Used cars outsell new cars roughly two to one in Australia. Here's the full sequence of checks before yours becomes one of them.
VIN and PPSR — start here, always
Match the VIN on the vehicle to the registration papers, then run a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) search directly at ppsr.gov.au. This confirms whether the car has money owed on it, is recorded as stolen, or has been written off — three things a visual inspection can't tell you.
Registration and roadworthiness
Confirm current registration status and, where required for the sale (rules vary by state and territory), a valid roadworthy or safety certificate. An expired or missing certificate where one is legally required is a sign the seller may be avoiding a cost that reveals a problem.
Odometer and service history
Cross-check the odometer reading against service records and any prior roadworthy certificates, which typically note mileage at the time. A logbook alone can be incomplete — invoices from named workshops are stronger evidence of genuine maintenance.
Finance and accident history
The PPSR search covers registered finance interests. For accident and write-off history, check whether the vehicle carries a statutory write-off marker — a car recorded as a statutory write-off cannot legally be re-registered in most states and territories.
Seller type changes your protection
A licensed dealer sale typically comes with Australian Consumer Law guarantees and, depending on the state and the car's age/mileage, a statutory warranty. A private sale gives you neither — only the general protection against a seller misrepresenting the car's condition or title.
See also: buying in the UK instead? See the checks that apply there.
Sources
Related Kibbo Tools
- Used Car Buying Inspection Checklist — the full sequence in one printable list.
- Vehicle History Verification Checklist — verify VIN, finance and write-off status before paying.