7 Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Used Car Dealership

7 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Used Car Dealership

Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, but only if you buy from a dealership that’s honest, reliable, and has your best interests in mind. With so many used car dealerships out there, how do you know which one to trust? 

TWG Cars are your trusted used car dealers in Brisbane. We believe that an informed buyer is a confident buyer. Whether you're after a first car, a family SUV, or a quality work vehicle, we can help find the perfect fit for you.  

Your car is your companion through essential everyday activities, road trips, and even special occasions. It’s a big purchase, so it’s important to find the vehicle that suits you that you’ll love for years to come. 

Asking the right questions is key to finding a dealership that delivers not just a vehicle, but peace of mind. Here are seven essential questions to ask before selecting your used car dealers in Brisbane, plus what to look out for in the answers.

1. What Is the Dealership’s Reputation? 

The first and most important question: what do other people say about the dealership? 

Start by looking at online reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and ProductReview. Consistent high ratings and positive customer feedback are strong indicators of a dealership that values quality and service. On the other hand, a history of unresolved complaints, pushy sales tactics, or poor after-sales service should raise red flags. 

Look for details in reviews, such as: 

• “The process was smooth and stress-free” 

• “They were upfront about pricing and history” 

• “I had an issue, and they resolved it quickly” 

Word of mouth is also powerful. Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they’ve bought from the dealership you’re considering and whether they’d recommend it. 

A reputable used car dealer in Brisbane, TWG Cars builds our business on trust, repeat customers, and positive referrals — not quick sales.

2. Are the Vehicles Thoroughly Inspected and Mechanically Sound? 

When you’re buying used, you need assurance that the car is in good working order. 

A trustworthy dealership should be able to explain its inspection process and show you evidence that each vehicle has undergone mechanical checks. Many offer pre-sale roadworthy certificates or independent inspections for added peace of mind. 

Here’s what to look for: 

• Has the vehicle passed a certified mechanical inspection? 

• Are there records of maintenance or servicing? 

• Has it had any major repairs or replacements? 

• Can you get an independent inspection if you wish? 

At TWG Cars, every vehicle in our yard is hand-selected for quality and performance, then fully inspected to ensure it is road-ready and reliable. We’re happy to walk you through what’s been done to each car — no guesswork required. 

Before we buy used cars, we ensure we have the following details: 

• How many kilometres the vehicle has driven 

• What kind of equipment it’s fitted with 

• Whether it has any marks, scratches, wear and tear or accident damage 

• Mechanical issues 

• The full dealership service history 

We conduct a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle to ensure it lives up to the TWG guarantee of its high quality.  

3. Can I View a Full Vehicle History Report? 

A full history report, or logbook, is important so you can see what your car has been through before you take it home. 

Ask the dealership to provide a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) certificate and a comprehensive vehicle history report (such as from CarHistory, RedBook, or Equifax). These documents can tell you: 

• If the car has been written off or stolen 

• If there is any finance owing on the vehicle 

• How many owners it’s had 

• The odometer history and potential discrepancies 

• Past registration and service records 

A transparent dealership will provide these documents upfront — not dodge the question or charge you extra for them. 

4. What Finance Options Are Available (and Are They Competitive)? 

Buying a car is a big purchase — and many people need finance to make it happen. That’s why it’s important to ask about what financing options the dealership offers, and how their rates compare to banks or external lenders. 

A good dealership will work with a network of reputable lenders and take the time to find an option that suits your needs, budget, and credit profile — not just push the most profitable option for them. 

Here’s what to check: 

• What’s the interest rate, and is it fixed or variable? 

• Are there any fees or penalties for early repayment? 

• Can I get pre-approved to understand my borrowing power? 

• Do they offer finance for people with bad credit? 

At TWG Cars, we offer tailored finance solutions through trusted providers and are transparent about the rates, repayments, and conditions — no hidden traps, just helpful advice. 

5. What’s Covered Under Warranty? 

Even with a used car, you deserve protection. 

That’s why you should always ask: What kind of warranty is included, and what does it cover? 

All used car dealers in Brisbane offer statutory warranties as required under consumer law — but these can vary depending on the vehicle’s age and mileage.  

There are 2 types of statutory warranty in Australia: ‘class A’ and ‘class B’. 

