Just bought an EOFY car? 5 things to do before you hit the road

Key takeaways
- Australians bought more new cars in June than in any month in history, totalling 140,058 new vehicles delivered.
- EOFY is a popular time for Aussies to pick up a new set of wheels, but there are a few things to get on top before you soar down the highway.
- What's next: Check out our new car checklist to make sure you've ticked off all your to-dos this July.
June 2026 officially smashed the record for new car sales in Australia.
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), 140,058 new vehicles were delivered in June 2026, the biggest monthly result ever recorded.
So if you're one of the thousands of Aussies who drove home in something shiny last week: congrats! But before you get too comfortable with your new set of wheels, there are a few boxes to tick.
- Transfer the rego and sort the paperwork
If you bought from a dealer, they'll usually handle the registration transfer and stamp duty for you. Bought privately? That's on you, and most states give you around 14 days to transfer the rego before late fees kick in. Check your state's transport authority for the exact deadline.
- Read the warranty fine print
New cars come with a manufacturer's warranty, but it usually has conditions, like servicing the car on schedule at approved service centres. Miss a logbook service and you could give the manufacturer a reason to knock back a claim later.
Need a new car insurance policy?
Start comparing
- Set up your service schedule now
Put your first service date in your calendar before you forget. Many manufacturers offer capped-price servicing, so check what your brand includes. It makes budgeting for running costs a lot easier.
- Check what your car actually costs to run
Your EOFY bargain isn't just the sticker price. Insurance, rego, fuel (or charging), servicing and depreciation all add up. Working out the true annual cost now means no nasty surprises later.
- Sort your car insurance
You clearly know how to hunt down a good deal, so don't just stop at the car. Keep the savings streak going with a competitive comprehensive car insurance policy, because the cover you choose now could save you hundreds every year you own it.
Some dealers and insurers offer short-term complimentary cover when you drive away, but it's usually only for a couple of weeks, and it's not a reason to put off finding a top notch policy.
You can compare over 30 car insurance policies and unlock free quotes using Finder's comparison tool.
Ask a question