Check who is on the contract
Ask whether the seller is a licensed motor dealer and check the applicable licence register. Keep the business or seller details with your paperwork. The platform hosting an advertisement is not necessarily the party selling the car.
Understand the difference in protections
NSW Government explains that licensed-dealer purchases carry protections that private purchases do not. The conditions depend on the sale and the vehicle. Do not assume that every car is covered by the same warranty, guarantee or cooling-off arrangement.
Keep your own checks useful
Review the identifier, available records, service history and physical condition regardless of how polished the advertisement looks. Ask for written explanations of significant damage history or qualifications in the sale paperwork.
For a dealer purchase, a useful document checklist includes the contract, invoice, applicable dealer notice and any certificate or inspection record you are relying on. For a private purchase, be especially careful about identity and entitlement to sell.
Get advice for the actual sale
Rules vary by jurisdiction and transaction type. Auction sales, consignment arrangements and purchases for business inventory can raise different questions. Use the relevant consumer agency or a qualified adviser where your rights or a recorded interest are unclear.
Sources and further reading
Official guidance can change. Check the linked source for current details.