Search
Vehicle Tracking
Quote & Book
Service Alerts
CEVA Depots
Buying a used interstate car has some benefits. The key reasons being that you have a larger range of cars to choose from, and a potentially cheaper purchase price. However, it can also feel like an overwhelming process if you have never done this before.
To help you along the way, we’ve created a checklist of things to do and consider before you commit to purchasing a car interstate.
Car Inspections
If you plan on purchasing the car sight unseen, spend some money to have it professionally checked by a trusted motor mechanic. This process will probably cost a few hundred dollars but it might save you money in the long term if the car turns out to have issues, like car rust, faulty engine or have panel damage.
Car inspections can be organised easily through trusted local mechanics or through the state’s relevant Roadside Authority, such as RAA, NRMA, RACV & RACQ just to name a few.
Car Background Checks
When purchasing privately it’s always a great idea to undertake a vehicle background check. This can be completed very easily online and will help insure a worry-free purchase. To complete this check you will require access to the VIN and will only cost $2.00 via the Australian Government website.
This quick motor vehicle search will ensure that the car is:
- Free from debt
- Safe from repossession
- Not reported written off
- The vehicle is not reported stolen
Car Registration and Insurance
When purchasing a car interstate, you will need to transfer the car registration from the state of origin and the vendor.
If you are driving the car back then you should investigate the requirement to secure a temporary registration, called an ‘Unregistered Vehicle Permit’. These can be applied for from the state transport authority and are a once-off for transport purposes, ensuring you have CTP insurance/3rd party insurance while transporting the vehicle to your home state.
CEVA can actually have your car pre-registered to the state of delivery with our partners at InTraffic. That way you can drive away with local registration when picking up your car.
Roadworthy Certificates
Once you have purchased the vehicle you will need to permanently transfer the car registration into your name and the state you live.
When registering the car you will be required to have the necessary clearance depending on which state you live in, such as Victoria’s ‘Certificate of Roadworthiness’. These can be awarded by having the car checked over by a Certified Roadworthy Tester. Roadworthy testers can be found on your state's transportation authority website.
For example, “VicRoads” in Victoria specify that when you buy or receive as a gift a second hand Victorian registered vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, caravan or trailer) that will be garaged in Victoria, you must notify VicRoads of the vehicle transfer within 14 days of taking possession of the vehicle. Further information from VicRoads can be found here.
Roadworthy laws change between states so ensure you contact your home state transport authority and have the correct and relevant information required.
Car Transport
When purchasing a car from another state it will need to be collected or transported back to you, unless you plan to drive the vehicle back to where you live. Driving your car interstate adds kms to your car, contributes to wear and tear, and is also a time-consuming exercise.
Car Transport with CEVA is an affordable and easy process. The cost to transport your car, motorcycle, truck, boat or caravan starts from as little as $250, depending on the service required, and the state it needs to be moved from.
CEVA Car Carrying offers a range of interstate vehicle transport solutions from standard to fully enclosed premium services, as well a specialist solution for race-spec vehicles that have lower ground clearance. You can track your car online at every stage of the transport for additional peace of mind. We have 50+ years of experience in serving the Australian motoring industry and are trusted by some of the top car brands, including Mazda and Ford.
We also transport bikes, boats and caravans interstate, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any vehicle transport requirements.
You can get a quote and make a booking online at cevacarcarrying.com.au using our ‘Quote and Book’ page. You can also call our Customer Care Centre on 13 CARS (13 22 77) and one of our friendly staff will be happy to provide you with a quote and answer any questions you may have.
CEVA Interstate Car Transport.
The industry standard car transport choice for manufacturers and the motoring community