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As of January 31, 2021, there are 20 million registered cars in Australia. Unless you live in an area with public transport, owning a car becomes a necessity. 

While it’s possible to use taxis and apps such as Uber, they can be expensive in the long run. Especially if you want to leave an urban city such as Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll need a car. 

But, how do you buy a car in Australia? 

Decide if You Want to Import or Buy Domestically

If you’re migrating to Australia and bringing your car with you, be aware of the guidelines in place. 

• The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development actually must approve the import of the car.
• It must meet the guidelines set by the Department for vehicles in Australia.
• Imported cars are generally subject to 5-15% in import tax
• Luxury cars (value over AUD 65,094) have an additional surcharge of 33% on the cost past the mentioned threshold.

Understand the Cost of Owning a Car

Before you can buy the car, understand the maintenance and purchasing costs. When looking into the costs of owning a car, keep in mind: 

• Fuel costs
• Insurance costs
• Registration fees
• Vehicle Inspection fees
• Regular upkeep

These costs can vary based on which part of the country you are in and the model of the car you choose to purchase.

Do Your Research

Once you have made a final decision to buy a car, it’s time to do your research. When picking out a car, look into: 

• It’s model
• Manufacturer
• Mileage and whether it works for you
• Price
• User reviews
• Features

You don’t have to choose one immediately; it’s alright to have a few options to narrow down further. 

Pro Tip: Narrow your options down to three; that way, you won’t be as confused when you have to make a choice! 

Drive the Car

Once you have a list of options, it’s time to narrow it down to one winner. The best way to make a choice is by test driving the car! 

Most car dealerships will let you take a model car out for a spin. When you’re driving the vehicle, make sure to stay aware of how comfortable you are. 

• Check the seat and the adjustments.
• See how much space is available once you are seated in the car.
• If you have family, take them along to make sure there’s seating space in the back.
• Make sure to drive in traffic and free roads to see how the car performs.
• Test the music system while on the road.
• If there are extra functions on the model car, test them out to see whether you’ll want them later.

Buy the Car

The very last step is to buy the car! 

After the test drives, it is imperative to decide based on comfort and all the other parameters mentioned earlier. A big factor to take into account would be the price. 

It’s best to contact a few dealers and enquire about discounts, financing options, and take your time choosing the best option for you. 

Once you have your finances in order, sign the papers and purchase your car in Australia! 

Wrapping Up

When you look into how to buy a car in Australia, you’ll find that it’s not so different from any other country. But, it’s necessary to know the proper steps to take – especially if it’s your first time!