Car Smart

A pocket guide to buying and owning a car in Queensland

The Car Smart guide is designed to make the process of buying and maintaining a motor vehicle less daunting.  The Guide provides comprehensive information on all apsects of buying and maintaining a vehicle, including:-

• Buying a used car - Your vehicle's warranty, the cooling-off period and ensuring the title is clear
• Buying a new car - Contract of sale, total purchase cost and warranty conditions
• Buy at auction - Process before, during and after buying at an auction
• Repairs - Get at least two written quotes, explain the problems clearly and make sure no repairs are done without your approval
• Maintenance - Do regular safety checks and maintenance to protect your car's safety and resale value
• Claims for financial loss - If you suffer a financial loss because of certain actions of a licensed motor dealer, you can claim from the Claim Fund

To get your copy of the Glovebox Guide: contact us, or download your copy now.

Choice of Repairer

MTA Queensland strongly endorses insurers who offer "CHOICE OF REPAIRER" in their Product Disclosure

If your car is damaged and covered by insurance, exercise your rights according to your insurers' "Product Disclosure Statements" (PDS) and select THE REPAIRER OF YOUR CHOICE! It is vital that you nominate THE REPAIRER OF YOUR CHOICE - AT THE TIME OF CLAIM LODGEMENT.

Check your PDS with your insurer

The use of high tech componentry in modern cars such as alloy steels/crumple zones, SRS - airbags/sensors and electronic systems means having the right equipment and trained technicians in order to repair vehicles according to the manufactures' technical specifications in keeping with the Code of Conduct.

MTA Queensland (MTA-Q) "National Auto Collision Alliance" members, not only work to the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry "CODE OF CONDUCT", but also abide by MTA Queensland's strict "CODE OF ETHICS".

Find your nearest MTA Queensland Member

Order your "Choice of Repair" promotional material now

General motoring tips

Listed below are some general motoring tips for the public. If you have any queries, you might be able to find the answers here! If not, then please go to our industry links page, or frequently asked questions (FAQs).

• Fuel Consumption Guide - Which cars are more economical to drive?
  
• Do you really need a new battery?
  
• National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council: Car theft is one of Australia's criminal industries which is estimated to effectively rob licenced motor dealers and the public of a billion dollars every year
• Holiday road safety alert for children
• Speed: it's the sudden stop that kills 
• Busting the myths on fuel economy Here are a few ideas on how to be a smart driver in the smart state – and save yourself a couple of dollars. 
• What's involved in a recall? Information on what recalls involve, and what to do if a vehicle you own is recalled.
• Doubts on mobile phones causing fires at service stations
• Drive at a speed that’s sensible in ALL circumstances
• Higher fuel prices an incentive for top maintenance The higher price of petrol, diesel, and LPG is one of the best incentives for keeping vehicles properly tuned and maintained.
• Potential dangers in the use of snatch straps
• Time for those pre-holiday vehicle checks Despite the escalating cost of petrol and diesel, it’s a safe bet that lots of families will be taking to the road for school holidays so it’s not too soon to start thinking about the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
• Eating while driving – a big distraction
• Safety certificates for registered vehicles It will be an offence for anyone in Queensland to offer a registered vehicle for sale without a safety certificate from 1st April 2000.