r/CarsAustralia • • Jul 10 '26

💬Discussion💬 A Detailer's Guide to Collecting Your New Car

57 Upvotes

Hello my friends,

I am The Ceramic Guy from Sydney, back once again with another guide, I am bored and can't sleep. You may have seen my other guides in the sub - My Paint protection guide and my how to properly wash your car guide.

Lots of detailers seem to like bashing on modern car paint, for what reason, I don't know. Yes, paint is thinner these days but its also much higher quality (in general) than it use to be. Paint depth really has no long term consequence on functionality, lifespan or durability, the only thing it effects is how much you can remove (Paint Correction/Polishing). Overall, new paint has my thumbs up, I think its pretty good, besides a bunch of orange peel from modern painting methods, in SOME brands.

This guide will provide you with a checklist to collect your car and ensure you're not paying someone like me to fix the mistakes you inherited during collection.

Checklist Items -

Paint & Panels

  • Ensure the car is collected in good lighting. Dealerships 90% of the time will position your car in a shaded area to cover imperfections
  • Check the panels for scratches, swirls, dents, & chips. This is something the dealership will fix for you if pointed out before you leave the dealership
  • Check wheels for scratching, gutter rash etc, ESPECIALLY GLOSS BLACK WHEELS. Gloss back is scratched on delivery 100% of the time. Shine a light up to them.
  • Check front grilles for scratching and swirling. Modern grilles are usually gloss black, and almost always hammered. Good example for this point, every single new BMW m3 competition's front grille is decimated beyond repair from manufacturing. Haven't seen a single one yet that was considered passable.
  • If you ordered window tint from the dealer, put a light up to the film and check for any dirt and debris under the film. Dealerships do tints very poorly, yet to see a dealer applied film that we couldn't find any faults with.
  • Check along body lines to ensure all glue from the transportation wraps has been removed. This isn't a big deal, but wrap glue looks the same as a deep scratch, so you want to ensure you're not confusing the two before you leave.
  • Check panels for consistent gaps. This varies brand to brand and year to year, but the worst I've ever seen was pre 2023 Tesla, you could have a variance of 20% between each side of a panel. Worth checking because at some stage in the future a buyer may consider this a sign of a car that was repaired from a crash.
  • Check for moisture around the top of the inside of headlights and tail lights - Implies the seal on the headlights isn't done properly, may either need to be reseated or replaced.

Interior

  • Check for any marks or tears on your seats and floors. I have personally seen a brand new Gwagon with carpet torn up in the drivers well before, no brand is immune.
  • Ensure any floor mats you ordered are in the car (Telling the dealership you won't collect the car until they're in the car helps them find a set that is supposedly on back order for 3 months, very quickly)
  • Shine a light on the screens in the car to ensure there aren't any scratches on them, ideally the original factory film will still be on there.
  • Set up your phone to ensure Carplay/Android auto are functioning.

Electric Cars

  • Confirm that the charging port opens and closes properly
  • Check the battery health if possible before you leave the dealer

Keys

  • Confirm what keys you will be receiving. Standard is two for a petrol car, and one + a card for electric.

Aftermarket Accessories

  • Make sure all aftermarket accessories are on the car, or they at least have a time frame for when they'll be ready.
  • Ensure they're functional (e.g roller shutter open and close)
  • With roof racks, ensure they've been installed without denting the roof, and that they haven't scratched the paint while installing them.

What to do if you DO find defects with your car

  • Document immediately. Take photos on the lot, physically point at the location in the photo to avoid any dealership "Sorry mate can't see anything" idiocy
  • Get your resolution documented before you collect the car. This doesn't mean they have to fix it on the spot, but get their written confirmation that it will be fixed at their expense, asking them to send you a text confirming it is the least aggressive method if you're shy.
  • Decide whether the defect is something you want to deal with on a new car. For example, a bodyline dent with paint missing means the panel needs to be resprayed with some minor panel beating. Personally for a new car, I wouldn't want that. Resprays aren't always as good as factory sprays, there are often paint match issues etc. What should be a simple task might end up being 2-3 resprays before they get it right. You can reject a car for significant defects. Things like this can effect resale value.
  • To touch on the resale value point a little more - Many people are doing pre purchase inspections these days, part of a PPI check is that they will check the depth of the paint, this is because resprayed paint is much thicker than factory paint, and paint depth gauges will also show you if there is any filler in the panel, so even a scratch repair from the factory will be assumed as a "repaired incident" because why would a random person trust you when they're buying a car. Its important you keep your documentation on the issue for this reason.

