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QLD used car statutory warranty explained
What the Queensland statutory warranty covers, how long it lasts, and where it does and doesn't apply when you buy a used car.
When you buy an eligible used car from a licensed motor dealer in Queensland, it comes with a statutory warranty under the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act. How long the warranty lasts depends on the car's age and odometer reading at the time of sale. Cars bought privately carry no statutory warranty at all, which is one of the real advantages of buying from a dealer.
Class A vs Class B cars
Queensland splits used cars into two classes. A Class A car is under 10 years old and has travelled under 160,000 kilometres at sale, and generally carries a warranty of 3 months or 5,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. A Class B car is 10 years or older, or has over 160,000 kilometres, and generally carries a shorter warranty of 1 month or 1,000 kilometres. Some very old or cheap cars, and unregistered or commercial vehicles, can be excluded.
What it covers, and what it doesn't
The statutory warranty broadly covers defects that affect the safe and reasonable use of the car. It does not cover normal wear-and-tear items or damage from misuse.
- Generally covered: faults that stop the car being safe or reasonable to drive.
- Generally excluded: tyres, batteries, brake pads and other wear items.
- Excluded: damage from accidents, misuse or neglect after sale.
- Excluded: purely cosmetic issues that don't affect safe use.
Australian Consumer Law sits on top
Separate from the statutory warranty, the Australian Consumer Law guarantees that a car must be of acceptable quality and match its description. These consumer guarantees apply regardless of the statutory warranty period, and you can't sign them away.
Cooling-off and clear title
Dealer sales in Queensland also come with a short statutory cooling-off period, and the dealer must guarantee clear title, meaning the car isn't still under finance to someone else. A good dealer will have run the PPSR check and can show you the result.
This is general information, not legal advice. Warranty periods and conditions can change, so confirm the current details with the dealer or the Queensland Government before you rely on them.
How NOVO Budget handles it
We confirm the exact statutory warranty for your car in writing at purchase, run the PPSR check, and handle the QLD registration transfer in-house, so you know precisely where you stand before you drive away.