A 'class A' statutory warranty covers you when the vehicle: 

• has an odometer reading of less than 160,000km on the day of its sale 

• has a built date of no more than 10 years before the day of its sale. 

The 'class A' warranty expires after 3 months or the first 5,000km, whichever occurs first. 

A ‘class B’ statutory warranty applies if you buy a vehicle that: 

• has an odometer reading of 160,000km or more on the day of its sale 

• has a built date of more than 10 years before the day of its sale. 

The ‘class B’ warranty expires after 1 month or the first 1,000km, whichever occurs first. 

Buyers can choose to waive the ‘class B’ statutory warranty for a vehicle more than 20 years old that is offered for sale for restoration.  

Beyond the statutory warranty, some dealerships offer extended options for added peace of mind. TWG Cars offer a 3-year mechanical protection plan as standard on all used cars so you can trust that we will be here to help if any issues arise. We can also offer 5-year mechanical protection plans in many instances. 

Key questions to ask include: 

• How long does the warranty last? 

• What parts and repairs are covered? 

• Is servicing required at the dealership to maintain coverage? 

• Are roadside assistance or other benefits included? 

A dealership that believes in the quality of its cars won’t hesitate to back them with a solid warranty. Avoid places that offer vague promises like “you’ll be looked after” with no details in writing. 

6. Are the Prices Transparent, Fair, and All-Inclusive?

Used car pricing can be tricky to navigate — and unfortunately, not all dealerships are upfront about the true cost of ownership. 

Ask the dealer: 

• Is this the drive-away price? 

• What’s included in that price — rego, pink slip? 

• Are there any dealer delivery fees or “extras” I should know about? 

• Can I get a full price breakdown? 

It’s also wise to compare the advertised price of the same make and model across other dealers or online marketplaces like Carsales. This ensures that you are getting it at a fair price.  

A deal that looks too good to be true probably is — it may be a base model, have hidden damage, or require immediate repairs. Make sure you do your due diligence to ensure you are using a trustworthy used car dealer in Brisbane. 

At TWG Cars, we believe in transparent, competitive pricing. Our vehicles are priced drive-away with no nasty surprises, and we’re happy to explain every line item so you know exactly what you’re paying for. 

7. What Kind of After-Sales Support Is Offered?

After you drive away, the dealership’s job shouldn’t be done. 

A great used car dealership stands by its customers — offering support, service, and advice long after the sale is complete. 

Ask: 

• Can I contact you if I have an issue with the car? 

• Do you offer servicing, repairs, or maintenance? 

• Do you have loan cars or a service centre? 

• Do you follow up to ensure customer satisfaction? 

At TWG Cars, we’re proud of the long-term relationships we build with our customers. As your reliable used car dealers in Brisbane, we’re always just a phone call away, and we work hard to resolve issues quickly and fairly. We also offer extended warranties so you can enjoy your vehicle with confidence, as well as a network of service centres across Australia. 

Other Considerations

Beyond the questions above, pay attention to how the dealership makes you feel. 

• Are the staff helpful and respectful? 

• Are they willing to answer all your questions honestly? 

• Do they give you time to think and compare options? 

• Or do you feel rushed, manipulated, or overwhelmed? 

The right dealership will empower you to make a decision you feel good about — not push you into a sale. 

Choosing a used car dealership is just as important as choosing the car itself. Asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures you end up with a car and a team you can trust. 

At TWG Cars, we’re proud to offer a no-pressure environment, thoroughly inspected vehicles, flexible finance, and a focus on long-term customer satisfaction. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or buy your very first car, we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Choose TWG Cars as your used car dealers in Brisbane 

TWG Cars is part of the Tony White Group, an Australian family-owned and operated business that has been in the industry for decades and now operates over 130 car franchises. Every vehicle sold comes with the Tony White guarantee to assure you of its quality and reliability. 

With fair pricing, financing options, and a 3-year mechanical protection plan, TWG Cars makes the process of buying a used vehicle easy. Our experienced and friendly team is here to help you through purchasing the right vehicle for you.  

We take pride in providing Aussies with the experience they deserve and a car they love. TWG Cars is one of Brisbane’s most trusted used car dealers, with locations in Geebung and Kedron. 

Ready to get started with buying your used car? Browse our current range of quality used vehicles now or drop by in person. Our friendly team is ready to help you find the right car.