Campaign Reminds Car Buyers To Do Due Diligence

A new campaign is running to help car buyers know their rights and the important consumer protections provided by licensed dealers, such as consumer guarantees, a warranty in most cases and known defects should be disclosed.

The campaign also highlights the inherent risks of buying privately, such as a seller choosing not to disclose known defects – like flood damage - or the vehicle being repossessed if money is owed on the car. Consumers are advised to take steps to reduce the risk of unknowns by arranging a mechanical inspection, taking the car for a test drive, and checking the government’s Personal Property Securities Register.

The Buying a Car campaign is being led by Consumer and Business Services (CBS) with support from the MTA and builds on previous campaign collaborations in 2017 and 2022.

Two new videos have been released for the 2024 campaign:

• Buying a used car? Avoid hidden damage.

• Buying a used car? Know your rights. The videos can be viewed at cbs.sa.gov.au/cars along with other helpful tips and advice for car buyers.

Targeted promotions will run until early November 2024 to reach potential car buyers, including young consumers before they purchase their first vehicle. Digital channels being utilised include Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, Carsales, InStream Video and YouTube with contextual site placement to reach consumers showing intention to purchase a used car.

Dealers are encouraged to share the new videos via their social and professional networks and any of the social media posts by CBS Facebook, AttorneyGeneral’s Department X/Twitter and the MTA social media accounts.

For more information about the campaign please visit cbs.sa.gov.au/cars.

CBS has also developed new information resources to help car sellers understand when a licence is required and to provide information for licensed dealers about their responsibilities under the Second-hand Vehicle Dealers Act 1995 and the Australian Consumer Law. The resources are available in several formats including the main brochure for car sellers and licensed dealers, an Easy Read version for people with low literacy, and a brochure in six different languages.

These resources are being promoted to sellers and dealers and support CBS’ approach to industry education. CBS views prevention of a breach as preferable to taking action after a breach has occurred.

See the new resources for sellers and dealers at cbs.sa.gov.au/campaigns/selling-cars.