So, you’ve found a used car that looks great, sounds even better, and the price seems just right. Tempting, right? But before you get too excited and hand over your hard-earned cash, there’s one important thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip—checking the car’s history.
Because no matter how shiny it looks on the outside, you never really know what that car’s been through until you dig a little deeper. It might’ve had a rough past—accidents, finance owing, flood damage—or it might be squeaky clean. Either way, it’s best to know before you buy, not after.
Here’s how you can check a used car’s history in Australia and make sure you’re not stepping into a headache on wheels.
Start with the Basics: Get the Car’s Details
Before you can check anything, you’ll need a few key details from the seller:
- Rego number (license plate)
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – usually found on the registration papers, inside the engine bay, or near the windscreen
- Make, model, and year
These details will help you run a full background check and verify everything matches.
Step 1: Run a PPSR Check (This One’s a Must!)
PPSR stands for Personal Property Securities Register. Sounds fancy, but it’s really just a national database that tells you:
- If money is still owed on the car (i.e. under finance)
- If it’s been written off or reported stolen
- Basic vehicle details and registration status
You can run a PPSR check online for just a few bucks—around $2. It’s quick, easy, and probably the most important step of all.
👉 Visit ppsr.gov.au and enter the car’s VIN to get started.
If the PPSR report comes back clean, you’re already ahead of the game. But if it shows the car has finance owing or has been previously written off, you might want to walk away—or at least ask a lot more questions.
Step 2: Check the Service History
A car with a well-documented service history is usually a car that’s been looked after. Ask the seller for:
- Logbooks or service receipts
- Details on any major repairs
- Records of regular maintenance (oil changes, timing belts, etc.)
If they shrug and say, “Nah, I don’t have any of that,” it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker—but it should make you cautious. Lack of records could mean the car hasn’t been maintained properly, and that could cost you later.
Step 3: Confirm Rego and Roadworthy
Each state has its own vehicle registration rules, but in Victoria (VIC), here’s what you should look out for:
- Is the registration current? If not, you’ll need to factor in extra costs for registration and roadworthy.
- Has the seller provided a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)? In VIC, this is required for most private sales.
- Double-check the registration details on the VicRoads Vehicle Registration Check page. It’ll tell you if the car is currently registered and if there are any restrictions or warnings.
Step 4: Google the Car’s VIN or Rego Number
This is a sneaky trick, but it works.
Simply type the VIN or number plate into Google and see what comes up. You might find old sale ads, photos from past listings, or even forum discussions. If the car’s been in an accident, has had a dodgy past, or was previously listed under very different details—this might help you catch it.
You’d be surprised what a quick Google search can turn up.
Step 5: Consider a Full Vehicle History Report
If you’re buying a higher-value used car or just want total peace of mind, consider purchasing a comprehensive vehicle history report from services like:
- CarHistory (carhistory.com.au)
- REVS Check
- Equifax AutoCheck
These reports go deeper—giving you past sale prices, odometer history, previous ownership details, and more.
Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut
Sometimes the numbers might check out, but something just feels off. Maybe the seller’s dodging questions. Maybe the car’s condition doesn’t match the supposed low mileage. Trust your gut.
Ask questions. If the seller gets defensive or vague, that’s your cue to walk away.
A Little Homework Goes a Long Way
Checking a car’s history might sound like a bit of extra effort, but it’s worth every second. It could save you from buying a lemon, getting stuck with someone else’s debt, or worse—driving around in a car that’s not legally yours.
Take 10 minutes to do your due diligence and you’ll feel a whole lot better about the deal.
Smarter Moves Start with the Right Info
When it comes to used cars, the past matters. Do your checks, ask the right questions, and you’ll avoid unwanted surprises down the track. And if you ever need to sell your old car fast, we make that part easy—quick quotes, free removal, and cash in hand.
Need help or advice on your next move? Just give us a call. We’re always happy to help.
If you are in Beaconsfield, Victoria 3807, and looking for a car removal service, this is the best way to visit us.
28 Station St, Cranbourne VIC 3977