Does cruise control actually save fuel?
Cruise control can save 7–14% fuel on a flat highway. On a hilly road, it can cost you more. Here's when to use it and when to turn it off.
The Decoding Dealerships Report
Carma reveals what to look for when buying a pre-owned car.
In 2026, the stakes for Australian car buyers have never been higher. With petrol prices soaring and cost of living pressures at their highest level in a decade, Australians simply cannot afford a bad buy. A car that is costly to run or hiding expensive mechanical defects is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a critical financial risk that many cannot absorb.
Buying a car should feel exciting, but for many, it’s filled with uncertainty. From unclear pricing and last-minute add-ons to pressure tactics and hidden defects, the traditional used car-buying experience is often inconsistent. Most buyers don’t know what to watch out for until after they’ve driven away, when problems, costs or regrets start to surface.
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Carma — Australia’s fully digital pre-owned car platform and the preferred used car dealership of the NRMA — has identified the most common red flags Australians face when buying a used car. By identifying these warning signs and highlighting the green flags to insist on, this toolkit provides a comprehensive guide for risk-free used car buying.
“Buying a car is the second-biggest purchase many will make in their lives, which is why it’s important to see past the surface of a car and understand its true history,” said Peter Willis, Director of Buying. “We want to educate Aussies on how to identify and avoid the old-school tactics that lead to regret, ensuring they have the tools to buy with confidence.”
“Not all used cars are created equal, but the problem is they can look like they are,” said Hugo Acosta, Director of Vehicle Operations. “We’ve seen firsthand how easily issues can be missed without a proper inspection, especially when cosmetic fixes are used to mask bigger problems underneath. Buyers should expect full transparency, because once you drive away, those hidden issues become your problem.”