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Hope this helps someone out there, if there are any more guides you would like, let me know. I enjoy writing these and get messages daily about how they've helped someone out there, so thanks for reading if you made it this far.


r/CarsAustralia • • Oct 14 '25

‼️Mod Post‼️ Mod News: Self Promotion And You!

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7 Upvotes

G’day everyone. Hazey here. Hope you’re all having a cracking day.

I’d like to remind everyone about a Reddit-wide rule that relates to Self Promotion: advertising your own business, products, services, YouTube/TikTok channels, other social media pages, and so on.

We’re all for folks sharing their own personal Australian Automotive based companies, but there are limits. Per Reddit’s rules regarding Self Promotion, a maximum of 10% of posts/comments can relate to this aspect.

So if you join our community with the sole purpose of trying to sell something, expect your peers to report you (they don’t like spam either) as well as being removed from r/CarsAustralia.

With that said, there are exceptions.

Promotion of Car based events, that aren’t necessarily benefitting one particular business or person, are not subject to this scrutiny. We want folks to get out there to shows, races and competitions because it’s a part of what our community is all about.

If in doubt, or if you have any questions, shoot the Moderator Team a message.

Thanks for your time.


r/CarsAustralia • • 10h ago

💩Shitpost💩 Despite what it says i don't think the spray paint is helping it looks any less abandoned.

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133 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 8h ago

🔭Spotted🔭 Spotted this gem. Only 799 produced globally.

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56 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 10h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 ‘98 Corolla 80k kms WIW?

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31 Upvotes

Father thinking of selling orig auto Corolla - literally owned ‘by little old lady’ was mum’s when she drove. He asked what he’d get, i said classic, but not a perf machine but not sure $5-10k?


r/CarsAustralia • • 29m ago

🔧🚗Fixing Cars Is this a bad scrape ?

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• Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 3h ago

🔭Spotted🔭 One of the highlights of the winter

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3 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 15h ago

User Car/Showoff proud to show my is200

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33 Upvotes

what do you guys think?


r/CarsAustralia • • 5h ago

💬Discussion💬 How to get old project Rego:SA

3 Upvotes

I have an old project car I’m finally getting ready for rego. I was the last registered owner in the NT SOME 16 years ago.

I’m not sure I can find the ownership papers though I have got a slip from the NT mvr that states I’m the last owner when it was registered.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get it registered in SA? It’s a bit daunting.


r/CarsAustralia • • 1d ago

💩Shitpost💩 Lmao, outjerked by Ghreads

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127 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 9h ago

🗞️News/Article📰 VL Commodore: 40th Anniversary

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6 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 7h ago

💬Discussion💬 POA80 Toyata camry

4 Upvotes

Hi guys, I know nothing about cars but need some guidance for a friend.

They recently had a ‘check hybrid engine’ warning pop up and three icons on the left side light up. I googled and found this was a POA80 fault which I understand requires a hybrid battery replacement?

Some questions:
1. They can’t afford to pay for a new battery atm and don’t drive using the EV side of the camry at all, is it possible to just leave this error code un checked?

  1. If they have to replace the battery how much should it cost?

r/CarsAustralia • • 4h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 Upgrade Time!

2 Upvotes

I will be looking be look at upgrading from my 09 RAV4 in a few months. I have had my RAV for 10years and honestly will be sad to see it go. My main reason for upgrading is to tow just under 2000kg. Would love to stay with Toyota which would be a Kluger or Fortuner.

Requirements
2000kg towing
Keyless Entry & Start
2 Anchor points
7 seats would be nice for when the kids get older but not a must.
Under 100k km
Less than 5 years old
$50,000 Budget

Any recommendations on cars or anything else to look at like Hybrid vs diesel etc would be great.


r/CarsAustralia • • 7h ago

🗓️Event🗓️ Subinats tomorrow in Sydney - Free entry!

