August 2009
I strolled into the car yard. Before I reached the car I’d seen online I was stopped by what looked like an overweight extra from a 70’s British gangster movie. He wore retro brown and gold sunglasses, a 35 year old leather jacket and smiled at me with stained teeth from under his nicotine yellow handlebar moustache.
His gold chains rattled as he took a long drag on an unfiltered cigarette. He slapped the roof of a decrepit black Nissan then had to push his belly back through the front of his shirt. In an actual Cockney accent he exclaimed, “You look like you want something sporty my son, how about this one? It goes like a dog shot in the ear!”
His phone started ringing, it was his wife. I crept back toward the car I’d come to see.
Buying a car of any kind is tricky so do your homework. Make sure you actually see the car, particularly if buying privately. Ask lots of questions and be wary. Getting an inspection done by a professional and purchasing a title check from Vic Roads can help protect you. There are lots of scams around particularly with the internet. If the deal seems too good to be true it probably is!
If buying second hand a licensed motor car trader (LMCT) will have clear title on their cars. For new or second hand cars the internet is a great research tool. It is easier now to get a feel for what different makes, models and ages are going to set you back. If possible, shop around. You can always go to more than one car yard.
This is particularly true of new cars. There is pretty much always a better deal around the corner. Sometimes you might get a better price depending on when you buy. Many dealers have targets they have to hit each week, month, year, and financial year. Check any car carefully and make sure of the build and compliance dates. A car broker can also be of great assistance in finding the right car and negotiating the price for you.
With finance, find out all the costs and the exact repayment amount. Often with car finance there is no legal requirement to disclose fees, charges, interest rates or brokerage. It is critical that you get all figures in black and white before you sign the contract. Often higher rates, fees and huge brokerage costs can be hidden in loan contracts with big balloon payments or residuals at the end of the term. Also insist on knowing what the early payout penalties are on the loan.
Finally I had made it to my car. It was a baby blue 1968 Morris Mini Deluxe. I’d always wanted one. The salesman had finished his phone call and found me sitting in the car. As he spoke he accidentally blew smoke through the window and into my face, “Bloody women huh?”...
Evan Davis
