Need Opinion on Buying Used Car from Intercity Dealer

CrypticM on 07/04/2022 - 12:22

I need some help in making a decision. I am not very well versed with Automotive stuff.

I have specific requirements for my next car (looking for used car) and not many cars with this conditions available in market. Now i found a car from a dealer 1000km away. (dont know how this happened, but carsales suggested me this car while searching and i clicked on it and sent a message. later realized its far from my place).

Dealer responded and he says we will arrange transport and he says he sells 50% of his cars like this. For context, i am from Brisbane and Dealer is from Cairns. Dealer has excellent feedback locally and he is very prominent dealer. He sent a video and car is in good condition. so far everything seems good.

I havent started serious discussion and want to understand how this works before starting discussion. is it safe to buy this way? he is going to send this car in transport to local warehouse and i can have a look and finalize.

is this a smart way to buy? if yes, can someone suggest me what should i check and look for.

Thanks in advance.

Automotive

Comments

  • isthatallyougot on 07/04/2022 - 12:34
    +2

    Line up a car inspector to go and give you a detailed report on the car.

    • AndyC1 on 07/04/2022 - 12:36
      +7

      You can get the RACQ to do the inspection at the dealership in Cairns before committing to anything.

  • cashless on 07/04/2022 - 12:43

    Best thing to do is to go and look at it yourself and test drive. Take a friend who knows what they are looking at.
    Failing that get in touch with Red Book inspections or a similar, independent vehicle inspector and pay for a full report (which will cost a few hundred $).
    Do not send any money to the dealer until you have received and are happy with the report. Not even a deposit.

  • spackbace on 07/04/2022 - 12:44
    +1

    PPSR as well as an inspection

    Important to note how old and how much the car is…? Is it under factory warranty still?

    • CrypticM on 07/04/2022 - 12:50

      Yes it's still under warranty. It's 2020 year.

      • spackbace on 07/04/2022 - 12:51
        +1

        Still an Outlander?

        • CrypticM on 07/04/2022 - 12:53

          Yes.found one which ticks all boxes, my budget, year and odo etc.

          • spackbace on 07/04/2022 - 12:55

            @CrypticM: Do a $2 PPSR now

            • CrypticM on 07/04/2022 - 12:59

              @spackbace: Did that. Came out clean. Redbook inspect doesn't service this location. Looking for another service provider.

              • redvaldez on 07/04/2022 - 16:00
                +2

                @CrypticM: RACQ have local mechanics that perform pre-purchase inspections. I had one done last week with RACQ's agent in Toowoomba and was pleased with the report (and the car!).

    • JimB on 07/04/2022 - 16:56

      I thought if it's a dealer, there's no need to do a PPSR, as dealers must disclose if a car was previously written off?

      • spackbace on 07/04/2022 - 17:07

        If it's a wholesaler, they don't have to

        • JimB on 07/04/2022 - 17:17

          Wholesaler to retail customer?

          • spackbace on 07/04/2022 - 17:18

            @JimB: Yes, when I say wholesaler I mean those smaller dealers who take all the large dealers trade-ins. Bunky yards etc

            • JimB on 07/04/2022 - 17:25

              @spackbace: Unless a LMCT is selling to another LMCT, e.g. retail customer, wouldn't they have to provide warranty (if car isn't too old) & clear title?

              A 'wholesale' car dealer wouldn't be selling to a retail customer- that would make them a retail car dealer. No?

              From a retail customer's POV, the car dealer is either a LMCT or not a LMCT.

              • spackbace on 07/04/2022 - 17:28

                @JimB: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/damaged-v…

                Dealers and Auctioneers

                While there is no legal obligation for a dealer to disclose the history of a motor vehicle (unless specifically asked), it is an offence under the Australian Consumer Law for the vehicle to be misrepresented.

                Consequently, a dealer cannot misrepresent the vehicle in any advertising or during the negotiation process.

                It is therefore imperative for the buyer to ask the dealer about the history of the vehicle, and specifically, if it has been a write-off.

                That's for WA, do your own research

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/04/2022 - 13:19
    +1

    Carsales indicates 127 2020+ Outlanders in the greater Brisbane area. What's so special about this one in Cairns?

    Personally, a purchase this expensive, I would never ever buy sight unseen.

    • CrypticM on 07/04/2022 - 13:42

      I understand the part buying unseen. That is the reason, I am asking ozbargain for advice. I am looking for LS version, ( I don't change cars often, this will be for next 7-10 yrs and LS has some creature comforts).I don't see not even one in 100km to city which with 2020. There are couple of 2019's but they are almost as expensive as this.

