Transport
Buying a car in Australia
New vs used, what the three layers of insurance actually cover, what 'rego' includes, and why a PPSR check matters before handing over money.
Published 17 May 2026 · Last reviewed 17 May 2026
New vs used
- New cars from a dealer — verify on-road pricing with the dealer.
- Used cars — Carsales (https://www.carsales.com.au/), Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and dealer used lots.
Registration and insurance — three layers
- Registration ("rego") — paid annually to the state. Includes Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance (covers injury to others if you cause a crash). Verify current annual cost with your state's transport authority.
- Third Party Property — separate optional insurance covering damage to other vehicles.
- Comprehensive insurance — covers damage to your own car plus others.
Verify current premium ranges with a couple of insurers — quotes vary significantly by age, vehicle and postcode.
Pre-purchase checks
- For used cars, get a pre-purchase inspection — RACV/NRMA/RAA/RAC offer these. Verify current fees with the relevant motoring club.
- Check the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) for finance owing — https://www.ppsr.gov.au/
- Check Service Records.
Running costs (rough, 2026, mid-size car)
- Fuel — verify current pump prices in your region (they cycle).
- Servicing — every 10,000–15,000 km. Verify quote with your servicing garage.
- Tyres — typically every 40,000–60,000 km. Verify quote with tyre fitter.
- A daily-driver total run-around budget is substantial. Build a realistic year-one estimate before committing.