Blogs

Buying a used car? Here’s how to find out it’s TRUE AGE?

Understand the difference between build date and compliance date· When you sell your vehicle, a dealer will value the car based on the build date, not the compliance date, so it’s important to understand the difference between build and compliance.· The build date is the actual month and year it rolled off the production line at the factory. For the majority of cars manufactured outside of Austral ..

Published on 06 May 2017

You're driving me crazy: 10 things you do that your car hates

If only cars could talk. Here’s some stuff you might be doing that really annoys your car. And you may not even realise it. Excess baggage Carrying extra weight not only affects fuel consumption, it can put extra stress on your car. This is particularly true of smaller vehicles that aren’t designed to handle the extra load. This applies to towing as well. Those extra Kgs can affect handling and br ..

Published on 05 May 2017

How to avoid a void on your warranty

I’m guessing you love to read the fine print on your car warranty?No? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. But it pays to know how not to void your warranty so you don’t have to have that really awkward conversation with the service guy where he says, “sorry, the warranty’s void and you’re not covered.”Fact is, it happens all the time, and often it’s the owner’s fault because they didn’t know the ‘rules ..

Published on 27 March 2017

You’ve hunted down your car. Here’s how to keep it looking schmick.

We talk to a lot of car nuts at Used Car Hunter. Little do they know we’re also pumping them for useful information. Here are some inside (and outside) tips to keep your baby in tip-top condition for years of driving to come.• Keep an emergency bird poo kitDon’t you just hate walking back to your car and finding a big SPLAT? Especially if it’s from a pelican. Unfortunately, that poo can be very ac ..

Published on 27 March 2017

The REAL difference between dealer & private sale

BUYING FROM A LICENCED DEALER – What you need to know when buying a used car!Many car buyers believe they can get a better deal buying privately than through a car dealer, however there is more to consider than just the sale price. When you buy a second hand car, you need to understand what protection you’ve got if there are any mechanical issues with the car after the purchase date. ​​Buying thro ..

Published on 27 February 2017

Borrowing for your next car? – Not all loans are created equal

A lot of people that I talk to head straight to their bank when looking for a car loan. But is this their best option?To answer this, we need to understand the advantages of dealing with a Finance Broker. Your bank, as good as they may be, has only got one set of guidelines and in most cases only one product and one Interest rate.Dealing with a reputable Broker opens up a multitude of both Banks a ..

Published on 24 February 2017

You’re ready to buy your car! Things to know BEFORE you sign the contract!

Before you sign the contract of sale· Never sign an incomplete contract. Put things in writing - Ignore any promise, warranty or guarantee that isn’t in writing as it is difficult to enforce.· Any promises or mutual agreements should be written into the contract before you sign. Ie, repairs, accessories fitted, tank of fuel etc. Always read and be sure you understand the contract before signing.· ..

Published on 23 February 2017

Buying a used car – What’s it REALLY going to cost you?

Have you considered all ownership costs?When you buy a car you need to think about what it will cost you to keep it on the road. Being able to repay the loan isn’t your only consideration –Cars need to be loved – week in, week out. They need fuel, washing, servicing and new parts when the old ones give up the ghost.Then there’s the cost of registration and insurance. You must have comprehensive in ..

Published on 23 February 2017

Buying a used car? Why you SHOULD know it’s history!

Important background checks!Ensure that the car has a service history. This means that the vehicle has been maintained and cared for. Review the Vehicle History Report. If you’re considering buying a pre-owned car, It is advisable to review its history. In some cases, you may find that a car you’re interested in was in an accident. Other times, you may learn that it has been stolen in the past and ..

Published on 23 February 2017

The car buyers checklist EVERYONE should have!

Here's a handy inspections checklist for youDon’t inspect a used car in the rain. This can severely affect your ability to inspect the car properly and could result in missing important things. Look for obvious signs of poor care, like more than the normal number of dents, scratches and paint defects. It is an indication of the level of care of the car. Differing paint finishes indicates evidence ..

Published on 23 February 2017

Financing your next car? Let’s get you CREDIT READY?

PURCHASING A CAR OFTEN INVOLVES TAKING OUT A LOAN AND MAKING YEARS OF MONTHLY REPAYMENTS.If you’ve not borrowed money before or you’ve had previous credit problems, it’s a great idea to get ‘CREDIT READY’ to give yourself the best chance of getting a loan approval. Here’s some tips to get you started. Keep your bank account healthy:Financiers will want to see your last 3 months bank statements. Ho ..

Published on 23 February 2017