In Australia, currently limited legal protection of consumers when purchasing a vehicle, especially when it comes to buying a used car. Potential buyers are limited in the type of information that can be purchased and many of the state databases are not cross-references, so a car that was registered as a car hire in Queensland can be re-registered in NSW, with no way for a potential buyer to learn from previous history of the vehicle.
How can consumers be protected?
Unlike the EU, there are no federal requirements for recording odometer readings for vehicles. While some states, like NSW, require odometer readings to be taken at the transfer point and all inspections pink slip (for vehicles over five years), this information is not available to consumers potential who are seeking information about the history of the car. Meanwhile, the best access to information among States could greatly help people understand more about your potential purchase of used vehicles.
Meanwhile, what can you do to protect themselves?
In the absence of wider federal or state law, it falls to the consumer to get as much information as possible about buying used cars. Fortunately, you can get a good idea in the history of a vehicle making a speed control and check the history of cars in the Vehicle Identification Number. (Look for it on the dashboard or the driver's side door jamb of the car). These types of controls provide valuable information on the history of a vehicle even if you have any encumbrances (outstanding debt) and if the vehicle had been canceled. You're given a substantial bargaining power when it comes to closing the deal.
