Tips for buying a used car, what to check for and how to protect yourself from common problems.
What to check before buying a used car
Buying a second hand car is another option consumers can consider when purchasing a car. Use these tips and resources when you view, test drive and inspect a car before you buy it.
Use this checklist with steps to follow when buying a used car.
Download guide: Pre-purchase checklist before buying a used car [PDF, 394 KB]
Pre-purchase checklist
1. Work out your priorities
What do you really need?
- Compare makes and models
- Check online car reviews and forums
- Check safety and environmental ratings:
Rightcar NZ(external link) - Understand the difference between buying a car privately and buying from a dealer (buying privately gives you very few rights)
2. Check your finances
How much do you want to spend?
- Look at how much money you have coming in and going out:
Sorted(external link) - Estimate the total cost of a car including running costs
- If you get a loan, shop for the best interest rates and get pre-approval from a lender
3. View and test cars
Does it look and feel right?
- Check important documents
- Consumer Information Notice (CIN)
- service receipts
- current warrant of fitness (WoF)
- current licence (rego)
- Do basic checks
- Ask about previous water damage
- For used EVs, get a battery state of health (SOH) test, and check the charging cable meets safety and compatibility standards
- Take it for a test drive
4. Call in the experts
Does everything stack up?
- Identify hidden problems
- major damage – check written off or damaged vehicles:
Written off and damaged vehicles(external link) — Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency - signs of water damage – check what you need to know:
Water damaged vehicles – what you need to know(external link) — NZTA - money still owing:
check the Personal Property Securities Register(external link) — Companies Office - registered as stolen
- inconsistent odometer readings
- find vehicle history report provider
- major damage – check written off or damaged vehicles:
- Get the car inspected
- find pre-purchase vehicle inspection provider
5. Before you sign on the dotted line
Are you getting the best deal?
- Be wary of any offers too good to be true
- Check whether the dealer has a history of disputes
- Calculate car’s true cost if you borrow:
Sorted(external link) - Make sure any add-ons, for example, extended warranties and accessories, are worth it
- Read any contracts or agreements carefully
6. Let’s go
How can you get on the road?
- Let Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency know you bought a car:
NZTA(external link) - Safeguard yourself with insurance
- Stay road worthy with regular servicing and current WoF and licence (rego)
- Save sales documents and service receipts, CIN notices and all other related paperwork to avoid problems
Protect yourself from common problems
Here are some additional elements to check – and risks to be aware of when buying a used car: