bought a bad car from private owner australia Page 3

Bought a dud from a private seller? Unfortunately, Australian Consumer Law offers no statutory warranty or cooling‑off period on private sales, so you’re mostly relying on what was said or written.

If the car was misrepresented (e.g., “no accidents,” “perfect engine,” or hidden flood damage), gather proof, get an independent mechanic’s report, and request a refund or repair.

When they ghost you, escalate: lodge a complaint with your state Fair Trading and then the Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT/VCAT/QCAT/SACAT, etc.).

Also check the PPSR; if there’s finance owing or it’s a write‑off, you may have grounds to unwind the deal—and you’ll want that sorted yesterday.

Next steps: document everything, keep messages/screenshots, and stop driving it if it’s unsafe; an expert report is your best bargaining chip.