Don't Risk Buying a Lemon Because of Dad's Advice

Written by Juliet Potter: 02-September-2011

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Don't tell Dad, but turning to him for advice on your next used car purchase could be leaving you open to fraud and the risk of a serious accident, the last thing your Dad would want following Father's Day.

According to research conducted by carhistory.com.au, almost a third of would-be first-time car buyers are turning to their fathers for advice when purchasing a new car - 32% of 18-24 year olds. More than one in 10 used car buyers (nearly 12%) use their Dad as a source of advice and almost a quarter of people are trusting someone else's advice when buying a used car and ending up with a ‘lemon'.

"There's nothing wrong with consulting Dad when purchasing a used car, as long as you're also arming yourself with all the facts, which is essential when making such an important financial decision," says David Scognamiglio from carhistory.com.au.

"Our recent research also showed that Australian car buyers are leaving themselves open to fraud and the risk of a serious accident, with almost one in two used-car buyers not confident they know the full history of the car they are about to purchase."

carhistory.com.au is the only website in Australia that consumers can use to access extensive data on used cars, no matter which state or territory the car has been in. Here, it's possible to find out whether the car has ever been stolen or written off or whether there's outstanding finance, plus you can find out odometer readings and car price values, allowing consumers to make an informed purchase decision.

"Vital aspects to know about the used car you are looking to purchase include whether it is classified as a stolen vehicle, has money owing on it, had the odometer wound back or been in a serious accident. All of this information can be sourced easily from carhistory.com.au. Take Dad along for advice, but always rely on the facts," adds David.

Visit the carhistory.com.au website and enter the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to source a report that includes vehicle details, security interests recorded on the vehicle, a written-off or stolen check, current valuation, odometer checks, sales listings and safety and omission ratings. A new app is available to download, allowing you to rate and compare multiple cars (and is free up until the end of September).