Damon Mcknight
When buying a used car in Australia, it is important to check the vehicle's history to avoid purchasing a lemon. A car history report can be purchased online from companies such as CarHistory, CarFacts, and Carify. These reports can provide valuable information about the vehicle, including whether it has been written off or stolen, if there is money owing on it, and whether the odometer has been tampered with. To generate a report, you will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number, which can usually be found on the vehicle itself, the registration certificate, or insurance policy documentation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Report Type | Comprehensive |
| Report Purpose | Alerting buyers to potentially significant information about a vehicle |
| Report Coverage | All states and territories of Australia |
| Report Contents | Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model, engine number, colour, fuel type, registration status, odometer reading, registration expiry date, accident history, damage history, write-off status, PPSR Certificate, and Vehicle Buyback Insurance |
| Report Cost | $27 for NRMA members, $37 for non-members, up to $35 for other providers |
| Report Sources | NEVDIS database, Road Transport Authority, AustRoads, CarHistory database, CarFacts database |
| Report Generation Time | A few minutes |
| Report Generation Process | Filling out an online form with car registration number, email address, and payment details |
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What You'll Learn
Check the car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
When buying a used car in Australia, it is important to check the vehicle's history to make an informed purchasing decision. One way to do this is by checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a unique 17-character identifier composed of digits and capital letters. The VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications, and manufacturer.
The VIN can typically be found in several locations on and associated with the vehicle:
- On the car's registration label.
- On the compliance plate in the engine bay.
- On the passenger side windshield.
- On one of the door posts (where the door latches when closed).
- On the vehicle's registration certificate.
- On insurance policy documentation.
By checking the VIN in these locations, you can verify the vehicle's identity and potentially uncover important information about its history.
In addition to checking the VIN, there are other ways to check a vehicle's history in Australia. For example, VicRoads offers a Vehicle Report that includes Victorian vehicle roadworthy history sourced from electronic data held by VicRoads since 2018. This report does not contain information from paper-based roadworthy history certificates. It is designed to give buyers of second-hand vehicles greater confidence and understanding of the vehicle's history.
Similarly, in New South Wales (NSW), individuals can order a vehicle history report online by providing the NSW plate number and payment. However, it is important to note that the vehicle VIN will not be provided in this report.
By utilizing these resources, individuals can make more informed decisions when purchasing used cars in Australia and potentially avoid buying vehicles with significant issues or accident histories.
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Get a CarHistory Report
If you're considering buying a used car in Australia, it's important to do your research to avoid purchasing a vehicle with a problematic history. One way to do this is by obtaining a CarHistory Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the vehicle's past. Here's what you need to know about getting a CarHistory Report:
The CarHistory Report is a detailed document that outlines the history of a used motor vehicle registered in any state or territory of Australia. It is designed to provide potential buyers with important information about the vehicle, helping them make an informed decision before purchasing. The report includes a Personal Property Securities Register PPSR Certificate, previously known as REVS, which indicates if there is existing finance owed on the vehicle.
The CarHistory Report can offer insights into various aspects of the vehicle's history. This includes whether the vehicle has been written off due to events such as hail, fire, accidents, or floods. It can also verify the odometer reading to ensure it aligns with previous records and hasn't been tampered with. Additionally, the report will indicate if the vehicle has been previously reported as stolen. Other physical vehicle details, such as make, model, engine number, colour, fuel type, registration status, and expiry date, may also be included if they are available.
How to Obtain a CarHistory Report
To order a CarHistory Report, you can visit websites such as CarHistory.com.au or CarFacts.com.au. The process typically involves submitting the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the vehicle's registration plate number. The VIN can usually be found on the vehicle itself (on the dashboard or door posts), the registration certificate, insurance policy documentation, registration label, engine bay, or passenger side windshield and door jamb. Once you have submitted the necessary information and made the payment, you will receive the report, which can help you make a more confident decision when purchasing a used car.
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Check the odometer reading
Checking the odometer reading of a car is an important step in verifying its value and condition. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process in Australia:
Firstly, it is essential to understand the typical lifespan of a car in terms of mileage. On average, a car travels about 15,000 km per year, and many people sell their cars when they are around six years old, as buyers often hesitate to purchase a vehicle with over 100,000 km on the odometer. Therefore, if a car is older but has a significantly lower odometer reading, it could indicate tampering or abnormal usage.
When inspecting a car, carefully examine the logbook for any signs of alteration, such as overwritten dates or erased kilometre readings. Compare the dates and odometer readings for each service, calculating the average distance travelled between services. If the car has consistently low mileage between services, it may be a genuine low-kilometre vehicle. However, if the odometer reading seems too low for the car's age, ask the seller for an explanation.
