Ultimate Used Car Buying Checklist Australia (2026) — 25-Point Guide
Buying a used car is one of the biggest financial decisions Australians make. This 25-point checklist covers everything from research to PPSR check to handover — so you buy with confidence.
📋 Checklist Summary
Most important step: Run a PPSR check before visiting the car. It takes 30 seconds and costs $$5.99.
Phase 1: Before You Even See the Car
Research the market value
Use RedBook, CarsGuide, and Carsales to get a fair market price. Know what the car should cost before contacting the seller.
Check common problems for the model
Google "[car model] common problems" — every model has known issues. Know what to look for during inspection.
Request the VIN upfront
Ask for the 17-character VIN before you visit. This lets you run a PPSR check before wasting time on an encumbered or written-off car.
Run a PPSR check
Enter the VIN at CheckMyCars. Confirm there's no finance owing, stolen status, or write-off history. Only 5.99 and takes 30 seconds.
Check recall history
Your PPSR report includes recall information, or check the Product Safety Australia website for outstanding safety recalls.
Phase 2: At the Inspection
Inspect in daylight, never at night
Panel damage, paint mismatches, and rust are much easier to spot in natural daylight. Never inspect a car at night.
Verify the VIN on the car matches your report
Check the VIN on the dashboard, door frame, and compliance plate. All three should match the VIN in your PPSR report.
Check for paint inconsistencies
Stand at the front and back of the car and look along the panels. Colour differences, orange peel texture, or overspray indicate previous panel repairs.
Check panel gaps
Uneven gaps between panels (doors, bonnet, boot) can indicate accident damage or poor repair work.
Look for rust
Check underneath, inside wheel arches, along the door sills, and in the boot floor. Surface rust is manageable; structural rust is not.
Inspect the engine bay
Look for oil leaks (dark staining around gaskets), fresh paint (may be covering damage), and check oil and coolant levels and condition.
Start the engine from cold
A healthy engine starts promptly. Listen for knocking, rattling, or excessive smoke on startup. Blue smoke = oil burn, white smoke = coolant issue.
Test all electrics
Test windows, locks, lights (all four corners), air conditioning, heated seats, reverse camera, and infotainment system.
Check tyres and brakes
Inspect tyre tread depth and look for uneven wear (indicates alignment or suspension issues). Test brakes by braking firmly at low speed.
Take it for a proper test drive
Drive for at least 15 minutes on a variety of roads. Include a highway stretch to test at higher speeds. Listen, feel, and smell for anything unusual.
Phase 3: Documents & History
Ask for the full service history
Service stamps in a logbook, or electronic service records from the dealer, confirm the car has been properly maintained.
Check the registration papers
The name on the rego papers should match the person selling you the car. If they don't, ask for a clear explanation.
Verify the odometer reading is believable
Check if the claimed mileage makes sense for the car's age and service history. Average Australian driver travels ~15,000km per year.
Confirm the car's roadworthy status
In some states (VIC, QLD, SA), a roadworthy or safety certificate is required before sale. Confirm this is current.
Check for outstanding fines
In NSW, you can check for outstanding parking or camera fines linked to the registration before purchase.
Phase 4: Negotiation & Purchase
Get an independent mechanical inspection
For cars over $5,000, it's worth paying $150–250 for a RACQ, NRMA, or independent mechanic inspection. They often find things you'd miss.
Negotiate based on findings
Any issues found (minor damage, approaching service, tyres needing replacement) are legitimate grounds to negotiate the price down.
Never hand over cash without a receipt
Always get a written receipt that includes the VIN, purchase price, date, seller's full name and address, and your details.
Complete a Transfer of Registration
The transfer of registration must be lodged within 3–5 days of purchase (state-dependent). Don't delay — you're liable for any offences committed before the transfer.
Arrange insurance before you drive away
Your new car is your risk the moment you take possession. Have CTP and comprehensive insurance confirmed before you leave.
Don't forget the PPSR check — it's the most important step
Step 4 in our checklist — running a PPSR check — is the single most valuable thing you can do before buying a used car. It takes 30 seconds, costs $5.99, and can save you thousands.
Run PPSR Check — $5.99 →Common Mistakes Australian Car Buyers Make
Inspecting the car at night or in the rain when paint defects are harder to spot
Not getting a PPSR check because "the seller seems honest"
Paying a deposit before running any checks
Rushing the inspection because the seller is waiting
Not taking the car for a proper test drive (more than 5 minutes)
Skipping the independent mechanical inspection for expensive cars
Not transferring registration within the required timeframe
Paying cash without getting a proper written receipt
Start with a PPSR Check — It's Step One
Before you even visit the car, run a $5.99 PPSR check to confirm there's no finance, stolen status, or write-off history.
Run a PPSR Check Now — $5.99 →