Buying a car without a plan is how you end up with a V8 on a learner’s budget.
Start with a realistic AUD figure that includes stamp duty, rego, insurance and servicing, then list your must‑haves (seats, boot, safety, fuel, towing).
Shortlist a few models, compare real-world economy and known issues, and browse listings on Tradingpost to see what your money actually gets.
Inspect in daylight, cold-start it, check logbooks, run a PPSR, and get a pre‑purchase inspection—mechanics love finding what sellers “forgot”.
On the test drive, listen for knocks, feel for shudder, and make sure every button does something other than disappoint.
Be patient, walk away from bad cars, and remember: depreciation is your friend—panic buying is not.
Lighting
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