What is a used car statutory warranty?
A licensed motor car trader must provide a statutory warranty if the car is less than 10 years old and has travelled less than 160,000 kilometres. Its age is determined by the build date stamped on its build plate. Usually, this is found on the firewall between the engine and passenger compartments.
A statutory warranty lasts for three months or 5000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.
The trader must repair any faults covered during the warranty period in order to ensure the car is in a reasonable condition for its age.
Defect notices
The trader is obliged to list any faults not covered by the statutory warranty on a defect notice. These faults could be costly to repair so read this notice carefully. For more information, view our Buying a used car from a licensed motor car trader page.
Items not covered by statutory warranty
A statutory warranty does not cover things including (but not limited to):
- any item listed on a defect notice with a reasonable estimate of how much it will cost to repair
- tyres
- batteries
- radios, cassette players, CD players, MP3 and MP4 players
- DVD players and video display panels
- telephone and in-car telephone kits
- global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite navigation systems
- power outlets, including cigarette lighter sockets
- car aerials
- non-standard rear window de-mister
- wear and tear or damage caused by misuse or negligence.
Vehicles exempt from statutory warranties
A statutory warranty does not apply to any motorcycles or cars sold at a public auction.
Parts and repairs
If your car needs repairs while under statutory warranty, contact the trader from whom you bought it. If you arrange repairs before doing so, your statutory warranty may become void and you may have to bear the costs.
Second-hand parts can be used as long as they are suitable and serviceable. The time it takes to repair your car is added to the warranty period.
If your car cannot be driven due to a warranty defect, the trader must pay any towing costs. However, the trader or mechanic is not obliged to provide a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired. If a courtesy vehicle is provided, make sure it is insured adequately.
Last updated: 16/05/2012