Additionally, look for signs of abnormal wear and tear. By inspecting other cars of the same type, you can develop a sense of what normal wear and tear looks like. If the car you are interested in shows signs of excessive wear that doesn't match its low odometer reading, this could indicate that the odometer has been tampered with.
To verify the odometer reading, you can utilise online tools and reports. In New South Wales (NSW), buyers can access the previous three annual odometer readings of vehicles registered in the state through the ''Check a Vehicle Registration' function on the Service NSW website and app. This allows buyers to identify any discrepancies and avoid being ripped off by unscrupulous sellers.
Furthermore, consider obtaining a comprehensive vehicle history report, such as the CarHistory Report, which covers vehicles registered in any state or territory of Australia. This report can indicate if the odometer reading is consistent with previously reported values or if it has potentially been altered. The report also includes other valuable information, such as whether the vehicle has been written off, stolen, or has existing finance owing.
By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from buying a car with a tampered odometer and ensure you are getting a reliable vehicle. Remember, odometer tampering is illegal, and it is essential to be cautious when making a used car purchase.
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Get an independent mechanic to carry out a pre-purchase car inspection
When buying a second-hand car, especially from a private seller, it is a good idea to get an independent mechanic to carry out a pre-purchase car inspection. This can help you avoid any nasty surprises and give you peace of mind about your investment. A pre-purchase car inspection is a thorough check carried out by a mechanic to ascertain the mechanical condition of a car before buying it, and alert you to any potential safety or performance red flags.
A basic level inspection will check over the body and paintwork to identify any structural or cosmetic damage. A full inspection includes an in-depth look at the car's mechanical condition with an inspection of the chassis, engine, transmission, electrical systems, suspension, brakes, fuel and exhaust systems. Modern cars may also require a computer diagnostic test to ensure that every system is running smoothly.
You can choose between a mobile service, where the mechanic comes to the car, or an in-house service where you take the car to the mechanic. The mobile service is quick and convenient, but taking the car to a workshop means it can be inspected using more specialised on-site equipment. Discuss the price and approach with your mechanic beforehand, as you may need to pay extra for the mechanic's travel time, and they may recommend moving the car to a workshop for a hoist inspection.
Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a detailed report, including photos and videos, with a summary of the vehicle's condition and any issues. This will help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
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Check the car's PPSR Certificate
When buying a used car in Australia, it is important to check the vehicle's history to alert yourself to any potentially significant information about it. One way to do this is by checking the car's Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) Certificate.
The PPSR Certificate is a document that provides basic information about a vehicle's financial history and status. It will tell you if the vehicle has been written off, stolen, or is recorded as free from debt. This is important because, if you unknowingly buy a stolen car, it may be repossessed and returned to its owner or their insurance or finance company. Some repairable write-offs are fixed, inspected, re-registered, and re-sold, but the standard of repairs may be poor, putting you at risk.
You can obtain a PPSR Certificate by purchasing a CarHistory Report, which includes a PPSR Certificate. The CarHistory Report is a comprehensive report on the history of a used motor vehicle that has been registered in Australia. It can be purchased online for a fee of $27 for NRMA members and $37 for non-members. The report can take a few minutes to generate as CarHistory's IT systems draw on a large number of data sources to compile the report. In addition to the PPSR Certificate, the CarHistory Report may also include information on any damage resulting in a written-off status, such as hail, fire, accident, or flood. It will also include the vehicle's odometer reading history and indicate if it has been tampered with.
It is important to note that the physical vehicle details included in the CarHistory Report and PPSR Certificate, such as make, model, engine number, colour, fuel type, registration status, odometer reading, and registration expiry date, are only included if they have been recorded and are available. There may be occasions where vehicle data is not available from third-party supplier data sources. Additionally, there may be a delay in information being available if a vehicle is written off or stolen. This delay is due to the data being sourced from the NEVDIS database, which is managed by the Road Transport Authority in each state.
In summary, checking the PPSR Certificate and obtaining a CarHistory Report are important steps when purchasing a used car in Australia. These documents can provide valuable information about the vehicle's history and help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
You can check a car's accident history by purchasing a CarHistory Report or a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) Certificate. These reports are comprehensive and will inform you of any accidents, repairs, and damage.
A car history report will include information on the make, model, engine number, colour, fuel type, registration status, odometer reading, and registration expiry date. It will also include information on whether the vehicle has been written off, stolen, or has outstanding finance.
To get a car history report, you will need the car registration, an email address, and a valid credit/debit card. You can then fill out an online form and pay the application fee. Reports can be purchased from CarHistory, CarFacts, and Carify.
