Buyer Guide

Buyer Guide

Welcome, Buyers!

Finding the right vehicle is exciting, but buying privately can feel risky. Will the vehicle match the description? Is the Seller genuine? What if something goes wrong with the payment? These are all perfectly reasonable concerns - and that's exactly why AutoSettle exists.

This guide will walk you through every step of buying a vehicle safely and confidently with AutoSettle. Whether you've found your dream car on Carsales, Facebook Marketplace, or anywhere else, we've got you covered.

Why Buy with AutoSettle?

AutoSettle takes the worry out of private vehicle purchases by solving the biggest challenges Buyers face:
  1. No more blind trust: You don't have to trust a stranger with your money, all funds stay in your Buyer's Wallet until you're satisfied;
  2. No more scams: We verify the Seller's identity and the vehicle;
  3. No more stolen vehicles: Written off/Stolen check and government database checks;
  4. No more mismatched descriptions: Complete vehicle verification before you commit;
  5. No more unsafe meetings: Everything is tracked, recorded, and moderated for safer co-ordination and better traceability; and
  6. No more payment disputes: Funds are only released on your instructions - when you confirm you're happy.
Best of all, you only pay $34.95, deducted from the sale funds when the deal settles successfully - no upfront fee, no risk. Compare that to paying up to $60 for just a car history report with none of these protections. 

Your Buying Journey: Step by Step

Here's how AutoSettle works for Buyers, from start to finish:

Step 1: Find Your Vehicle and Bring It to AutoSettle

Found a vehicle you love on Facebook Marketplace, Carsales, Gumtree, or another marketplace? Here's how to get started:
  1. Copy the link to the vehicle listing (use the Share function in the marketplace); 
  2. Paste it into AutoSettle and nominate yourself as the Buyer; and
  3. Invite the Seller to join AutoSettle using their mobile number or email address.

Don't have the Seller's contact details?

No worries! Share the AutoSettle link for Vehicle Profile with the Seller through the marketplace's messaging system. The Seller can join from there.

What if the Seller doesn't want to use AutoSettle?

Not all Sellers will be familiar with AutoSettle, and that's okay. Here's what to do:
  1. Explain the benefits: both parties are protected, payment is instant, and it only costs $34.95 each deducted at settlement; 
  2. Share that AutoSettle will verify their identity and the vehicle will be verified, which builds Buyer confidence; and
  3. Emphasise that they get paid immediately at handover - no delays, no risk of failed payments.
If the Seller still declines, this might be a red flag, and you may wonder whether you're comfortable proceeding without AutoSettle's protections. A genuine Seller should welcome the added security and peace of mind. If you're unsure, it might be worth looking at another vehicle where the Seller is willing to transact safely.

Step 2: Complete Your Identity Verification

To keep all parties safe, we use biometric verification to confirm you are who you say you are. This is quick, secure, and sets up your AutoSettle Wallet for when you're ready to purchase. The verification process is simple, just follow the prompts in the Identity Verification Guide.

Step 3: Review the Vehicle Profile

Once the Seller has joined AutoSettle and set up their vehicle profile, you'll have access to:
  1. Comprehensive vehicle verification from government and commercial databases;
  2. Complete PPSR data; 
  3. Confirmation of registration and VIN details;
  4. Vehicle photos and documents uploaded by the Seller; and
  5. Verified Seller identity
Take your time reviewing everything. This is your chance to make sure the vehicle checks out before you go any further. See the Vehicle Profile Guide for tips on what to look for.

Step 4: Pay a Deposit (where required)

Some Sellers may require a deposit (up to $1,000) to show you're serious about the purchase. Here's how deposits work:
  1. Your deposit is paid into your Buyers Wallet, not directly to the Seller;
  2. It's fully refundable, triggered by you, if you decide not to proceed;
  3. At settlement, the deposit is deducted from the final payment; and
  4. You can have deposits on multiple vehicles at once, while you're deciding
Deposits don't lock you in, they show the Seller you're genuinely interested. See the Deposits Guide for more details.

