Buy or Rent a Car

BUYING A CAR

Buying a car is the best choice for most backpackers with plenty of time. Two or more travellers combining the cost of a couple of round-Australia coach bus tickets, and you have a car instead. 

The next question is what type of car? Old Volkswagen bus, a van, campervan or a 4WD? 

Many people are under the impression that you need a 4WD to drive around Australia. This is not true. Conventional two wheel drive vehicles can safely drive between all major capital cities. For outback or beach driving you naturally need a 4wd. If you wish to be able to sleep and cook in the car, maybe a bus or campervan is the best for you. Whatever the type, you need to consider how much you want to spend and look around for the best option. Don't rush in to the first car you see. Also bear in mind that if you look after the vehicle, you will be able to sell it once you've finished travelling.

BUYING PRIVATELY, NEWSPAPERS / NOTICEBOARDS
Buying a car privately or through the newspapers is hard work. Deciphering the used car jargon. Trying to ascertain over the phone the condition of a car. Unfamiliar models and engines. Travelling by bus or train all day to see a car, only to find when you get there the car is completely opposite to what you expected it to be, or its exactly what you expected it to be, but the seller forgot to mention that it only goes in reverse. If you don't really know a lot about then buying privately can also be risky. Once you drive away there is absolutely no turning back. The car is sold as is, with all faults if any. On the other side of the coin the best bargains can be found in the classifieds. The best place to look is the 'trading post' every Thursday. You can also look in the daily papers, the 'Daily Telegraph', 'The Age' or 'Herald Sun'

Many backpacker hostels have noticeboards where you can find cars for sale by other travellers. 

WARNING
Up to 70% of the cars listed for sale on hostel notice boards are being sold by local residents who are also unlicensed car dealers. If you are buying a car from anyone but a licensed car dealer get the seller to prove that it is their name that is on the registration / ownership papers. This can be done by comparing their name and photograph on their licence or passport with the name on the ownership papers. If the seller's name is not on the ownership papers, you may be buying a vehicle that is either stolen, or has had the registration cancelled, for fines or other problems. 

If the car is from Interstate, then you may be buying a vehicle which is unable to be registered or transferred to your name.

CAR MARKETS
A car market operator holds a limited Motor Dealers Licence. The best and most famous car market for a Traveller is the Kings Cross Car Market in Sydney (PH: 1800 808 188). Backpackers who no longer have any need for their vehicle, rent a car space within the car market. The car market makes no commission and has no favourites it's therefore an excellent place for sellers. You must first of all get a Roadworthy Inspection (pink-slip) to enter the car market.
If you have a pink-slip it costs $5 a day (if you pay for a week in advance) or $15 a day if you're feeling lucky and think you can sell your car in one day. 

SELLING YOUR CAR  
The Kings Cross Car Market is definitely the place to get the best return on your car. The local papers and classifieds and hostel noticeboards are slow and not so successful. Don't go to too much trouble repairing or spending money on it for the next owner. They won't appreciate it and it's not your responsibility. When the potential buyers ask you for a pink-slip and you don't have one, turn the tables on them by saying "'yes, I'll give you a pink-slip with the car if you pay my price or I'll give you the car cheaper and you can go and get the pink-slip using the money you've saved". Most will take the discount and not go and get the pink-slip anyway.