Aussies won't risk it: 9 in 10 say a professional used car check is a must

Nine in ten Australians say a professional check is essential before buying a used car*, and for good reason. Going second-hand shouldn’t mean rolling the dice. Securing a great deal and avoiding a lemon shouldn’t be the exception - it should be the standard. That’s why every Carma Car goes through a next-level inspection and reconditioning process by an expert team, so you can shop with confidence, not crossed fingers.

It’s this commitment to quality that led to Carma’s partnership with the NRMA, one of Australia’s most trusted names in motoring. As their exclusive preferred used car dealership, Carma is proud to support Australians with even more confidence behind the wheel.

We know a lemon when we see one

Aussies have grown up knowing that when it comes to used cars, it pays to be cautious. We’ve all heard the horror stories: dodgy logbooks, hidden damage, worn-out brakes, or that mysterious warning light that just won’t go away. In 2023, more than 2 million used cars were sold in Australia, and with 61.1% of those sales happening through private sellers, it’s no wonder buyers are wary.

Carma was founded to bring genuine transparency to an industry long plagued by mistrust and uncertainty. Forget crossing your fingers and toes in a dealership parking lot - Carma handpicks only the highest quality used cars in Australia, with around 90% of vehicles reviewed not making the cut. Every car that does make it through undergoes a rigorous inspection, reconditioning and quality assurance process - because no one wants to end up with a lemon.

We’re smarter shoppers than we used to be

These days, Aussies are doing their homework before buying a car - and who can blame us? The risk of being taken for a ride by a dodgy dealer is very real for a large portion of the population who can’t claim to be ‘car savvy’. Thankfully, we’ve got more tools at our fingertips than ever before, from detailed online listings and comparison sites to PPSR checks and vehicle history reports. As buyers, we’re asking more questions, expecting more transparency, and refusing to settle for slick sales talk. That’s exactly why Carma lists every car in their virtual showroom with interactive 360-degree views and detailed photos. Customers can explore each vehicle from every angle, open the doors, check out the interior, and easily view any remaining imperfections, all clearly marked with close-up images and a ruler for scale. Carma is proud to meet the new standard buyers expect and it’s their detailed inspection and reconditioning process that’s helped name them the preferred used car dealership of the NRMA.