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Make the next vehicle decision with a clearer head.
Practical guides for car and motorbike buyers, from setting the budget to making the final payment. Read them in order or jump straight to the question you need answered. They are free to read and no email signup is required.
Inspect the car
Used car & 4x4 inspection guides
- Guide 01
Used Car Inspection Checklist Australia (What to Check Before Buying)
Buying a second-hand car in Australia? Use our step-by-step used car inspection checklist to spot hidden crash damage, engine blow-by, dodgy gearboxes, and PPSR traps.
Read this guide → - Guide 02
Ford Ranger & Mazda BT-50 Common Problems & Used Buying Guide (AU)
Buying a used Ford Ranger (PX, PX2, PX3) or Mazda BT-50 in Australia? Check for 3.2L EGR cooler leaks, injector blow-by, and 10-speed gearbox faults first.
Read this guide → - Guide 03
Hyundai i30 & Tucson / Kia Cerato & Sportage Common Problems (AU)
Buying a used Hyundai i30, Tucson, Kia Cerato, or Sportage in Australia? Check for 2.0L/2.4L engine knocking recalls, steering clunks, and DCT shudder first.
Read this guide → - Guide 04
Mazda CX-5 & Mazda 3 Common Problems & Used Buying Guide (AU)
Buying a used Mazda CX-5 or Mazda 3 in Australia? Compare petrol and diesel inspection points, service records, infotainment faults and recall checks.
Read this guide → - Guide 05
Toyota HiLux Common Problems & Used Buying Guide (2.8L & 3.0L AU)
Buying a used Toyota HiLux (2.8L 1GD or 3.0L 1KD) in Australia? Check for DPF faults, cracked pistons, injector seals, and airbox dust leaks before buying.
Read this guide →
Inspect the bike
Free motorcycle buying guides
- Guide 01
Used Motorcycle Inspection Checklist (LAMS & Australia)
Buying a used LAMS bike? Learn how to check steering head bearings, chain wear, hidden crash damage, and PPSR history before you hand over the cash.
Read this guide → - Guide 02
Kawasaki Ninja 400 & Z400 Common Problems & Buying Guide (AU)
Buying a used Kawasaki Ninja 400 or Z400 in Australia? Watch out for the notorious slipping clutch issue, gearbox false neutrals, and hidden drop damage.
Read this guide → - Guide 03
Yamaha R3 & MT-03 Common Problems & Used Buying Guide (AU)
Buying a used Yamaha YZF-R3 or MT-03 in Australia? Watch out for these common clutch, cooling, and recall faults before you hand over the cash.
Read this guide →
The buying journey
Free used-car buying guides
- Guide 01
What Can I Really Afford
Set a realistic purchase and ownership budget before advertisements or loan repayments shape your decision.
Read this guide → - Guide 02
What Kind Of Car Do I Need
Turn an ordinary week into a short list of genuine needs before comparing makes, models and advertisements.
Read this guide → - Guide 03
How Do I Check A Used Car
Work through the identity, history, condition, test-drive and professional checks that answer different risks.
Read this guide → - Guide 04
How Do I Know The Price Is Fair
Build a realistic price range, adjust it for the actual car and keep every part of the deal visible.
Read this guide → - Guide 05
How Do I Pay And Buy Safely
Slow the transaction down and verify the finance, paperwork, payment process and insurance before taking the keys.
Read this guide → - Guide 06
Don't Buy Someone Else's Debt: A Guide to PPSR Checks
Understand what a PPSR check can tell you about finance, written-off and stolen status before money changes hands.
Read this guide →
Research the shortlist
Already considering a particular vehicle?
Check the year, make and model for commonly reported fault areas before you inspect or buy.
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