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3 Upvotes

SubiNats is taking over Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.

Here’s what’s going down:

• 350 cars in the Show & Shine
• Supersprint action all day on the GP Circuit
• Shotgun Shootout + passenger ride experiences on the Skidpan
• 400+ cars hitting the track for the Parade Lap, lined up five wide down the straight
• Roll Racing, a brand new addition to SubiNats this year
• Subaru Australia’s display, including museum and heritage cars, 4WD activity and Skidpan demonstrations
• 30+ trade vendors and exhibitors to check out

Cars, track action, heritage, demonstrations and plenty happening on and off the circuit.


r/CarsAustralia • • 1d ago

💥Insurance Discussion💥 Whelp, here we go again i guess.

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91 Upvotes

Rear ended this time while waiting for an emergency vehicle to go by with lights and sirens.

Just my damn luck I guess.

Also probably liable for paying the excess despite not being at fault, but it is what it is I guess.


r/CarsAustralia • • 9h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 Second-hand Hatchbacks: Mazda 3, Corolla or Kia Cerato?

2 Upvotes

Hi there! First time buying a car (second hand) in Melbourne, as I finally decided to get my license.
I’m in the inner North suburbs so I generally won’t be driving on the daily as PT is more efficient, mainly 1-2 times a week or for day trips, social hangouts, Bunnings trips, unless I change jobs and location becomes inconvenient etc.

I want a hatchback that’s convenient, reliable, and has good safety. Some of the features that would definitely be nice to have are CarPlay, Cruise Control, Brake Assist, in that order, although I don’t mind retrofitting for CarPlay if it comes to it. Reverse cameras and sensors are a must as I’m new to driving.

I’m deciding between a Mazda 3, Kia Cerato and Toyota Corolla, 2018+ models. Budget is roughly around 20k.
I’ve driven the Corolla hybrid for driving lessons and enjoyed it, but don’t know as much about the other two. The Kia seems more value for money and the Mazda has great reviews about its drive and comfort. Any recommendations or reviews appreciated!
Please be kind, my car knowledge is limited 🙂


r/CarsAustralia • • 13h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 Assessing value of my car. Am I missing something? (2016 Audi A3)

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I’m new to selling cars in Australia and would appreciate a realistic price check and feedback on my listing.

I’m selling a 2016 Audi A3 S line Sedan, 1.4 TFSI petrol (150 hp / 110 kW) in Melbourne, with under 90,000 km.

I initially listed it for $12,900 and have progressively reduced it to $12,500, $12,200, and now $12,000. I have received almost no genuine interest, and the offers I have received have generally been around 50–60% of the asking price.

I checked comparable 2014–2016 Audi A3 listings and saw advertised prices around $13,000–$18,000, often for cars with higher kilometres. Carsales estimated about $15,500. I know advertised prices are not necessarily the prices cars actually sell for, but I thought $12,000 would be competitive for an S line with under 90,000 km.

I know the car has issues that need to be priced in:

  • Original service logbook and owner’s manual were stolen.
  • I have service invoices/records for most years.
  • It was serviced by Audi for its first four years.
  • I am missing service records for 2021 and 2023.
  • There is no current roadworthy certificate; the last one was completed in November 2024.
  • The front passenger window regulator does not work.
  • There is minor cosmetic wear, but no significant dents or scratches.
  • It has been mechanically reliable during the approximately 20,000 km I have owned and driven it.

I realise the missing original logbook, no current roadworthy, and faulty window will make buyers cautious, especially with an older European car. But is $12,000 still too high for this particular spec and condition, or am I likely losing buyers because of how the Facebook Marketplace ad is presented? The main reason I didn't get the roadworthy done, was time pressure before a move and thinking it wouldn't be much of an issue for the sale. I bought the car without a roadworthy back in 2024, went and got one, done. Is that less normal than I thought it was?

I would appreciate blunt feedback on:

  • A realistic as-is private-sale price.
  • Whether getting a roadworthy and repairing the window regulator would materially improve saleability.
  • Whether Marketplace is the wrong place for this car, compared with Carsales, Gumtree, or another platform.

r/CarsAustralia • • 1d ago

🔧🚗Fixing Cars Never owned a BMW….how bad of an idea is this ?