Step 5: Arrange a Test Drive

AutoSettle helps you coordinate test drives safely. You can negotiate times and locations with the Seller through our secure, AI-moderated chat system. Consider bringing the vehicle to an inspection station or arranging for a mobile inspector if you want a professional opinion. The Test Drive Guide has detailed tips on what to check and how to stay safe.

Step 6: Make an Offer or Accept the Listing Price

Ready to move forward? You have options:
  1. Accept the Seller's asking price;
  2. Make an offer below the asking price; or
  3. Negotiate on a price with the Seller through AutoSettle's platform.
Remember: If multiple Buyers are interested in the same vehicle, it's first to commit that wins. Once you and the Seller agree on a price, you'll move into settlement. The Offers and Negotiations Guide has strategies for getting the best deal.

Step 7: Enter Secure Settlement Room

This is where AutoSettle really protects you. Here's what the settlement process involves:

Accept the Settlement Terms

You'll review and accept the settlement terms, which include:
  1. The agreed purchase price; 
  2. The vehicle details; 
  3. Any deposits already paid (which will be deducted from the final amount); and
  4. Outstanding amount (to be paid on Settlement).

Load Funds into Your AutoSettle Wallet

Once you accept settlement, you'll be prompted to deposit the full purchase amount into your AutoSettle Wallet ahead of settlement. Here's what you need to know:
  1. You can deposit funds in one lump sum or multiple amounts; 
  2. This flexibility helps if you have bank transfer limits or are using multiple sources; 
  3. You can combine your own funds from different accounts with finance from a lender; and
  4. Your money stays in your wallet until you confirm you're satisfied at handover. 

Complete Registration and Transfer Information

AutoSettle auto-populates the registry form/s with verified data, but you'll need to provide information for the self-asserted data. AutoSettle guides you through exactly what's needed.

Arrange Handover Details

Propose to the Seller a Settlement Date, time, and location. Choose somewhere public and well-lit if you're meeting in person.  See the Settlement Guide for step-by-step instructions on this entire process.

Step 8: Handover

The big moment! Here's what happens at handover:
  1. Meet the Seller at your agreed location;
  2. Inspect the vehicle one final time to confirm everything is as expected;
  3. AutoSettle will again verify the vehicle VIN and odometer for you; 
  4. Once you're satisfied, confirm in AutoSettle that you're happy to proceed;
  5. Funds instantly transfer from your Buyer Wallet to the Seller Wallet;
  6. The Seller hands over the keys and paperwork; and
  7. Drive away with complete confidence!
You're in control the entire time. The money doesn't leave your wallet until you confirm you're satisfied. No pressure, no risk.
The Handover Guide has a complete checklist to make sure nothing gets forgotten.

Step 9: Post-Purchase

Congratulations on your purchase! After handover, you'll complete the registration transfer and finalise any remaining paperwork. The Post-Purchase Guide walks you through everything you need to do. If you have any leftover funds in your AutoSettle Wallet, you can withdraw them to your bank account or keep them for future use.

What If You're Looking at Multiple Vehicles?

That's absolutely fine! AutoSettle is designed to support Buyers who are comparing options. You can:
  1. Bring multiple vehicles into AutoSettle at the same time; 
  2. Pay deposits on several vehicles while you're deciding;
  3. Make offers on multiple vehicles simultaneously; and
  4. Compare Sellers, vehicle profiles, PPSR data, and verified details side by side
Take your time and choose the right vehicle for you. There's no rush, and you're not locked into anything until you confirm at handover.

What Makes AutoSettle Different?

You Stay in Control

Your money stays in your wallet until you're satisfied. You make the final decision at handover to release the funds.

Complete Vehicle Verification

Government and commercial database ID checks, PPSR data, registration verification - all included in your $34.95 fee. No more paying separately for car history reports that don't provide any protection.

Safe Communication

All communication happens through our AI-moderated chat system. Everything is tracked and recorded, so there's a complete audit trail if anything goes wrong.

No Upfront Costs

You only pay $34.95 when the deal settles successfully. If things don't work out, you haven't wasted your money. Deposits are fully refundable up until settlement, in case you change your mind.

Works with Listings on Any Marketplace

Find your vehicle wherever you like - Carsales, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, anywhere! AutoSettle simply adds the security layer when you're ready to buy


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