        • CrypticM on 07/04/2022 - 13:51

          Yep. Saw that.1) But trade-in not available. 2) dealer accountability 3) the one I am looking at is cheaper than this.( This excludes govt charges).

          But I appreciate your reasoning. I was sceptical too.
          Thanks.

          • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/04/2022 - 13:55

            @CrypticM: How do you plan on getting your trade-in to Cairns?

            • CrypticM on 07/04/2022 - 14:16

              @Typical16-bitEnjoyer: They have warehouse and other set up here. That's what he is saying, though they are in Cairns, most of his business is from Brisbane.

              I saw reviews and some Facebook posts from Brisbane customers also. But what do I know… anything can be manipulated these days.

  • Bid Sniper on 07/04/2022 - 14:20
    +1

    I bought sight unseen delivered to my door, as long as its dealer and new or ex demo car under warranty will be fine.

    Just get them to inspect it and look closely (document everything included, books keys log books etc..) to see if transport company haven't damaged or taken anything. Major logistics companies are fine. They are dealers so they know the routine.

  • vince088 on 07/04/2022 - 20:12
    +1

    i bought a car from Perth and have it shipped to Melbourne, just get the inspections done correctly :)

  • Euphemistic on 07/04/2022 - 21:41
    +1

    It’s a bit of a risk. From a reputable dealer it’s less risky. With an independent inspection it’s even less risky. With a personal inspection it’s much less risky.

    IMO if you must have it, take the time and go inspect it yourself. What would a return ticket to cairns and a couple of taxi rides cost compared to getting a vehicle you aren’t happy with. On the other hand, it’s a run of the mill vehicle, one will pop up locally soon.

    Now where’s that thread about buying an interstate car and finding out the model year doesn’t match what was promised?

    • CrypticM on 08/04/2022 - 00:43

      I am arranging pre purchase check and Dealer is very reputable. Just after this post, one of my colleague told me he bought a vehicle almost a year ago just like me. I don't know why you say run of the mill model, but I am following similar car listings from January second week, and hardly I saw 2 or three local listings.

      But I understand your cautionary tone. Will try to plan personal inspection.

      • Euphemistic on 08/04/2022 - 06:04
        +1

        An outlander is a run of the mill car. Perhaps your expectation of year/km is a bit high. The outlander is used by fleets and ire companies, but they generally wouldn’t use the high spec model. Those that buy the high spec would likely be private buyers. Private buyers generally hang onto the vehicle for longer, or turn them over at lease time of 3 years.

        • CrypticM on 08/04/2022 - 08:13

          Haan. Got it. This is high spec model and not fleet vehicle. Got it checked, it's private user.

        • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 08/04/2022 - 08:23
          +2

          It's because its <2 year old car, and there are 6-12 month delays on new vehicles, not many are selling an optioned up near new car in the current climate.

  • Jaff on 07/04/2022 - 21:46

    Have you factored in rego and stamp duty costs when the car is in bne?

    • Pelicannn on 07/04/2022 - 23:24

      Same state.

  • batfastard on 08/04/2022 - 07:30
    -2

    Maybe this could be of assistance?

    https://gprivate.com/5ytk4

    • CrypticM on 08/04/2022 - 08:24
      +1

      Now, go back to your mom's basement.

  • Waltervp on 08/04/2022 - 08:17
    +1

    I tend to rely on the statutory compulsory warranties these larger network dealers give. Rarely do they actually help you after sales unless you really push it. I've had a motorbike shipped from Melbourne dealer to Tasmania and the odometer didn't work, so mileage could've been anything plus expensive to fix. I got a car sight unseen from the Hobart LMG dealership (probably the largest in Tasmania), and after sales service was full of promises but never any fixes or resolutions…. I never try too hard for minor issues, even the bike odometer.

    Buying from large car dealers can get you great deals and you can generally be assured they are not conning you like a private individual might, plus they have the resources to fix your problems if you really try hard. They have too much to lose in the industry. Statutory warranty for the first three months legally covers just about anything!

    What I generally do is get a very thorough end of warranty check and service done towards the end of the 3 months by a local dealer who knows the cars (ie the brand dealer).

    I say go for it! Take a chance, which is what you do with all seond hand cars! At least the dealers detail better pre sale!

  • WT on 08/04/2022 - 08:45
    +1

    fly up and drive back

  • CRS34 on 08/04/2022 - 23:58

    As mentioned. Get someone to do a car inspection. Fly there and drive it back.

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