Warranties on used cars
What is a used car statutory warranty?
A licensed motor car trader must provide a statutory warranty if the car:
is less than 10 years old, and
has travelled less than 160,000 kilometres.
Note: the car's age is determined by the date stamped on its build plate, usually found on the firewall between the engine and passenger compartments.
How long a statutory warranty lasts
A statutory warranty lasts for three months or 5000 kilometres after purchase, whichever occurs first.
The trader must repair any faults covered during the warranty period in order to ensure the car is in a reasonable condition for its age.
Note: even after the statutory warranty expires, you still have rights under the Australian Consumer Law that you can rely on if there is a problem with your car. However, the level of protection will depend on things such as the car's age and condition. For more information, view our Consumer guarantees page.
Transfer of statutory warranty
A licensed motor car trader provides a statutory warranty only as part of the contract. Therefore, if you sell your car privately before the three months or 5000 kilometres have passed, the warranty does not transfer to the new owner.
Defect notices
The trader is obliged to list any faults not covered by the statutory warranty on a defect notice. These faults could be costly to repair so read this notice carefully. For more information, view our Buying a used car from a licensed motor car trader page.
Items not covered by statutory warranty
A statutory warranty does not cover things including:
any item listed on a defect notice with a reasonable estimate of how much it will cost to repair
tyres
batteries
radios, cassette players, CD players, MP3 and MP4 players
DVD players and video display panels
telephone and in-car telephone kits
global positioning systems (GPS) and satellite navigation systems
power outlets, including cigarette lighter sockets
car aerials
non-standard rear window demister
wear and tear or damage caused by misuse or negligence
non-standard alarms
clocks
non-standard body hardware
non-standard keyless entry systems and remote key pads
tools other than jacks and wheel braces
non-standard light globes, sealed beam lights and fog lights
keyless entry systems and remote key pads that are not standard to the car.
Vehicles exempt from statutory warranties
A statutory warranty does not apply to:
motorcycles
commercial vehicles
cars sold at a public auction.
Parts and repairs
If your car needs repairs while under statutory warranty, contact the trader from whom you bought it. If you arrange repairs before doing so, your statutory warranty may become void and you may have to bear the costs.
Second-hand parts can be used as long as they are suitable and serviceable. The time it takes to repair your car is added to the warranty period.
If your car cannot be driven due to a warranty defect, the trader must pay any towing costs. However, the trader or mechanic is not obliged to provide a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired. If a courtesy vehicle is provided, check it is insured adequately.