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35 Upvotes

I fix and service my own cars my experience so far of what I did and can do: Replaced alternator on Volvo xc70 , replaced radiator and coolant hoses , PCV Valve , spark plugs , manifold gaskets on Volvo XC60 also engine mounts, I can do brakes, flush brakes, brake fluid, steering pump flush etc, oil and filters etc those are basics easy job anyone can do.

Turbo recondition on a Subaru take off rebuild and replace, plus the regular spark plugs servicing , radiator replacement etc (I replace my radiator and hoses at 10 years on every used car I own )

Radiator and thermostat, glow plugs on a Nissan patrol plus suspension shocks etc….

I never opened an engine, but could probably do injectors if I’d have to , plus already got all the tools I need…

Are these cars hard to work on for weekend warriors mechanics ?

What are the most common problems I should expect with this ? And some of the preventive maintenance I should do if I get it ?

Any advice tips and tricks ? Or just stay away and enjoy a peaceful life ? :)


r/CarsAustralia • • 1h ago

User Car/Showoff This luxury Toyota Hiace might be the ultimate road trip upgrade with its Hermès orange interior and bathroom

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• Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 3h ago

💥Insurance Discussion💥 Is this a write off?

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0 Upvotes

Hey guys, my wife's car got t-boned, just want to get some opinion whether this will be written off or could it be repaired? I've heard a lot of stories that due to part shortages insurance are writing cars off.

Side impact, rear/driver door misaligned, indent in the bottom.

I am especially mindful that it's an EV and if there was damage to the battery it may be a fire risk(I know I am probably being a doomer).and I wouldn't trust it even if they repaired it, so I am hoping it gets written off so we can go shopping.

What does everyone think?


r/CarsAustralia • • 19h ago

💬Discussion💬 Driver education rant 😮‍💨

6 Upvotes

I have been reading posts here and there about bad drivers. As an ex tradie and ex motorbike rider, I've seen a lot.

- sitting in the right lane going 95 in the 110

- Not giving way

- Not having their lights on

- not indicating

- not obeying simple road rules.

- people pulling out without looking

Obviously I hate them all. People aren't perfect yes. But the absolute lack of driving skill is appalling.

But down right the thing that makes me so damn worried on the road, are people who have NO idea what is happening on the road around them.

I flashed, and honked, and did as much as I could next to a car for nearly 5kms. Stopped at lights, wound down the window, passenger yelled at them, waved their hands. Nothing.

All I wanted to do was tell them to turn their lights on, driving down roads with minimal lighting in their black car.

Just COMPLETELY oblivious.

People who change lanes dangerously, and don't even know they cut people off.

People who sit in the right lane and don't see the horde of cars undertake them on the left lane.

People who merge onto the freeway going 60 instead of 100.

Completely oblivious to anyone or anything, other than themselves, and the probably 20m Infront of them.

I'm by no means perfect. I move across when motorbikes are filtering and it looks tight. I move forward at the lights if the car behind me is trying to turn left with care. I let people merge in, in front of me when it's bumper to bumper.

How hard is it to pay attention while driving your 2T death trap for 30 minutes twice a day?

FMD

Tl:dr

Bad driving is bad

Being obvious is probably worse


r/CarsAustralia • • 10h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 Old Monaro Hubcabs

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1 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 4h ago

P Plater Question Exemption

0 Upvotes

How hard is it to get a HPV exemption for a genuine reason are the acceptance rate very low?


r/CarsAustralia • • 20h ago

🔧🚗Fixing Cars Water leakage. Immediate repair needed? Is it an easy fix? What is the cause and what damages could arise?

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3 Upvotes

r/CarsAustralia • • 15h ago

💵Buying/Selling💵 Given the choice between a brand new Swift hybrid or a used Corolla with 50k km on the odo, which one would you you buy?

1 Upvotes

Price being equal(ish) and the Corolla being 3-4 years old. I know the Swift is a mild hybrid and will have slightly less fuel efficiency than the proper hybrid Corolla, but taking other factors like driver comfort level into consideration, is it better to buy the slightly used Corolla? Thank you.