Guide 03 of 05

How Do I Check A Used Car

Use separate identity history condition and professional checks before money changes hands.

Short answer Do not rely on one check. A roadworthy certificate is not the same as a full mechanical inspection, and a vehicle history search cannot tell you whether the engine or transmission is healthy. Check the paperwork, inspect and test drive the car, arrange an independent inspection, and search the PPSR using the VIN.

Before You Travel

Ask for the VIN registration number odometer reading and seller details
Ask why the car is being sold and how long the seller has owned it
Request clear photos of the service book invoices and any damage
Check registration details through the state or territory authority
Research scheduled maintenance recalls and known issues for the exact year and version
Confirm the seller will allow a proper test drive and independent inspection
Arrange to see the car in daylight and ask that the engine be cold when you arrive

Check Identity And History

Match the VIN on the car to the registration and sale documents
Check the seller identity and their right to sell the vehicle
Complete your own PPSR search using the VIN on the day of purchase or the day before
Read the PPSR result for a registered security interest and reported stolen or written off status
Check that the service history follows a believable timeline and supports the odometer reading
Keep the PPSR search certificate and copies of the sale documents

Inspect The Car In Daylight

Look for uneven paint panel gaps overspray rust and mismatched tyres
Check tyre tread condition and wear across the full width of each tyre
Look underneath for fresh leaks damage or poorly repaired components
Check oil coolant and other visible fluids only when it is safe to do so
Test every light window lock seat belt control and warning light
Look and smell for water entry damp carpet mould or flood damage
Check that included keys tools spare wheel or repair kit are present

Take A Meaningful Test Drive

Start the engine from cold and watch for warning lights smoke rattles or slow starting
Drive at low and moderate speeds on more than one road surface
Check steering braking gear changes clutch operation and straight line tracking
Listen with the radio off for knocks vibrations wind noise and bearing noise
Check reversing parking visibility and low speed manoeuvring
After the drive look again for leaks smells overheating or warning lights

Arrange An Independent Inspection

Choose the qualified mechanic or inspection service yourself. The seller should not control who performs the check.
Ask for a written report that separates urgent faults upcoming maintenance and normal wear.
Tell the inspector you are considering buying the car and provide any issues found during your own checks.
Use the findings to request repairs negotiate a supported price change or walk away.
If the seller refuses a reasonable independent inspection treat that refusal as a serious warning.

Walk Away Signs

The VIN or seller details do not match the paperwork
The seller will not provide identification or proof of ownership
The car is already warm after you asked to see it cold
Warning lights fail to illuminate at startup or remain on
The service history appears altered incomplete or inconsistent with the odometer
The seller pressures you to skip the inspection or PPSR search
A registered security interest is not being discharged through a clear documented process
The explanation for serious damage or faults keeps changing

Bottom line No used car is risk free, but independent evidence reduces the chance of an expensive surprise. Do not pay because you have already spent time travelling inspecting or negotiating. Those costs are smaller than buying the wrong car.

General information for Australian car buyers. Laws, fees and registration processes vary between states and territories. Check current government information and get professional advice where needed. Last reviewed 14 September 2026.