Buying a used car from a private seller

Buying a car from a private seller may be cheaper than buying from a licensed motor car trader, but it offers less legal protection. For instance:

• there is no cooling-off period
• the car is not covered by a statutory warranty.

It is your responsibility to check that the car:

• is not stolen
• has no money owing on it
• is not on the written-off vehicles register. For more information, view our Used car vehicle status check page.
• is registered. For more information on registration requirements and costs, view the Buy an unregistered vehicle page on the VicRoads website.

Tips on how to avoid buying a stolen vehicle

Be wary if the:

• seller asks for payment (or a large portion of the payment) in cash
• seller offers to bring the car to you, or is waiting for you outside the address he or she has given you and does not go inside
• asking price is significantly below market value.

Also, check that the person selling the car is its owner. Ask for identification.