Side-by-Side Comparison
| Service | Finance | Stolen | Write-Off | Specs | Recalls | Real-Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PPSR Check (Official Govt) ✅ Essential | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $5.99 via CheckMyCars |
NEVDIS Check 🟡 Partial | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | Included in PPSR report |
CarHistory Report 🔵 Supplementary | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | $34.99–$59.99 |
Revs Check (old) 🔴 Obsolete | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | No longer available |
Free VIN Decoder ⚪ Insufficient | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Free |
State Rego Check ⚪ Insufficient | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | Free (state transport sites) |
1. PPSR Check — The Essential Check
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is the Australian government's national register of security interests in personal property, managed by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA). It is the only check that is:
- ✓ Legally authoritative — courts recognise PPSR searches as proof of due diligence
- ✓ Real-time — data updates instantly when finance is registered or discharged
- ✓ National — covers all eight states and territories in one search
- ✓ Comprehensive — finance, stolen status, and write-off history in one report
Key advantage: If you buy a vehicle with outstanding finance showing on PPSR, you have no legal protection — the lender can repossess the car. Running a PPSR check and finding no finance is your legal protection as a buyer.
2. NEVDIS — Vehicle Identity, Not History
NEVDIS (National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System) is a federal government database that stores registration and vehicle identity information from all states. It is not directly accessible to the public.
Licensed service providers (including CheckMyCars) include NEVDIS data in their reports. NEVDIS tells you about the vehicle's registered identity — it does not check finance, stolen status, or write-off history.
Bottom line: NEVDIS is useful for confirming vehicle identity details. It does not replace a PPSR check. It is typically included as part of a comprehensive PPSR report.
3. CarHistory & Third-Party Reports — Useful, But Supplementary
Services like CarHistory provide bundled reports that may include PPSR data, odometer history from service records, and other supplementary information. These can be useful for a fuller picture of a vehicle's past.
However, they are typically:
- • More expensive ($35–$60 vs $5.99)
- • Not as real-time as a direct PPSR search
- • Odometer history relies on voluntary service record submissions — coverage varies
A CarHistory report does not replace running a current, direct PPSR check close to the time of purchase.
4. Free State Registration Checks — Registration Only
Each state's transport authority offers a free online check that confirms whether a vehicle's registration is current and the CTP (compulsory third-party) insurance is active. Examples:
Important: State rego checks confirm registration status only. They do not reveal finance owing, stolen status, write-off history, or any PPSR data. Never rely on a free rego check as a substitute for a PPSR check.
The Recommended Check Strategy for Australian Car Buyers
Always: PPSR Check
Run a PPSR check through CheckMyCars for $5.99. This is non-negotiable for any used car purchase. Do it the same day you intend to sign.
Recommended: Pre-Purchase Inspection
Hire a licensed mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection ($100–$200). PPSR does not cover mechanical condition, service history, or hidden accident damage.
Optional: Full Vehicle History Report
If you want odometer history and service records, a third-party report (CarHistory etc.) can be useful as a supplement — not a replacement — for PPSR.
Free: VIN Decode
Use a free VIN decoder to confirm the vehicle's basic identity before committing to an inspection. Flag any discrepancies early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important vehicle history check in Australia?
The PPSR check is the most important and legally authoritative vehicle history check in Australia. It is the only check that reveals registered finance, stolen status, and write-off history from the official government database. No other service replaces it.
Is a free rego check good enough when buying a used car?
No. A free state registration check confirms the car is currently registered and has valid CTP insurance. It does not reveal finance owing, stolen status, write-off history, or any security interests. You must run a PPSR check separately.
Does a CarHistory report include a PPSR check?
CarHistory reports include some PPSR data, but they may not be as current as a direct, real-time PPSR search. For maximum protection, always run a direct PPSR check close to the time of purchase in addition to any third-party report.
What's the cheapest way to check a car's history in Australia?
The most cost-effective option is a direct PPSR check through CheckMyCars for $5.99. This gives you the official government PPSR data plus a full vehicle specification report. It is the same data source as more expensive services, just more affordable.
Run Australia's Most Comprehensive PPSR Check
Official government data + vehicle specs + ANCAP rating + recall status. Just $5.99. Instant results.
Start Your Vehicle Check — $5.99 →✓ Official PPSR database • ✓ All states covered • ✓ 30-second delivery