How to Buy a Car Online in Australia: A Brisbane Buyer's Guide

The Shift to Online Car Buying

The days of spending every Saturday walking dealership lots are fading. More Australians than ever are finding, negotiating, and purchasing cars online—often having them delivered to their door without ever meeting the seller.

For Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast buyers, this opens up the entire Australian market. That specific spec you want might not be available locally—but it's sitting in Sydney or Melbourne, ready to be shipped.

Here's how to buy a car online safely and confidently.

Why Buy Online?

Access to More Inventory

SEQ has a healthy used car market, but it's still a fraction of what's available nationally. Expanding your search to Sydney and Melbourne dramatically increases your options.

Looking for a specific config? That exact colour, option package, and engine combination probably exists somewhere in Australia—you just need to find it.

Better Prices

Interstate competition often means better value:

• Sydney and Melbourne have higher volume and more competition
• Some models are cheaper in different states (SUVs often cheaper down south, utes often cheaper in QLD)
• Dealers are more willing to negotiate when you're comparing across state lines

Even after transport costs, you often come out ahead.

Convenience

Modern online car buying means:

• Search from your couch
• Narrow options without wasting weekends
• Arrange inspection and purchase remotely
• Have the car delivered to your door

The Risks (And How to Manage Them)

Risk 1: You Can't Physically Inspect

Photos hide problems. Sellers show the best angles, not the rust under the wheel arches.

Mitigation:

• Request specific photos of concerns (tyre tread, underbody, interior wear)
• Ask for a video walk-around with the seller narrating
• Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection (non-negotiable)

Risk 2: Unknown Sellers

You can't look the seller in the eye or assess their trustworthiness in person.

Mitigation:

• Verify dealer licensing (all states have public dealer license checks)
• Read reviews on Google, Facebook, and Carsales dealer profiles
• Use secure payment methods with buyer protection
• Get everything in writing

Risk 3: Things Can Go Wrong in Transit

Cars can be damaged during transport, or arrive different from what you expected.

Mitigation:

• Use reputable transport companies with insurance
• Inspect thoroughly on arrival, before releasing final payment
• Document everything with photos and video

Step-by-Step: Buying Online Safely

Step 1: Define Your Requirements

Before you search, know exactly what you want:

• Make and model (specific variant if possible)
• Year range (min/max)
• Maximum kilometres
• Must-have features
• Deal-breaker features
• Maximum budget (including transport)

The clearer your criteria, the more efficient your search.

Step 2: Search Nationally

Where to search:

• Carsales – Best filters, largest inventory
• Facebook Marketplace – Private sellers, often cheaper
• Dealer websites – Often have inventory not yet listed elsewhere
• Gumtree – Mixed quality, but worth checking

Search tips:

• Remove location filters to see national inventory
• Set up saved searches with email alerts
• Note how long listings have been active
• Compare prices by state—patterns emerge

Step 3: Make Contact

Found something promising? Reach out with specific questions:

1. Comprehensive service history?
2. Any accident or damage history?
3. Current condition of tyres, brakes, battery?
4. How many previous owners?
5. Why are they selling?
6. Flexibility on price?

Red flags in responses:

• Vague or evasive answers
• "No test drives until deposit paid"
• Pressure to decide immediately
• Cash-only demands
• Unable to provide service records

Step 4: Verification

Before committing money:

PPSR Check ($2 at ppsr.gov.au)

• Confirm no money owing
• Not a write-off
• Not stolen
• VIN matches

Independent Inspection ($200-$350)

• RACQ in Queensland
• NRMA in NSW
• RACV in Victoria

This step is not optional. We've seen inspections reveal $5,000+ in hidden issues. The cost is nothing compared to what you're spending.

Step 5: Negotiate

Armed with inspection results, negotiate:

• Purchase price
• Any repairs before delivery
• Inclusions (spare key, new tyres, etc.)
• Timeline for collection/delivery

If the inspection found issues, factor them into your offer. "The inspection found the front brakes are at 30%—that's $400 to fix. Can we adjust the price?"

Step 6: Secure the Vehicle

Once you've agreed:

• Pay a deposit (typically 10%) to hold the vehicle
• Use PayPal or credit card where possible for buyer protection
• Get written confirmation with VIN, price, and all agreed terms
• Confirm timeline for final payment and collection

Critical: Never pay the full amount until you've taken possession.

Step 7: Arrange Transport

Options:

Professional Car Transport

• Open carrier: $600-$1,200 (Sydney/Melbourne to Brisbane)
• Enclosed carrier: $1,200-$2,000 (for higher-value vehicles)
• Door-to-door service available
• Fully insured transit

Fly and Drive

• Book a cheap flight, drive back
• Allows you to assess the car thoroughly
• Works well for closer interstate (Sydney to Brisbane)
• Risk: If there's a major issue, you're stuck

Dealer-Arranged Delivery

• Many dealers offer delivery (sometimes included in price)
• Confirm insurance coverage
• Often more convenient than arranging yourself

Step 8: Receive and Verify

When the car arrives:

• Inspect immediately for transit damage
• Compare condition to photos and videos you received
• Verify all agreed inclusions are present
• Test drive around the block
• Document everything on arrival

Only release final payment when fully satisfied.

Step 9: Complete Registration Transfer

For interstate purchases into Queensland:

1. Complete seller paperwork (transfer form, receipt)
2. Cancel interstate registration (or let it lapse)
3. Obtain Queensland Safety Certificate
4. Visit TMR for registration transfer
5. Pay stamp duty
6. Receive Queensland registration

Allow 1-2 weeks for this process after the car arrives.

Online Buying Checklist

Before committing:

• PPSR check completed
• Independent inspection arranged
• Service history verified
• Seller credentials confirmed
• Transport options quoted
• Total landed cost calculated

Before final payment:

• Written agreement with full terms
• Deposit paid with buyer protection
• Timeline confirmed
• Payment method agreed

On arrival:

• Inspection for transit damage
• Condition matches expectations
• All inclusions present
• Documentation complete
• Final payment released only when satisfied

How We Handle Online Purchases

At SEQ Car Brokers, we buy cars from interstate every week. Our process:

1. You tell us what you want
2. We search nationally using dealer networks and industry tools
3. We arrange inspection before recommending
4. We negotiate using established relationships
5. We organise transport with trusted carriers
6. We handle paperwork – you just sign
7. You receive the car at your door in SEQ

Our fee is typically covered by the savings we achieve on purchase price and logistics. And if something goes wrong, we fix it—that's part of the service.

Is Online Buying Right for You?

Consider online if:

• You want a specific make/model/spec not available locally
• Price is important and you're willing to research
• You're comfortable with the due diligence process
• You'd rather pay for convenience than spend weekends at dealers

Consider local if:

• You need to see and drive the exact car before committing
• You want the simplicity of face-to-face transactions
• Time is more important than price
• The car you want is readily available in SEQ

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you want to search yourself or have us handle everything, we're here to help SEQ buyers find the right car—wherever it is.

Start your search and tell us what you're looking for. We'll show you what's available locally and interstate, and help you decide the best path forward.