What to Look for When Test Driving a Used Car
Learn what to check before, during and after a used-car test drive, including cold starts, brakes, steering, transmissions, EVs and warning signs.
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Used car buying guides, comparisons and finance advice from the team at J&V Elite Motors in Dandenong.
How to Check a Used Car’s Service History Before Buying
Check a used car’s service history by reading the logbook, then verifying it independently: call a franchised dealer for that brand and ask for a service printout against the vehicle identification number, contact any workshop named in the records, and ask the seller for invoices.
Read moreBuying a Used Car vs New: Pros, Cons and Costs
Compare the total cost of buying a used car versus a new one, including depreciation, Victorian duty, warranty, safety and ownership risks.
Read moreBest Used Cars for Students and P-Platers
The best used cars for students and P-platers in Victoria are small cars and small SUVs that pass three tests: the car must be legal for probationary drivers, it must hold a strong Used Car Safety Rating, and the insurance quote must be affordable.
Read moreBest Used Mercedes-Benz Models for Affordable Luxury
The best used Mercedes-Benz models for affordable luxury are the C-Class for the strongest all-round balance, the A-Class and CLA for the lowest entry price, the GLC for a family prestige SUV, and the E-Class for the most car per dollar.
Read moreBest Used Volkswagen Models: Golf, Tiguan and Passat
The three best used Volkswagen models for Australian buyers are the Golf, a small hatchback suited to commuting and first cars; the Tiguan, a medium SUV suited to families; and the Passat, a sedan and wagon suited to highway driving and large loads.
Read morePPSR Checks Explained: How to Avoid Buying a Written-Off Car
A written-off car check costs $2 and can reveal finance owing, stolen status and write-off records before you buy a used car in Victoria.
Read moreReliable Used Hyundai Models Under $20,000
A used Hyundai under $20,000 can still be a smart buy in 2026. Compare the i30, Tucson, Elantra, Accent, iX35, Kona and Venue, plus the faults and checks that matter before you buy.
Read moreHonda CR-V vs Nissan X-Trail: Which Used Family SUV Should You Buy?
For most Australian families buying used, the Honda CR-V is the stronger all-round pick. It is efficient, holds its value, and has a solid reliability record.
Read moreBest Used Cars for Uber and Rideshare Drivers in Australia
The best used cars for Uber drivers in Australia are fuel-efficient, reliable and comfortable for passengers. The Toyota Camry Hybrid leads the pack, followed by the Corolla Hybrid for the lowest running costs and the RAV4 Hybrid for drivers who prefer an SUV.
Read moreBest Used Luxury Cars Under $30,000 in Australia
Discover the best used luxury cars under $30,000 in Australia, reliable, comfortable picks from Lexus, BMW, Audi and more. Compare, then buy with confidence.
Read more2018 Ford Ranger Review: A Used Buyer’s Perspective
Our 2018 Ford Ranger review for used buyers: engines, prices, common faults and what to check before you buy. Read the guide, then browse Rangers in stock.
Read moreMazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4: Which Used SUV Wins?
Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4 used SUV showdown: compare reliability, resale, running costs and boot space. See which suits you, then browse our stock.
Read moreKia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson: Which Used SUV Should You Buy?
The Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson are closely related used medium SUVs that share engines, parts and platforms. The Sportage wins on warranty (7 years vs 5) and locally tuned handling.
Read moreWhat Documents Do You Need to Buy a Used Car in Victoria? (2026 Guide)
To buy a used car in Victoria, you need proof of identity, the seller's roadworthy certificate (valid for 30 days), a signed transfer of registration form, and payment for the transfer fee and motor vehicle duty.
Read moreTrade-In vs Private Sale: What Actually Pays More?
Trade-in vs private sale: a private sale usually pays 10–15% more, but a trade-in is faster and easier. Compare the real costs and get a trade-in quote.
Read moreThe Used Car Buying Checklist for Australians: Every Check to Make Before You Buy
Use our Australian used car buying checklist to inspect, verify and test any car before you pay, PPSR, roadworthy, service history and more.
Read moreBest Used Cars Under $15,000 in Australia
Find the best used cars under $15,000 in Australia for 2026. Compare reliable hatches, sedans and SUVs, plus PPSR and buying tips from Elite Motors Melbourne.
Read moreHow Car Finance Works in Australia: The Complete 2026 Guide
How does car finance work in Australia? A plain-English 2026 guide to car loans, rates, credit scores, deposits, novated leases and PPSR checks.
Read moreBest Used Family SUVs & 7-Seaters in Australia (2026): A South-East Melbourne Buyer’s Guide
Compare the best used family SUVs and 7-seaters in Australia for 2026 - top models, reliability, resale, fair prices, plus a South-East Melbourne buyer’s checklist.
Read moreBest Fuel-Efficient Used Cars in Australia
Compare the most fuel-efficient used cars in Australia: top hybrid, petrol & diesel picks, real L/100km figures, running costs and what to check before you buy.
Read moreVolkswagen Golf vs Mazda3: Used Hatchback Showdown
Used VW Golf vs Mazda3 compared on reliability, running costs, resale, boot space and which years to buy. See which small hatch is the smarter buy in Australia.
Read moreUsed Toyota HiLux Buyer’s Guide: Models, Years & Prices
The best used Toyota HiLux to buy in Australia is an 8th Gen N80 SR5 dual cab 4×4 from 2019, or newer; it gives you the 2.8L diesel, Toyota Safety Sense, and a resale value no competitor can match.
Read moreManual vs Automatic Used Cars: What’s the Better Buy?
Manual vs automatic used cars compared on price, running costs, resale and reliability. See which is the better buy in Australia in 2026 — and what to check.
Read moreBuying a Used Hyundai i30: What to Watch Out For on J & V Elite Motors.
Buying a used Hyundai i30? Learn the common problems, best years, DCT and diesel issues, what to check and how many kilometres is too many - a buyer’s guide.
Read moreUsed Diesel vs Petrol Cars: Which Is Better in 2026?
Diesel vs petrol cars compared for 2026 running costs, reliability, resale and fuel prices in Australia. See which used car suits you, then browse our stock.
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