Know what you’re buyingbefore you hand over the money
Check any Australian vehicle against official registries. Find out if it’s stolen, has been written off, or still has money owing on it. It takes about thirty seconds.
Checking more than one car?5 checks for $19.95 ($3.99 each)
What can go wrong when you buy privately
These are the three findings that cost buyers real money. A seller has no obligation to mention any of them.
Money still owing
If a lender has a security interest registered against the vehicle and the debt isn't cleared, they can repossess it from you, even though you paid the seller in full.
Written off
A statutory write-off can never be registered for road use again. A repairable one can, but it's worth substantially less than the seller is likely asking.
Reported stolen
Police can seize a stolen vehicle from whoever holds it. In most cases you lose both the car and the money, with no claim against the seller.
Official PPSR & REVS check by registration
Instant search against official registries, with the official search certificate, for only $5.95.
What actually goes wrong
Money owing, a written-off history, a stolen car, a VIN that does not match the papers. Four things that cost private buyers real money in Australia, explained properly.
What can go wrong
Money owing on a car: how a buyer loses both the car and the cash
The lender's claim follows the car, not the seller. Repossession after a private sale is legal, and there is one search that stops it.
6 min read
What can go wrong
Repairable or statutory: what a written-off car actually means
One category can be repaired and re-registered. The other can never go back on the road in most states. Buyers are routinely sold the difference.
7 min read
What can go wrong
How to check whether a car is stolen before you buy it in Australia
If the car turns out to be stolen, police return it to its owner. You lose the car and the money, and the seller is long gone.
5 min read
The checks
Where to find the VIN, and why it beats the number plate
Plates change. The VIN does not. It is stamped into the vehicle, and every serious check runs against it rather than the registration.
5 min read
