How to Check a Used Car’s History Before You Buy

Alex Jevan

Buying a used car can save you lots of money. But you must be careful. Some used cars have problems that you can't see on the outside.

The car might:

Have been in a big crash
Be written off or damaged by floods
Still have money owing on it (called an encumbrance)
Even be stolen!

To stay safe, you should check the car’s history before you buy it. In this blog, we’ll show you how to do that in a few easy steps.

Step 1: Find the Car’s VIN

Before you can check a car’s history, you need its Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN.

The VIN is a special 17-digit number that helps tell cars apart. It’s like the car’s fingerprint.

Where to find the VIN:

On the dashboard near the windscreen
On a sticker inside the driver’s door
On the car’s rego papers or insurance papers

Write this number down. You’ll need it for the next steps.

Step 2: Do a VIN Check

A VIN Check is the first thing you should do. It tells you:

If the car is stolen
If it’s written off
If the VIN has been changed or faked

Doing a VIN check is easy and cheap in Australia. You can do it online in minutes.

Click here to do a VIN Check

This small check can save you big problems later!

Step 3: Do a REVS Check

Next, do a REVS Check. REVS stands for “Register of Encumbered Vehicles.”

This check shows if the car still has money owing on it. If it does, and the seller doesn’t pay that money, the finance company can take the car away — even if you paid for it!

That’s why a REVS check is super important.

Do a REVS Check here

It’s quick, and you’ll get the result straight away.

Step 4: Do a $2 PPSR Check

To get the full story of the car, you should also do a PPSR Check. PPSR stands for Personal Property Securities Register.

A PPSR check shows:

If the car is under finance (has money owing)
If it has been written off
If it has been stolen
If it's part of a recall

You can do a full PPSR report for only $2 in Australia. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind!

Get a $2 PPSR Check here

This report is great if you're buying from a private seller, not a dealer.

Why History Checks Matter

Let’s say someone is selling a cheap car. You might think, “What a bargain!” But without a history check, that bargain could turn into a big problem.

You could end up with a car that:

Was in a flood or major crash
Can’t be insured
Gets taken back by a loan company

So before you hand over your cash, always do the checks.

Buying from a Dealer or a Private Seller?

Some people buy used cars from car dealers, others buy from private sellers (like on Facebook or Gumtree).

Each option has good and bad points.

If you're not sure which is better, read this blog:

Dealer vs Private Seller – Which Is Better for Used Cars?

Tip: Even when buying from a dealer, doing your own VIN or REVS check is smart. Not all dealers give full info.

When’s the Best Time to Buy?

You might also wonder when is the best time to buy a used car.

Prices can go up and down during the year. Sometimes, buying at the end of the month or end of the year can save you money.

Learn more here:

Best Time of Year to Buy a Second-Hand Car in Australia

Petrol, Diesel, or Electric?

While you’re checking a car’s history, think about what kind of car suits you best.

Petrol cars are cheap and good for short trips.
Diesel cars are better for long trips or towing.
Electric cars are quiet, clean, and cheap to run.

Still deciding which one to pick?

Read Petrol, Diesel, or Electric? Picking the Right Car for You

What to Do After the Check

Once you finish your VIN, REVS, and PPSR checks:

✅ Make sure the car has a clean title (no money owing)

✅ Look for write-off or flood damage info

✅ Check for any recalls

✅ Ask the seller questions about anything that seems odd

✅ Take the car for a test drive

✅ Get a mechanic to inspect the car (if you can)

Final Tips

Don’t rush the deal. Take your time.
Walk away if anything feels wrong.
Save a copy of the car’s history report for your records.
Never pay in full without doing these checks first.

Summary

Checking a used car’s history is one of the smartest things you can do. It helps you:

✔ Avoid scams

✔ Stay safe

✔ Save money

✔ Buy with confidence

For just a few dollars, you can protect yourself and make sure your new ride doesn’t come with hidden problems.

✅ VIN Check

✅ REVS Check

✅ $2 PPSR Check

Drive smart, Australia!