Australia doesn’t have US-style “lemon laws”; instead the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) covers dud cars.
If a vehicle has a major failure (unsafe, unfit for purpose, or a fault that can’t be fixed within a reasonable time), you’re entitled to a refund or replacement; for minor failures, the seller gets a shot at repair first.
Your rights are against the seller (dealer) who took your money, not the manufacturer’s PR department, and you should act promptly and document everything.
Used cars bought from licensed dealers may carry statutory warranties that vary by state, while private sales generally have fewer protections beyond clear title.
It’s not magic, but it’s potent—push it politely and it usually works.
LightingListing your ad only takes a few minutes, and most categories are free.
Post an adA weekly hand-picked round-up of the best bargains, free stuff, and trending listings. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Know someone looking to buy or sell something? Send them to Tradingpost, Australia's original marketplace.