AMount Gambier car dealership fully supports a new campaign urging motorists to buy the safest car and stamp out dodgy private car sellers.
Retired OGR dealership principal Peter Roberts supports Independent member of parliament Frank Pangallo’s announcement requiring private vehicle sellers to present an inspection certificate before sale.
In South Australia, three quarters of used vehicles are privately, with no warranty or the protections of Australian Consumer Law.
South Australia is one of the last places in Australia without vehicle inspections and Mr Pangallo’s proposal would require inspections at change of ownership for vehicles, over six years old and under 25 years, being sold privately.
Mr Roberts said this is great news and will bring the state in line with the rest of Australia.
“This is some interesting news that would be wonderful to clean up South Australia’s second-hand cars that are being sold by backyarders and private to private that are unroadworthy, potential accidents waiting to happen,” he said.
Mr Roberts, with the Motor Trade Association of SA/NT, has been trying to get roadworthy laws introduced for more than 30 years.
“In South Australia, three out of four used vehicles are sold privately on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree,” he said.
“That is 250,000 vehicles every year with no protections like statutory warranty and Australian consumer law.
“South Australia has the weakest private vehicle sales laws in the country, falling behind other states with either periodic or change of ownership inspection requirements for used vehicles.
“Because of this legislative loophole, dodgy private vehicle sellers are preying on those in the South East who can least afford it.
“We are the least protected and most vulnerable when buying a used vehicle privately, leaving consumers with serious defects costing them thousands of dollars or unsafe vehicles which should not be on our roads.”
Mr Roberts said it is no coincidence that South Australia has one of the oldest fleet of vehicles on all mainland states in Australia.
“Technology has also changed dramatically with an incredible amount of safety equipment – not just air bags, but also crumple zones better brakes, tyres and other secondary devices that are too numerous to list, not to mention all the camera coverage that assists the driving in all directions,” he said.
“This technology is expensive, not so much in the initial cost, but consequential cost of repairs or replacement are enormous.
“You can even buy a car from the side of the road with many councils supporting a designated area for private sellers to park their cars.
“What are the safeguards to buy this way? Basically nothing and “buyer beware”. What are the disadvantages of a mandatory roadworthy?
“Making the seller pay for an inspection prior to sale will have an immediate and net benefit to the South Australian community.
“Instead of the buyer getting a voluntary inspection for each vehicle they look at, the seller will pay once for an inspection from a government authorised vehicle inspector at a cost expected to be around $100-$150.”
Mr Roberts said the ones to be hit hardest by this policy will be dodgy vehicle sellers.
“Dodgy vehicle seller for too long have been ripping off ordinary South Australians,” he said.
“Consumer attitudes on this issue are clearly shifting, with a recent poll by AdelaideNow showing that 66% of respondents support the proposal.
“The topic can sometimes be misunderstood and I have found that when people have the details explained to them, they are left wondering why we have not caught up to the rest of the country.”
Outgoing Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Cregan said the new campaign urges South Australians to buy the safest car to reduce lives lost and serious injuries on our roads.
“Around six out of 10 vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2023 were more than 10 years old – with crashes involving an older car having a greater risk the driver or passengers will be seriously injured or killed,” he said.
“With almost twice as many used cars sold compared to new cars annually, motorists are encouraged to check the annual Used Car Safety Ratings report before they buy.”
Minister Cregan said these ratings have been developed by the Monash University Accident Research Centre after analysing more than eight million crashes, with ‘Safer Pick’ cars indicating increased protection for the driver, safety of other road users and a lower risk of being involved in a crash.
“The report highlights affordable options to choose a safer car available second hand for less than $10,000,” he said.
The ANCAP website also lists ways to stay informed when buying a new or near new car and features safety ratings, and provides independent advice on how well vehicles protect occupants in serious crashes.
“Increasing the uptake of safer cars is a key measure of the Government’s Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2025 to improve road safety outcomes across the state,” Minister Cregan said.
“The campaign provided vital advice on buying a safe car, car safety ratings and key features to consider.
“These include anti-lock brake systems, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, airbags, lane assist, reversing sensors and cameras, electronic stability control and daytime running lights.”
A spokesperson from the MTA SA/NT said the issue has long been a top priority of its members.
“We are pleased to share that Independent MLC Frank Pangallo introduced legislation to the State Parliament,” the spokesperson said.
“In response, the MTA will be advocating to all sides of parliament to support the legislation.
“It is time for vehicle inspections in South Australia. For now, we hope you are as excited as we are for this significant milestone.
“Thank you to members who have previously provided examples of unroadworthy vehicles and customers who have been ripped off through private sales.”
As part of the announcement at the MTA Training and Employment Centre has provided free vehicle inspections to members of the public.
More information is available online at thinkroadsafety.sa.gov.au/safecars