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Motor Vehicles

Thinking about buying a second-hand car privately?

Before purchasing a car through a private sale, we recommend that you check the Personal Property Security Register (“PPSR”). The PPSR is an online database that records whether the car you want to buy has been used as collateral for a loan, written off in an insurance claim, or reported as stolen.

If the car has been used as collateral for a loan and you go ahead and buy it; there is a very real chance the lender listed on the PPSR report will repossess the car from you.

For more information on the PPSR, and how to use it, visit the PPSR website or call our advice line on (08) 9221 7066.

Consumer Protection WA has created a easy to follow checklist for buying cars along with a webpage with more information. Follow this checklist when buying a car to avoid being taken for a ride.

Thinking about applying for a loan to buy your car?

A loan contract is a separate contract between you and a lender, such as a bank. The dealer is not part of this contract and you do not have to obtain the loan from the dealership. You may wish to shop around for the best loan for you.
Every application for a car loan will be recorded on your credit file, even if you do not go ahead with the loan. Click here for more information on credit files.

Before signing a car loan contract you should read the terms and conditions carefully, paying close attention to:

All fees and interest rates;
Repayment amounts and frequency of repayments;
The total amount you will have paid at the end of the loan period;
Any insurance requirements; and
What happens if you can’t make a repayment.

Are you behind on your car loan repayments?

Your options include:

Applying for a hardship variation

Negotiating an arrangement to pay by installments or to settle the debt.

Refinancing the loan

If you are unable to make your repayments on your car loan and you do nothing, the lender may issue you with a default notice, or eventually repossess the car .

For more information you may wish to read our fact sheets on Default Notices and Repossession.

If you are having difficulty meeting your repayments and would like advice, message us using the form below for a confidential discussion, or scroll down to see other ways to reach us.