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In the meantime, keep reading if you’re serious about your next car’s reliability.
3 Used Car Myths That Costs Aussies $1000s
1
Newer year or low mileage means reliability
A car’s year and mileage is front and centre on every listing—so many people think it means reliability. But that’s not always true. A well maintained 2017 Toyota with 100,000 km will outlast a 2022 MG that’s skipped oil changes every time. I look for the 4M’s of reliability - Model, Maintenance, Motive, Mechanical inspection.
2
Mechanical Inspections are foolproof
A pre-purchase inspection is always worth doing—but it’s not a catch-all. What a mechanic can check in an hour on the side of the road is limited and internal components in the engine or transmission can't be inspected at all. That’s why no mechanic will guarantee that a car will be issue-free.
3
Dealer Warranty = Long-Term Reliability?
In NSW, dealers must provide a 3-month warranty on most used cars—but this often gives buyers false confidence about long-term reliability. Dealers prioritise volume and profit, not what’s best for you. Their cars may have poor service history or come from unreliable models and nearly half develop issues within a year (Consumer Policy Research Centre).
Buying A Bulletproof Car Even If You Don’t Know Cars
Tips to save $1000’s
learn which car models are overpriced and which are the hidden gems.
Avoid the common mistakes
behind 95% of faulty used cars + learn exactly how to spot them.
Reliable car models, just for you
Cars that fit your lifestyle, offer great value, and might just outlast you.
Learn about buyer’s agents
See how we help people find great cars—and whether we’re the right fit for you.
If reliability matters to you, book a free 30-min Bulletproof Car Consultation ($290 value) to learn the proven frameworks we use to find reliable, great-value cars for our clients.
Who are we?
Almost 1 in 2 used cars sold by dealers develop a fault within a year. There’s little advice out there on how to avoid it—especially for non-car people.
Roger started Secondhand Hero to tell it like it is and help buyers without the hidden agenda. In 2017, he bought a lemon that cost him $14,000. Since then, he’s obsessed with what makes a used car worth owning—and helped dozens of buyers find proven reliable cars. He holds a Master of Engineering from UNSW.
Roger Jiang
Founder, Engineer, Car Enthusiast
How We Help Our Clients
“I heard complaints about bogus dealerships and private sellers. In the end I got the best deal, low kms, smooth performance and best price, that Roger duly inspected with a checklist.”
Vishal - 2015 Hyundai i30 - $13,250
“On my own I would've spent six weeks scrolling listings, messaging sellers, and driving back and forth for nothing. Roger took 4 days to find me the nicest car I ever had, a Hyundai i30, $5k less than market price.”
Emma - 2014 Hyundai i30, $10,500
“Roger was awesome and made the car buying process more accessible. He rigorously inspected each vehicle and stopped me from buying one with a rolled back odometer.”
Alan - 2018 Mazda 3 - $11000