Minister for NSW Fair Trading, Matthew Mason-Cox and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward were among the people who attended, with Wollongong Fair Trading Disputes Resolution Officer Charles Gibson visited Albion Park High in Albion Park to open a Revved Up session for senior students.

"The Revved Up program is an important educational tool for young people in helping them understand the pros and cons of buying a car,’’ Mr Mason-Cox said.

"NSW Fair Trading receives thousands of complaints each year from people who believe they did not receive a fair deal when they bought their car.

"As first time car buyers, young people can often be seen as prime targets for rip-off merchants.

"Revved Up gives great advice on how to avoid unpleasant surprises when buying a car and how NSW Fair Trading can help if things do go wrong."

Mr Gibson took students through a step-by-step presentation of the best way of buying a car and what to look for when buying a car.

Albion Park HSIE head teacher Letitia Summers said it was important that her students learn more about the pitfalls of buying their first car.

“It will allow the kids to be more proactive when buying a car, how to do research a car and be able to participate, along with their parents, when buying a vehicle,” Mrs Summers aid.

“In a way it gives them another life skill.”

Albion Park High School captain Brittney Luland said she had gained a lot from the presentation.

“I’m on my L plates at the moment and had no idea of some of the things that can happen,” she said.

“Some of my friends have bought cars from the side of road or privately, but I think I will be a bit more cautious when I go to buy my first car.”

Mr Gibson said there was now a ’My Next Car’ app (available in iPhone and Android) which was a useful tool for car buyers. 

Consumers can find more information at http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Online_services/Mobile_apps/My_next_car_app.page :