Guides to checking a used car
How the PPSR works, what the free state checks show, and how to read what comes back. No sales pitch, just the steps.
What is the PPSR, and what does a PPSR check show?
The PPSR is the national register of security interests over cars. What a PPSR check and certificate show, what they cost and when to search.
How to check if a car has finance owing
How to check whether a used car has finance owing with a PPSR search: the $2 option at ppsr.gov.au, reading the result and what to do if money is owed.
How to do a REVS check
A REVS check is now a PPSR search. How to run one by VIN or rego, the $2 option at ppsr.gov.au, the Queensland variant and how to read the result.
How to do a PPSR check and read the certificate
How to do a PPSR check, how long it takes and how to read the certificate: search number, vehicle details, stolen, written-off codes and finance.
How to check if a car is stolen
How to check if a used car is stolen: the $2 PPSR search, what NEVDIS records, the Tasmania gap, free state checks and the physical checks to do yourself.
How to check if a car has been written off
How to check if a car has been written off: the Written-Off Vehicle Register, the $2 PPSR search, statutory versus repairable and the damage codes.
Where is the VIN number on a car, and how do you check it?
Where to find the VIN on a car: windscreen, compliance plate, door pillar, chassis stamping and rego papers. How to check it is genuine and use it.
How to check car history in Australia
How to check a used car's history in Australia: the PPSR certificate, state reports, free rego checks, recalls, service records and what no register holds.
Rego to VIN: how to find a VIN number from a number plate
Find a VIN from a rego number: which free state checks print the full VIN (only Victoria), which mask it, and why the PPSR cannot be searched by plate.
Buying a repairable write-off: what it means and what to check
What a repairable write-off is, how each state treats re-registration (NSW, QLD WOVI, VIC VIV), the insurance and resale consequences, and a checklist.