Your questions answered: can I return a new car if I change my mind?

Repair priorities and car returns on the sheet this week in a festive season edpisode of Your Questions Answered. All the best for the new year, everyone!

Got an automotive question but you don’t know where to find the information you need? Never fear, email us here at editor@carsales.com.au.

Answer: Hey James; in Australia, you’ll find the short answer is no, you can’t return a new car because you’ve changed your mind or because your circumstances have changed.

The only exception would be if there was a ‘cooling off’ period built in the contract made between dealership and customer, which allowed for a car to be returned or exchanged.

There was a rare case in 2017 when GM Holden offered '60 day refunds' on its cars. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) got involved and we haven't really seen anything like it since.

Anyway, it’s an interesting one, isn’t it… buying a car is a pretty big deal, and sometimes there’s a disconnect between the car you thought you were buying and the one you’ve actually received.

It only underlines the fact that there’s no substitute for the test drive process, if nothing else to make sure you’re comfortable with your pending new purchase.

It’s a different proposition altogether if the new car you purchased has major mechanical issues that can’t be easily rectified. Consumers in Australia are protected by law in this instance.

“If your car fails to meet a consumer guarantee, you have rights against whoever supplied you the car (e.g. the car dealer), and in some cases against the manufacturer,” says Australian consumer watchdog, the ACCC.

“In particular, you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund if your new car fails to meet the consumer guarantees.”

Hope that helps settle the Christmas lunch discussion.

Answer: Hey Kate, thanks for the question. I would definitely prioritise safety in the first instance, including brakes and tyres.

The term ‘old bomb’ can hide a multitude of sins, but your tyres provide the only point of contact between you and the road, and despite the fact that they’re black and boring, they need to be in as good condition as you can afford.

You don’t need to spend a fortune, either.

The new tyre market is super competitive and buying an affordable tyre from a reputable dealer isn’t the butt-clenching exercise it used to be when it comes to price. For your car, $120-$140 per tyre is a realistic number.

When it comes to the ‘engine’ as you put it, there are a couple of basic things you can do by yourself or with the help of a friend to ensure your trip goes okay.

The easiest of these is to check the fluid levels, including oil, coolant and power steering. Each of these are foolproof to check and to top up. YouTube tutorials are a good place to start.

If you’re feeling brave, an oil change is surprisingly easy to do with just a few basic tools – and it’s amazing what the bribe of a pizza and beer can achieve when it comes to someone lending a hand!

Old Corollas are pretty bulletproof, and as long as it’s not blowing smoke or making loud noises, regular oil changes will keep it humming along.

Finally, make sure your car is clean, get rid of all the junk, make sure there is air in your spare tyre, the wipers are in decent shape (another super easy and cheap fix) and you’re well rested before setting off on your trip. Good luck and enjoy the drive!

The views stated in this advice column are advisory only. Questions may be edited for clarity and length.

Got an automotive question but you don’t know where to find the information you need? Never fear, email us here at editor@carsales.com.au.

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