Issue Date:  -  Monday, 15 October 2001

Don't get caught paying for a car you can't drive

The Northern Regional Office for Consumer Protection (formerly Ministry of Fair Trading) in Karratha is reminding regional consumers to keep in mind all the hidden costs when buying a used car, especially when these cars come from interstate.

Consumer Protection urges consumers to consider all the costs over and above the sticker price when buying a car (eg finance, petrol, insurance, registration, repairs). In recent weeks, the Northern Regional office has been alerted that a number of consumers in the Kimberleys have purchased vehicles from Northern Territory car dealers, only to later realise that they cannot afford to register the car in Western Australia.

Consumers need to consider that cars originally purchased with Northern Territory registration and subsequently brought to Western Australia, must at some point be re-registered in Western Australia, which can be a significant expense.

Additionally, before a car is registered in Western Australia it must be passed over the pits. It is important to remember that just because a car was originally registered in the Northern Territory does not mean that it will necessarily pass inspection in Western Australia, especially if the car has had a lot of use in the interim.

If the car doesn't pass the inspection then repairs will be needed before the car can be registered which means even more bills for the consumer. If the costs of registration and any needed repairs cannot be met, then the consumer may end up paying for a car that they cannot even drive.

Potential car buyers should not rush into signing contracts or sign anything until they are sure they want to go ahead with a purchase.

Consumers with questions or concerns can contact Consumer Protection's Northern Regional Office in Karratha on (08) 9144 1478 or for the cost of a local call on 1 300 30 40 54.

Free information is also available at any time at www.docep.wa.gov.au