Find out if that "mint condition" car was actually totaled in a crash. Check write-off history in 30 seconds.
A "repaired" write-off might look fine, but here's the catch:
Nobody wants a write-off. Even if it's "fully fixed," you'll get like 40-60% less when you try to sell it.
Dodgy repairs = ongoing problems. Electrical gremlins, alignment issues, rust... the list goes on.
Some insurers won't touch write-offs, or they'll charge you way more. Good luck with that.
Not all write-offs are equal. Here's what each category means:
DO NOT BUY. This car can NEVER be legally re-registered. It's basically scrap metal.
Usually means major structural damage or flood/fire damage. Walk away immediately.
Buyer beware. Can be fixed and re-registered, but you're taking a risk.
Make sure repairs were done properly by a licensed repairer. Get a pre-purchase inspection 100%.
Sellers conveniently "forget" to mention write-off history. Run a PPSR check yourself – it's the only way to know for sure.
Dead simple. