Buying/Test Driving a Car during The Pandemic

BewareOfThe Dog on 06/04/2020 - 17:53

Hi, I thought this is maybe best in the Automotive section, yet is CV19 realated.

My partners son has started at TAFE, however he is now studying at home. He has a Holden VY Commodore that is expensive to run, and has been the subject of quite. afew repairs, and will need new Aircon before Summer begins. Rego is due in July, along with Pink slip and everything else that goes along with it. A few months ago we started looking at the private car market as well as Auctions, however with restriction stepping up in the last few weeks (and reading this, this put things on hold. Given the age, and recent history of the Commodore, it's become a money Pit. Normally, I'd say we'd be better off putting the money towards a better,newer second vehicle, that will be cheaper to run.

So, I decided to see what the great minds on Ozbargain, think?

Reality is, his vehicle is not currently used for essential travel (though it was before Christmas when there was a bushfire across the road) and he does do the occasional visit to the supermarket/convenience store for Bread, Milk etc.
We have advised him against Subway, Dominos trips.

Automotive

Comments

  • saintpotter on 06/04/2020 - 18:19
    +3

    I'm so confused as to what the question is?

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/04/2020 - 18:21

      Sorry, more so would it be acceptable to go looking at a car given the circumstances (both peronally and legally?). Would the authorities fine us both?

      • saintpotter on 06/04/2020 - 18:26
        +1

        Ok so I think what you are asking, if you were driving to a dealership and the police pulled you over, would you get fined for being outside without an "essential" need to be?

        I think the answer to that is how you spin it to the police - if you say my partner's son needs a new car and he has no other options (provided there is not a car full of you going to look at new cars), no you will not be fined.

        However think about what cops are trying to do - they are trying to limit people being outside because there is a SERIOUS virus going around that has the potential to kill. So if you really need that new car now - do it sure, but if you can hold off, maybe thats a better option. You also run the risk of being in a car where others have sat, too close to the carsalesman etc etc. so that runs it own risks from a health perspective.

        Economically - who knows whether this is a good time. My feeling is that we're going in to recession (or technically already in one, regardless of whether we meet the formal requirements of being in one) - and lower prices are yet to come! Once again, if you can hold off - hold off.

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/04/2020 - 18:32

          We want to avoid a dealership if possible. When push comes to shove they are Sharks, that speak big, promise big, but end up offering little.

          Most dealerships in our area buy from the local auctions at Cardiff, Gateshead or Sydney. Once it gets to a certain price, where they won't make 30%plus, it's generally going to goto a private buyer. Disadvantage is you can't test drive it, but either way still has the balance of a new car warranty.

      • Donaldhump on 06/04/2020 - 22:15

        They would fine the driver, I doubt it’s acceptable.

  • Ocker on 06/04/2020 - 18:29

    Seems different states have different rules

  • spackbace on 06/04/2020 - 18:35
    +3

    So wait, with everything going on, you want to jump in random cars, meet with random people, to look for a car which isn't really urgent (I mean, the Commo still runs).

    Wow…

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/04/2020 - 18:35

      It runs. Only just……

      • spackbace on 06/04/2020 - 18:36

        So if it breaks down, let him use one of yours?

        It's not a priority, is it? Especially not right now.

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/04/2020 - 18:38

          I can't. Mines a Company car, and there are so many Ts and Cs. My partner also works 5 days a week in an essential service as well. A current 10-15 minute drive would be 45 mins on Public transport.

          This is why I am checking with fellow Ozb'rs. Many opinions, angles, advice etc.

          We'll bring our own Sanitiser. I've made a few bottles.

          • CMH on 07/04/2020 - 00:00

            @BewareOfThe Dog: So there's public transport available…

          • try2bhelpful on 07/04/2020 - 05:59

            @BewareOfThe Dog: Do you have a friend who would be willing to loan him a car, provided you pay for any excess on the insurance? Not many people need their cars, everyday, at the moment.

          • Euphemistic on 07/04/2020 - 07:05
            +1

            @BewareOfThe Dog: Buy him a push bike. They are cheap to run and very reliable.

            • [Deactivated] on 12/04/2020 - 15:21

              @Euphemistic: Good training too whilst the gyms are closed.

              I can think of an alternative way to purchase.

              1. Find the car online - carsales
              2. Pay for a redbook/nrma inspection
              3. Online payment
              4. Pick up from seller.

              A used Honda Jazz is cir $10k… or similar price for a Yaris. Only thing is that he's gotta be man enough to carry the car.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 06/04/2020 - 19:13

    He's studying from home. He lives at home.

    Just tell him to stay home.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/04/2020 - 20:32

      Easier said than done, whe we are both at work.

      • Nice one baby on 06/04/2020 - 20:44
        +4

        Pretty easy if his car breaks down.

      • Donaldhump on 06/04/2020 - 22:17
        +2

        Why is it hard for him to stay at home, every one else is

      • Mechz on 07/04/2020 - 00:23

        Just take the car keys with you. Or let him learn the hard way, sometimes that's the only way.

  • floppy on 07/04/2020 - 06:58

    Tell him to pay for the cars issues himself, then he might 'choose' not to use it as much

  • Euphemistic on 07/04/2020 - 07:04

    Given the number of retail outlets that are still open and supplying non essential items you’d be hard done by to be fined for travelling to buy a car. Ie carpet retailer, tile shop, framing shop are a few that are open locally.

    What Spackbace said. Your biggest risk is picking up the virus while inspecting the vehicle.

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