Omari Gates
When buying a used car in Australia, it is important to get a vehicle history report to learn about the car's past and avoid issues in the future. A car history report can be obtained by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the registration number, and paying a small fee. The report will include information such as whether the vehicle has been written off due to damage, if there is existing finance on the vehicle, and if the odometer reading is consistent with previous reports. This information can help buyers make an informed decision and avoid purchasing a car with hidden issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide car buyers with a detailed history of a used car |
| Report Providers | CarHistory, Revs Check Report, CarFacts, Vehicle History Report |
| Report Details | PPSR Certificate, odometer reading, write-off status, registration details, finance check, stolen check |
| Cost | $7.90 (Revs Check Report) |
| Time Taken | Seconds (Revs Check Report) |
| VIN | Can be found on the car's registration label, build plaque in the engine bay, or on the passenger side windshield and door jamb |
| Limitations | Cannot be used for vehicles built before 1989 |
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What You'll Learn
Check the odometer reading
When buying a used car in Australia, it's important to verify the odometer reading to ensure you're not buying a car that has racked up hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Winding back a car's odometer is illegal, but some sellers still do it to offload their cars.
- Check the logbook: Look for dates and odometer readings for each service. Calculate whether the services are about a year apart and check the odometer reading on each occasion. If the car is only notching up a low number of kilometres between each service, it's likely a low-kilometre car.
- Inspect for wear and tear: If the car is older but hasn't travelled far, abnormal wear and tear could indicate that the odometer has been tampered with. Compare it to other cars of the same type to get a sense of what is normal wear and tear.
- Check the vehicle's registration: In New South Wales, you can access the previous three annual odometer readings of vehicles registered in NSW through the Service NSW website or app. This allows you to identify any discrepancies.
- Obtain a vehicle history report: A CarHistory Report can indicate if the vehicle's odometer reading is consistent with previously reported readings or if it has been wound back.
- Be cautious of low mileage: If a car is several years old but the odometer displays a very low reading, it should raise suspicion. Ask the seller to explain the low reading and be wary of unreasonable explanations.
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Verify registration details
If you are looking to verify the registration details of a car in Australia, there are a few ways to go about it. Firstly, it is important to note that all cars on Australian roads must be registered and driving an unregistered vehicle can result in hefty fines and/or license penalties.
One way to check a vehicle's registration details is through an online registration check. This can be done via the Transport Department of the relevant state. For example, if the vehicle was previously or is currently registered in New South Wales (NSW), you can perform a free registration check on the Service NSW website using the vehicle's NSW registration plate number. This check will provide basic information, and for more detailed insights, a fee may be required.
Another option is to use the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) website, which is a recommended step when purchasing a vehicle from a private seller. The PPSR works closely with vehicle history report providers, such as carhistory.com.au, to provide detailed insights into a vehicle's history. By simply entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a used vehicle, you can obtain a comprehensive report that includes information such as existing finance, written-off status due to damage, odometer reading consistency, and whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
It is worth noting that odometer checks may not always be possible, and vehicle history reports are only available for vehicles manufactured after 1989. Additionally, when checking the registration details, it is important to verify the information with the relevant state authorities in Australia, as incorrect details may be present even when purchasing from a dealer or private seller.
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Check for write-offs
When buying a used car in Australia, it's important to check if it has been written off, as this can affect its resale value, insurance costs, and roadworthiness. A car can be written off for various reasons, including collision damage, mechanical failure, flood damage, hail damage, or fire damage. There are two main categories of insurance write-offs in Australia: statutory write-offs and repairable write-offs.
A statutory write-off refers to a vehicle that has been deemed too severely damaged to be repaired to a safe standard for road use. These vehicles are usually deregistered, and can only be sold for parts or scrap metal. They cannot be re-registered in Queensland or any other Australian jurisdiction, even if repaired.
A repairable write-off means that the vehicle can be repaired, but it is not economically viable for the insurance company to do so as the cost of repair exceeds the market value of the car. In certain states, these vehicles can re-enter the roads post-repair, provided they meet stringent safety standards and are re-registered according to specific state guidelines. However, even after repairs, some vehicles may still have structural weaknesses or undiscovered faults, especially those with storm or flood damage.
To check if a car has been written off, you can obtain a vehicle history report from websites such as CarHistory.com.au or PPSR.gov.au. These reports can provide information on whether the vehicle has suffered damage resulting in a written-off status, as well as odometer readings and whether the car has been reported as stolen. You can also check the vehicle's registration with the website of the transport authority in your state by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or licence plate for a free check.
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Check for existing finance
When buying a
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Check for stolen vehicles
When buying a used car in Australia, it is important to check that it is not a stolen vehicle. Here are some ways to do that:
Check the PPSR
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a national system that allows you to check if a vehicle has been stolen. All you need is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car, which you can get from the registration or "rego" check. Enter the VIN on the PPSR website (https://www.ppsr.gov.au/) to check if the car has been reported as stolen. It will also tell you if there is existing finance on the vehicle, if it has been written off, or if it is safe from repossession. Conducting a PPSR search will provide legal protection and give you a certificate to prove it.
Check the Odometer
A vehicle history report can help identify if the odometer has been tampered with. A significantly lower odometer reading than expected could indicate that the car was stolen and the odometer has been wound back.
Check the Vehicle Make and Model
Some makes and models are targeted by thieves more than others. For example, in 2017, the Holden Commodore was the most stolen vehicle in Australia, with older versions also featuring in the top 10. The Nissan Pulsar, Toyota HiLux, and BA Ford Falcon were also commonly stolen. If you are considering buying one of these vehicles, be extra vigilant in checking that it is not stolen.
Anti-Theft Devices
If you are purchasing a modern car, ask the dealer about tracking options. Some modern cars can be tracked through a mobile phone application, which can help locate the vehicle if it is stolen. Additionally, consider installing anti-theft devices such as an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port lock, especially if your car has electronic push-start technology.
Remember, it is always better to be cautious. If a deal seems too good to be true, it might be worth investigating further to ensure the vehicle has not been stolen.
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Frequently asked questions
A car history check can help you make an informed decision about whether to purchase a used car. It can provide information about any existing finance on the vehicle, whether it has been written off due to damage, whether the odometer has been tampered with, and whether it has been reported as stolen.
You can check a car's history in Australia by entering its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or registration number into a car history website, such as Revs Check Report, CarHistory, or CarFacts. These websites will provide a report on the car's history, including a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) certificate.
The cost of a car history check varies depending on the website you use. For example, Revs Check Report offers a report for $7.90, while CarFacts charges $34 for their report.
