Buying a Van or 4WD in Australia: Complete Guide for Backpackers

You’ve just arrived in Australia with your Working Holiday Visa (WHV) and you’re thinking about buying a van or 4x4 for your road trip? Great choice! Having your own vehicle will give you unparalleled freedom to explore the country. But be cautious—buying a vehicle in Australia requires attention to detail to avoid nasty surprises.

Here’s the complete, practical guide to buying your vehicle in Australia with peace of mind.

What You Need to Know Before Buying: RWC and Rego

Before you head out to inspect the vehicle, make sure the key documents are in order. In Australia, there are two documents that are crucial for buying a vehicle:

Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)

• The RWC is a mandatory mechanical safety certificate issued when selling a vehicle. This document certifies that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive.
• Check its validity: The RWC should be recent, ideally less than 30 days old. If the certificate is about to expire, it could indicate that repairs are needed.
• Always ask to see the original and verify that the inspection conditions have been met.
  

Registration (Rego)

• Rego is the vehicle’s registration. It allows the vehicle to be legally driven on Australian roads.
• Check that it’s up to date and until what date it is valid.
• Ask in which state it is registered. Some regos can be transferred between states, but that can take time and come with extra fees.
  

Transferring the Rego to Your Name

• After purchasing, you must transfer the rego to your name.
• This process is done online through the official government website of the state the vehicle is registered in (e.g., Service NSW, VicRoads, or Queensland Government).
• Be ready to provide the necessary documents (transfer form, proof of identity, signed sales certificate, etc.).

Questions to Ask Before Visiting the Vehicle

Most interactions take place through Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or other online platforms. Before you head out to see the vehicle, ask the seller these critical questions:

• Vehicle history: Has it been in any accidents? How many previous owners? Is there a maintenance log available?
• Mileage and usage: Has the vehicle mostly been used in the city, on highways, or off-road (beaches, tracks, etc.)?
• Recent repairs: Has the timing belt been replaced? Are the tyres or brakes recently changed?
• Detailed photos: Ask for multiple, recent photos of the engine, tyres, interior, and exterior.
  

If the seller seems hesitant or is unable to provide clear answers, it’s better to move on to the next listing.

Essential Inspections to Perform on-site

Once you’re satisfied with the information provided, it’s time to inspect the vehicle in person. Here’s your checklist of the key areas to check when you’re physically at the vehicle:

1. Exterior Inspection

• Paint: Look for any colour differences or fresh paint, which could indicate prior repairs after an accident.
• Rust: Check for signs of rust, particularly underneath the vehicle, around the wheel arches, and doors.
• Tyres: Ensure the wear is uniform. If the tyres are unevenly worn, it may indicate alignment issues or poor maintenance. Also, check for a spare tyre and the tools (jack, etc.).
  

2. Engine Inspection

• Oil levels: The oil should be clear, not black or thick. Thick oil can indicate engine wear.
• Fluids: Check coolant and brake fluid levels. Overheating or lack of coolant could lead to costly repairs.
• Belts and hoses: They should be intact with no cracks or wear. Worn belts can cause serious engine issues.
  

3. Test Drive

• Straight driving: The vehicle should drive straight, without pulling to one side. If it drifts, there may be suspension or alignment problems.
• Brakes: The brakes should be responsive and silent. If you hear unusual sounds or vibrations, it could indicate issues with the brake pads or discs.
• Smoke: No excessive smoke (blue or black) when starting or accelerating. This could indicate engine issues.
  

4. Interior and Equipment Check

• Air conditioning: Test the air conditioning, especially if you’re traveling in hot areas. It should blow cold air.
• Lights and wipers: Ensure all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) and wipers are functional.
• Van conversions: If buying a van, check the bedding, storage, and electrical and gas installations for safety.

Special Considerations for Campervans and 4x4s

In Australia, campervans and 4x4s are popular, but require some extra attention:

• Clutch and suspension: Check these carefully, especially for 4x4s that may have been used off-road.
• Underbody rust: Common for vehicles used on beaches or wet tracks.
• Reliable models: The most reliable and popular models in Australia include Toyota Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota HiAce, and Nissan Patrol.
• DIY conversions: Be cautious with home-built conversions. Inspect electrical and gas installations carefully for safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To help you avoid any costly mistakes, here are the most frequent errors when buying a vehicle in Australia:

• Ignoring the validity of the RWC: A recent RWC is essential for ensuring the vehicle is in good mechanical condition. Always check that it is within 30 days of issue.
• Buying a vehicle with an expiring Rego: If the Rego is close to expiring, you’ll have to renew it, which can incur additional costs.
• Buying in haste: Never feel pressured to buy. Always take your time to inspect the vehicle, and never pay a deposit without seeing it in person.
  

For peace of mind, always conduct a PPSR check to confirm the vehicle is not stolen, damaged, or encumbered.

Have the Vehicle Professionally Inspected

If you’re unsure about the condition of the vehicle, it’s highly recommended to have it professionally inspected. In Australia, services like NRMA (NSW), RACV (Victoria), and RACQ (Queensland) offer pre-purchase inspections starting at around 150 AUD.

This step can save you from future mechanical issues and provide peace of mind.

Final Checklist Before Buying Your Vehicle

Before sealing the deal, take one last look at this final checklist:

• RWC recent and valid (within 30 days)
• Rego up-to-date and ready for transfer
• Clear vehicle history (maintenance, previous owners)
• Full vehicle inspection (engine, tyres, brakes, suspension)
• Successful test drive (no suspicious mechanical issues)
• PPSR check completed
• Professional inspection recommended if in doubt

Ready to Hit the Road?

You now have everything you need to confidently purchase your vehicle and start your Australian adventure. Once you’ve bought your van or 4x4, don’t forget to share your itinerary on the Rooride app. It’s the best way to meet other backpackers, share rides, and make your experience even more memorable!

Safe travels and enjoy your road trip through Australia!