As we work together to manage COVID-19, advice around purchasing a vehicle can change quickly. Currently, in Greater Sydney and affected regional areas, the NSW Government advises car dealership showrooms must be closed and retail operations can only occur via click and collect.
Workshops can continue to operate for repairs and maintenance work and scheduled servicing on cars can continue (subject to COVID safe practices).
Are car dealerships open for business?
In NSW, car dealerships, showrooms and car yards are generally closed to walk-in customers, but the purchase of vehicles can be done via phone or internet. Check with the dealership online or via telephone or email. Keep in mind that you can do a vast majority of your car research and shopping online.
Can I safely test drive a car?
With showrooms advised to during the current lockdown and social distancing paramount, it is unlikely you will be able to test drive a vehicle. If in any doubt about what you can and can't do during lockdown, call the NSW Government's COVID-19 hotline on 13 77 88 from Monday to Friday between 7:00am and 7:00pm (Sydney time). Reach out to the dealership to learn as much as you can about the vehicle your are interested in buying. Some showrooms are producing bespoke videos for customers with a walkaround of the vehicle in question.
Will a dealer bring a car to me to test drive or for delivery?
In the current lockdown, for safety reasons test driving is not advisable. However, dealerships are generally doing everything they can to create a thorough buying experience online, like offering video calls to describe vehicle features and drive experience. All dealerships are offering 'click and collect', with COVID-19 safe practices in place to ensure social distancing.
While we can’t guarantee that all dealerships will deliver any vehicle to your door, many ore offering delivery service, so ask the question. If you’re buying a car, new or used, it’s a fairly reasonable to expect it to be delivered. That is unless you live in Melbourne and are buying the car in Queensland – on that occasion you may be asked to foot the bill.
Should I buy a car unseen?
While buying a car is deemed an essential purchase, we wouldn't recommend buying a vehicle before you have the opportunity to test drive it. Essential considerations like seat comfort, blind spots, driving position and mirror position can only be understood by sitting in the vehicle.
If you feel you cannot delay your purchase, it’s strongly recommended that you thoroughly research all aspects first. Take a good look at the pictures that accompany the ad, and if you need more information, ask the dealer. Ask for or a 360-degree walk-through via video, think about what is important to you and be specific with your questions.
However, be aware that when it comes to buying and selling cars, normal statutory laws remain in place. You don't want to be left in the difficult position of realising the car you bought online does not suit your driving style. Depending on the terms of the contract, it's likely you will not be able to return the vehicle. Ultimately, the decision to buy a car rests with you but be aware of the risks of buying before test driving.
Will COVID-19 effect waiting lists and delivery times for new cars?
While there are plenty of new cars for sale at Australian dealerships, due to global supply chain difficulties caused by the pandemic, there are long and growing waiting lists for some models. Most, if not all European and North American plants and manufacturers, have announced some form of production line stoppages or go slows. These will inevitably affect availability on popular models and will affect delivery times.
COVID-19 measures have also slowed the official launch of new cars, which in some cases will also delay on sale dates. In short, ask you dealer to be specific on the delivery date – and if the date matters, make the purchase conditional upon a delivery date.
If you are looking for motoring advice, our experienced team of NRMA motoring specialists are available to help Members and non-Members, simply call 13 11 22. You'll need to select option 4 and then option 5 to be put through to a team member.
