Buying a car in self-isolation: Everything you need to know about remote checks, click-to-pick, home delivery and more

Just because the gates are closed doesn't mean you can't buy. (Image credit: Malcolm Flynn)

Despite the problems that most of us are currently facing, many of us still need or at least want to buy a car.

You might have a baby on the road, a dog that has outgrown your current car, a lease that's about to expire, or you might need some serious retail therapy after the Big Journey to Europe plans have evaporated. 

Is it possible to buy a car during self-isolation?

The short answer is yes. As long as dealers are allowed to trade or logistics companies are allowed to deliver cars, you can still buy a car. 

But as we all experience, the definition of "lockdown" is very vague, so it's important to check the specific restrictions for your region or location where the car you're purchasing is located at any given time and make sure your actions are well-being in mind. 

Given the restrictions in Sydney and Melbourne at the time of publication, there are plenty of safe ways to buy cars of all types. 

Buying a car in self-isolation

As long as dealers are allowed to trade, you can still buy a car. (Image credit: Malcolm Flynn)

This week we spoke to a range of metropolitan and rural dealers who sell new cars, used cars and classic cars. 

Although traditional visits to the showroom or dealer yard are not currently permitted, these dealers have implemented technology and improved customer convenience in many ways to make the car buying process remote and secure. It is also important to note that the service departments remain open for the time being.

It is rare that a used car is not advertised on the Internet through similar Auto Trader or Gumtree these days, but recently, many car brands have also launched online options for buying new cars, but delivery is still usually done by local dealers.

These dealers usually create short videos of all vehicles in stock showing all the important details and once posted, they allow interested buyers to experience a particular vehicle in person from the comfort of their homes. It's also fair to assume that live video chats are possible, but none of the dealers we spoke to have received such a request to date.

You'll find that most, if not all, dealers are happy to arrange for a test drive to be delivered to your home at a safe and reasonable distance, with all loan paperwork other than the signature being processed digitally. After the test drive is completed, the car can be picked up by the dealer. 

Extra peace of mind can be added with a professional third-party inspection and detailed vehicle history report, which some dealers offer for free. There is always a certain degree of risk in buying any used car, but it will likely reduce that risk far more than your own ability to kick tires. 

On top of this, you are generally protected by a statutory warranty under the Australian Consumer Law, which generally covers all vehicles under 10 years old with less than 160,000 km on the odometer, with protection lasting three months or 5000 km.

The normal negotiation process can then be done over the phone or video chat, so you can still try your luck haggling for floor mats or a cheaper price, as you should.

Can I go buy a car during quarantine? Is it possible to pick up a car during self-isolation?

Traditional visits to the showroom or dealer yard are currently not permitted. (Image credit: Malcolm Flynn)

There are no definitive answers to these questions either, and while you may find that you are currently technically allowed to travel and collect a car, this is far from mandatory when it comes to collecting a new car. 

As with the home delivery test drives mentioned above, dealers can often deliver your new car to your home. Another click-and-collect option, but many buyers also choose to have their vehicle delivered by truck. 

It's probably cheaper than you think given the existing and competitive logistics services to get cars to dealerships in the first place, and a very realistic option when buying a car outside of your region or between states. It can also be a convenient negotiating point in determining the final price of the car.

Can I buy a car privately during quarantine?

Dealers are still happy to arrange a test drive. (Image credit: Malcolm Flynn)

Once again, the short answer is yes, but you must be aware of how your local restrictions may affect the process. Pay attention to the conditions regarding purchases and where you are allowed to do so, as well as how any intention to test the car will depend on the trust of the seller. 

As stated above, video checks and professional third party checks are a great workaround, as is being able to have a car delivered to your door by truck. Remember that any seller must insist on receiving payment before handing over the keys (and title deeds) to the logistics company, which then requires a certain degree of trust from the buyer. I personally bought a classic car on the interstate under the current restrictions and successfully tested all these tips.

However, both of the trust-related elements mentioned above are strong arguments for buying through a dealer rather than privately, where insurance and Australian consumer law would more clearly protect all parties.

Selling my car during lockdown.

To quote the classic repair manual line, reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. If restrictions permit, the buyer's ability to test the vehicle you are selling will depend on your trust, and as always, you are not required to allow a test drive. However, it will probably help you sell the car. 

If you agree to sell the vehicle, it is important to secure payment before the keys and title deeds are handed over. Bank checks or wire transfers are still the safest options, but in the latter case, it's important to make sure the funds are in your account before proceeding.