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When should I use this guide?

On this page:

Use this guide if you:

  • have negotiated to buy, or have already bought, a car in Queensland
  • are not sure whether you are under a contract
  • want to know if you must buy the car or if you can get out of the contract
  • want to cancel the contract and try to get your deposit back
  • feel the conditions to buy the car, or the finance offered, are unacceptable
  • now realise you can't afford to buy the car
  • want to complain about something the dealer or financier did.

Do not use this guide if you:

  • bought the car outside Queensland
  • are thinking of buying a car and want some tips (go to the Office of Fair Trading's website http://www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/ or call 13 13 04)
  • want to get a dealer to repair your car, but it is out of the warranty period (our publication Small Claims Tribunal: a consumer guide may help you if you need to take the dealer to the Small Claims Tribunal)
  • want to claim on an insurance policy.

You should get legal advice

You should use this guide along with legal advice. Never make any legal decisions without speaking to a solicitor first.

You can get legal advice from:

  • Legal Aid Queensland — call 1300 65 11 88 for free advice
  • a community legal centre — call 1300 65 11 88 to check services in your area
  • a private solicitor — call the Queensland Law Society on (07) 3842 5842 for names of solicitors who can help.

Get the most out of your legal advice

You will get the most out of your legal advice if you do some preparation beforehand, have any paper work with you so you can give the solicitor accurate and thorough information. Before you meet with a solicitor try to:

  • Write a list of all the things you and other people, such as the car dealer and finance person, said and did when you were buying the car.
  • Write your list in the order it happened stating the date and time, where you were, who you spoke to, what was said and any documents given to you.
  • List or collect all the documents you were shown or given, any that were filled in for you, or any that you signed.
  • If you have taken out a loan and do not have the loan documents, write a letter to your finance company asking for this information (see the sample letters).
  • Work out what you want, such as a better deal or to walk away and get your money back.

 

 

Last updated 10 December 2008
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