Beware Dodgy Safety Certificates, get a Pre Purchase Inspection

Written by Frank Swart

Safety Certificates are issued by Queensland Government to approved garages (such as Fixed @ Franks) when a car passes a minimum safety standard inspection. The basic inspection covers things such as tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, windscreen, lights and body rust/damage. Safety Certificates from private sellers are valid for 2 months or 2000km and 3 months or 1000klms for car yards.

"Safety Certificates can be dodgy, cars can have serious problems that have been covered up with with quick fixes that could end up costing you a lot of money" - Frank

What to do if you buy a car with a safety certificate that shouldn't have passed?

If you buy a car with a safety certificate that shouldn’t have passed, sure you have rights to fight for, but if the seller of the car, or the issuer of the certificate don’t want to negotiate to repair it then you have to go further and get another independent safety certificate stating the faults with the vehicle. Report it to QLD Transport and they will have to issue YOU and YOUR car with a defect notice so they can take legal action against the issuer. In the mean time you will be stuck with a defective vehicle which you will have to repair yourself so you can actually use your car then fight to be reimbursed.