What Does a Car Roadworthy Certificate Cover?
Car Roadworthy Certificates Cover - What Are They and What Do They Cover?
Are you thinking of buying – or selling - a used car? Then you’re going to need a car roadworthy certificate. In Queensland, you must have a Car Roadworthy Safety certificate to sell, transfer registration to a new owner, transfer to interstate, or re-register a new vehicle.
However, a roadworthy certificate (or pink slip) is not the same as a comprehensive vehicle inspection. Read on to find out what you need to know about a Queensland roadworthy certificate and what it means when you’re buying a second-hand car.
Is a RWC proof a car is reliable?
It is always a good idea to get your mechanic to look at a vehicle that you may be planning to buy privately, even when the seller provides a Queensland Roadworthy Certificate.
This certificate requires checks that affect the vehicle's safe operation and do not necessarily mean that you have purchased a high-quality or good vehicle. The pink slip simply means the car has passed the minimum requirements to be driven on Queensland roads at the inspection time. These inspections only look at the basics of safe operation of a vehicle across the following areas;
- tyres - legal and size
- brakes - pads and operation
- steering - legal and safe
- lights - legal and operational
- suspension - legal and operational
- body - rust or damage
- windscreen - safe and damage.
Whilst this ensures that the vehicle is SAFE to drive, it certainly doesn't check the quality or wear and tear. A pink slip does not provide any assurance that the vehicle is in excellent used condition or predict how many years of reliable use it has left.
A thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic is the best way to get a clear picture of the vehicle’s condition. These inspections should determine the reliability and quality of the engine and all associated parts, and can prevent you from buying a money pit on wheels.
Buying from a second-hand car dealer
There are many second-hand dealers out there, and in most cases, buying from a registered and reputable dealer means you get a road safety certificate and a three-month warranty. But does this mean you can relax and buy the first vehicle that fills your heart with joy and excitement?
Checking what is covered and to what level is very important. Several different things can go wrong with a used vehicle, and not all are obvious. Covering all bases and doing your due diligence at the time may save you heartache later.
Has the vehicle been checked for finance still owing? Has the vehicle been involved in an accident or been stolen? Is it up to date with the necessary services, and were they completed on time? Are all the parts in the vehicle original, and if they are added aftermarket, will they void any warranty on the vehicle if they fail? Is there a certified pre-owned vehicle report so you know the history of the vehicle?
Checking for ripples in fenders and slight paint variations is one way of checking for previously repaired accident damage. In addition, having a used vehicle check ensures that you know the entire history with facts and research.
Feel the confidence in the Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Promise
The Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Promise at Ken Mills Toyota is the confidence that changes a purchase to an investment. Only the very best vehicles that pass all our stringent and comprehensive checks make it to the sale point. In accordance with Queensland laws, all our vehicles are subject to a Car Roadworthy Certificate before sale. Taking it to a whole new level, we have a strict protocol of checks to have you jumping with confidence as you glance over the choices of used vehicles. You can trust that every car is in prime condition and will give you that "Oh What A Feeling" for a long time to come.
Not all second-hand cars are put to such a stringent set of tests before being offered for sale. Compare the difference here for a full list of our checks.
We also apply our high standards to any car you may be considering selling – simply book in with our friendly service department. Nothing is left to chance with our affordable and comprehensive car services and roadworthy certificates on the Sunshine Coast.