The Carroll Labor Government has launched a new campaign to protect Victorians buying used cars.
The new ‘Don’t Buy a Regret’ campaign launched today to raise awareness of motorists’ rights when buying a used car.
The Consumer Affairs Victoria advertising campaign will appear on social media as well as cinemas in Victoria.
More than two thirds of young Victorians have bought a used car, and many Victorians are unaware of what to check before they buy, or what to do if something goes wrong after the sale.
More than half of all used car sales are made through private sellers and private purchasers often have no access to protections such as a statutory warranty that may apply when buying from a motor car trader.
The education campaign provides practical advice to help consumers understand their rights when navigating the used car market.
Consumer Affairs Research released earlier in the year found nearly a third of sampled used cars were advertised online with odometers wound back by at least 25,000 kilometres.
Labor currently has new laws before the Victorian Parliament to strengthen consumer protections against unlicensed trading and modernise the regulatory framework for motor car trading across the state.
These laws will make it easier to investigate, fine and prosecute odometer tampering – with traders required to check the odometer before sale.
The reforms also create a single point of contact for Victorians who’ve been ripped off, tighten the rules on auction houses and strengthen the safety net for buyers left out of pocket.
Consumer Affairs Victoria will also conduct targeted compliance action as part of a statewide crackdown on unlicensed motor car trading.
For more information on the campaign visit consumer.vic.gov.au/buying-a-used-car(opens in a new window).
As stated by Minister for Consumer Affairs Tim Richardson
“Buying a used car is a big purchase – get it wrong and you’re left out of pocket with an unreliable car, and no help from the seller.”
“We want Victorians to understand their rights so they don’t get taken for a ride.”
“More Victorians are shopping for cars online, and our laws will make sure dodgy operators have nowhere to hide.”
