly through to you. Licensed motor dealers are required by law to provide clear and free title to the vehicle you are purchasing. A relevant state encumbrance should be provided to you at the time of purchase by your dealer.

8. Test drive.

Before test driving a car make sure it is insured and that the coverage includes you as the driver.

9. Watch the figures.

If trading in a vehicle, the relevant and important figure to compare among various offers is the change over price. This is the amount you have to pay over and above your trade-in to purchase your new vehicle.

10. Budget for extra costs.

Considerable extra costs can become due on the vehicle shortly after your purchase. Registration renewal is a common extra cost that can become due before you know it, so make sure you allow for this in your budget.