The final steps in buying a safer car are:
- understanding your warranty (if there is one) and what it includes
- transferring ownership and registration into your name.
Having a warranty could save you money in case of mechanical failure or breakdown. The best warranties cover antilock brakes (ABS), heating and air-conditioning systems (HVAC), air-bags (SRS), and most of the accessory and computer systems.
All new cars have a manufacturer’s warranty. A full manufacturer's warranty covers all service necessary at no charge. It also allows for diagnosis, removal and reinstallation of all covered parts of a system.
Used car warranties vary from car to car. Low-mileage late-model used cars may have some of the original manufacturer's warranty remaining – check if this is transferable. If you buy a car privately there may be no warranty at all.
We need to know when a Victorian vehicle has been sold or given away. As the buyer, it is your responsibility to send a car registration transfer form to VicRoads within 14 days of buying your new car. Find out more about buying or selling a vehicle and how to transfer registration.
If your car has interstate registration, please read: interstate car registration for information about registering your car in Victoria.