Top tools for buying a car on carsales

Buying a car can be a source of frustration for some buyers, as a recent carsales study has revealed.

A recent survey commissioned by carsales showed 13 per cent of people admitted they simply didn't know where to start when it came to buying a car.

One in four of those respondents finding it all too hard were aged between 18 and 39. Older respondents, who were also confused about buying a car, were fewer in number – just six per cent of the total sampling.

Compared with years ago, buying a car has been made easier with the advent of online portals like carsales, but the survey revealed that some buyers are still struggling with the process.

It’s for consumers like these, as well as experienced buyers, that carsales and its affiliate Redbook.com.au have developed and upgraded tools to simplify the car buying process.

Price Indicator is a new tool carsales has released across its website and app. The first of its type for the Australian consumer auto category when it was launched, Price Indicator is designed to help the estimated one in four consumers overcome fears that the car they're considering might be too expensive.

When listed vehicles match the pricing criteria, including age, condition and kilometres travelled, carsales calls out the cars via a green Price Indicator tag.

The three labels to look for are: 'Around Market Price', 'Below Market Price' and 'Well Below Market Price'.

Over 40 per cent of would-be buyers are worried they'll be taken for a ride when buying a car, according to carsales’ recent survey. They fear that the vehicle advertised will not be mechanically sound and they'll finish up wearing the costs of some expensive fault that wasn't picked up during the purchase.

For those people, and even buyers who are more confident they can spot a lemon from a distance, RedBook Inspect is a service offering peace of mind. A qualified mechanic attends the address of the vehicle being sold to assess the vehicle and report back to the buyer. It's a thorough evaluation, checking the state of the engine, any accident damage, interior condition, a road test for brakes and suspension, to name a few... and even includes a CarFacts report.

The whole process is administered by RedBook Inspect, saving the buyer the inconvenience of arranging the inspection with the vehicle owner. And since RedBook Inspect is a mobile service, the technician checks out the vehicle at its location. There's no hassle for the owner or the buyer. RedBook Inspect will supply a vehicle condition report to the buyer within 24 hours of being given the go-ahead.

With many Australians concerned about identity fraud (over 72 per cent, according to the survey), PrivacyProtect ensures the vehicle seller’s personal details remain safe.

The tool provides the seller with a 'virtual phone number' displayed in the advertisement. Any buyer ringing the virtual number is diverted to the seller’s own phone number without seeing the actual number.

PrivacyProtect is included in any carsales Ultimate ad or can be purchased for an additional $20 on any Standard or Premium carsales advertisement.

For more information on buying or selling a car, see the carsales help page and also check out the handy advice features for additional details.