Buying a used car in Australia without doing your homework is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make. Here's the complete checklist that every buyer should run through before handing over a cent.
1. Run a PPSR Check
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check costs $2 and tells you whether a car has money owing on it, has been written off, or is listed as stolen. This is non-negotiable. A clean PPSR doesn't guarantee a good car, but a dirty one is an instant deal-breaker.
2. Verify the VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should match on the dashboard, the door jamb, the engine bay and the registration papers. Any mismatch is a serious red flag.
3. Check for Odometer Tampering
Service records, tyre wear, pedal wear and steering wheel condition can all reveal whether the odometer reading is genuine. A car claiming 60,000km with bald pedal rubber and a worn driver's seat is telling a different story.
4. Get an Independent Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $150–$250) is the best money you'll spend. The NRMA, RAA and similar organisations offer this service across Australia.
5. Check the Service History
Stamped logbooks or digital service records are gold. Gaps in service history — especially at regular service intervals — suggest the car may have been neglected.
6. Look for Rust and Paint Inconsistencies
Run your hand along panel gaps. Uneven gaps, mismatched paint or overspray around rubber seals suggest accident repairs. Panel damage that's been poorly repaired often costs more to fix than the car is worth.
7. Test Everything Electrical
Windows, air conditioning, infotainment, heated seats, all lights — test every electrical component. Electrical repairs on modern cars are expensive and often unpredictable.
8. Look Under the Car
Rust on the chassis, fresh oil patches, signs of leaks or makeshift repairs below the car are all warning signs. Bring a torch or use your phone light.
9. Take an Extended Test Drive
At least 20 minutes, on a mix of roads. Include highway speeds to check for vibration, and a quiet area to listen for rattles, clunks or brake noise.
10. Cross-Check the Price
Use TrueCarPrice to see what dealers paid for the same car at auction. If you're being asked $28,000 for a car that's sourcing at $20,000, you know there's room to move — or it's time to walk away.
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