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Key takeaways
State used-vehicle warranties mostly exclude trucks: NSW's dealer guarantee excludes vehicles over 4.5t GVM, and Queensland's statutory warranty excludes commercial vehicles of any size.
Consumer law still protects you: if your business buys a truck mainly to carry goods on public roads, you are a "consumer" under the Australian Consumer Law, whatever the price.
That means real guarantees from a dealer: the truck must be of acceptable quality for its age and price, match its description and come with clear title. These cannot be signed away.
The protection disappears at a traditional auction or private sale, apart from the guarantee of clear title.
Check for leftover factory warranty: current light trucks carry 5- to 6-year factory warranties, so a young used truck may still be covered. Get the transfer confirmed in writing.
This guide explains the warranty and legal protections on a used truck. For whether used or new suits your business, see new vs used trucks.
Do state used-vehicle warranties cover trucks?
Mostly not. Each state runs its own statutory warranty for used vehicles sold by licensed dealers, and most exclude trucks.
State | Statutory warranty on used vehicles | Does it cover trucks? |
|---|---|---|
NSW | Dealer guarantee: 3 months or 5,000km for vehicles under 10 years old and 160,000km | No for vehicles over 4.5t GVM. Car-licence trucks at 4.5t or less are not excluded by weight |
QLD | Class A and Class B statutory warranties | No. Commercial vehicles, meaning vehicles built mainly to carry goods, are excluded |
VIC, WA, TAS | Statutory warranties on used cars from dealers | Commercial vehicles are excluded |
The exact rules differ, so check your state's fair trading or consumer affairs agency before relying on any statutory warranty.
What protection do you get from consumer law?
More than most truck buyers realise. The Australian Consumer Law treats a buyer as a "consumer" if the goods are a vehicle or trailer used mainly to transport goods on public roads. That applies regardless of price, so a $150,000 truck bought for your business is covered.
When you buy from a business, such as a dealer, the truck must:
Be of acceptable quality, judged against its age, price and condition
Match the description in the ad or contract
Be fit for any purpose you told the seller about
Come with clear title and no undisclosed debts
These guarantees apply automatically. The ACCC says they cannot be taken away by anything a business says or does. A dealer can offer a warranty on top, but cannot replace the guarantees with it.
"Acceptable quality" is judged against what a reasonable buyer would expect. A 12-year-old truck with 800,000km is not expected to perform like a two-year-old one, but it should not hide a major fault the seller knew about.
When don't consumer guarantees apply?
There are three common gaps:
Private sales: a one-off sale by someone not running a business. Only the guarantee of clear title applies.
Traditional auctions: where the auctioneer acts as the seller's agent. Clear title still applies.
Trucks bought for resale: if you buy to on-sell, you are not a consumer for that purchase.
Online marketplaces are not automatically auctions in law. If the platform does not act as the seller's agent and the seller is a business, the guarantees can still apply. Our guide to buying a used truck at auction, from a dealer or privately compares the routes in detail.
Is there factory warranty left on a used truck?
On a young truck, there may be. Current light trucks carry long factory warranties, for example:
Range | New-truck warranty |
|---|---|
Isuzu N Series | 6 years or 250,000km |
Hino 300 Series | 5 years or 250,000km |
Fuso Canter | 5 years or 200,000km |
A two- or three-year-old light truck with modest kilometres could still be inside these limits. Ask the seller for the original delivery date and confirm with the manufacturer's dealer that the warranty transfers to you.
Is an extended warranty worth it?
It can be, for a truck you cannot afford to have off the road. Extended warranties and mechanical breakdown cover are optional products on top of your consumer guarantees, not a replacement for them.
Before buying one, check:
Which components are covered, and which are excluded
Claim limits per repair and over the term
Whether you must service at specific workshops
Who pays for diagnosis, towing and downtime
What should you do if a used truck develops a fault?
Act quickly and keep everything in writing.
Stop using the truck if the fault is a safety risk.
Notify the seller in writing, describe the fault and attach evidence.
Ask for a repair, replacement or refund, depending on how serious the fault is.
If the seller refuses, contact your state fair trading agency.
If it is still unresolved, consider your state tribunal. In NSW, a consumer claim must be made within 3 years of becoming aware of the problem and within 10 years of supply.
Once you know the protections each seller offers, you can compare used truck quotes from Australian dealers on IndustrySearch.
Frequently asked questions
Does a used truck from a dealer come with a statutory warranty?
Usually not, because most state warranties exclude trucks over 4.5t GVM or all commercial vehicles. Consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law still apply when you buy from a business.
Can a dealer sell a truck "as is" with no guarantees?
A dealer cannot exclude consumer guarantees. They can disclose known faults, which then affects what counts as acceptable quality.
Am I a consumer if my company buys the truck?
Yes, if the truck is bought mainly to transport goods on public roads, regardless of price.
Are trucks used for work other than carrying goods covered?
The vehicle-specific rule covers vehicles used mainly to carry goods. Other business purchases are covered when the price is $100,000 or less.
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