"How much do you charge?" is usually the first question people ask us. Fair enough—you want to know what you're paying for. Here's the complete breakdown of how car broker fees work.
The Short Answer
Most car brokers in Australia charge between $500 and $3,000 for their services. At CQ Car Brokers, we use a transparent flat-fee model that's agreed upfront before we start searching.
How Car Broker Fee Structures Work
Flat Fee Model (Our Approach)
We charge a fixed amount regardless of the vehicle price:
- Agreed upfront - You know exactly what you'll pay
- No surprises - Same fee whether we find a $30k or $80k vehicle
- Aligned interests - We focus on finding the right car, not the most expensive one
Commission-Based Model
Some brokers charge a percentage of the purchase price (typically 2-5%):
- Works out more on expensive vehicles
- Can create incentive to push higher-priced options
- Less predictable total cost
Kickback/Rebate Model
Some brokers get paid by dealers, not buyers:
- Appears "free" to you
- Broker's loyalty may be split
- Hidden costs often built into car price
What's Included in Our Fee?
When you pay our fee, you get:
Search Services
- Australia-wide vehicle search
- Access to dealer-only stock
- Pre-auction opportunities
Inspection & Verification
- Pre-purchase inspection (we cover the cost)
- PPSR check
- Service history verification
- Condition report
Negotiation
- Price negotiation with sellers
- Terms and conditions review
- Trade-in negotiation (if applicable)
Logistics
- Transport arrangement
- Delivery coordination
- Registration transfer guidance
Does Using a Broker Actually Save Money?
Let's run the numbers for a typical CQ purchase:
Scenario: Buying a $50,000 Ute from Brisbane
DIY Approach:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (return) | $250 |
| Accommodation | $180 |
| Time off work | $400+ |
| Pre-purchase inspection | $300 |
| Transport to CQ | $1,200 |
| Total | $2,330+ |
Using CQ Car Brokers:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Our flat fee | Competitive |
| Everything else | Included |
Plus, we typically negotiate $2,000-$5,000 off the asking price—savings most buyers wouldn't achieve.
When Is a Broker Worth the Cost?
Best Value Scenarios
Interstate purchases - Transport, inspection, and travel costs add up fast. Brokers bundle these efficiently.
Time-poor buyers - If your hourly rate is above $50, the time savings alone justify our fee.
Specific requirements - Searching for a particular spec, colour, or package across Australia takes expertise and time.
First-time buyers - Our negotiation experience typically saves more than our fee.
Maybe Skip the Broker If...
Buying locally, in person - If you've found the exact car at a CQ dealer and just want to negotiate, you might not need us.
Close dealer relationship - If your family has bought from the same dealer for 20 years, leverage that directly.
Happy with trade-in price - Sometimes convenience beats maximum value. No judgment.
Questions to Ask Any Broker About Fees
Before engaging any car broker, ask:
- "What exactly is included in your fee?"
- "Are there any additional costs I should expect?"
- "Do you receive any payments from dealers or lenders?"
- "What if I decide not to proceed with a car you find?"
- "How do you handle refunds?"
Our Fee Guarantee
At CQ Car Brokers:
- Fee agreed before we start
- No hidden charges
- If we can't find what you want, no fee
- Full transparency on any dealer relationships
Ready to Talk Numbers?
We're happy to give you a specific quote for your situation—no obligation.
Get a free quote and we'll tell you exactly what we'd charge for your search. Honest, upfront, no surprises.
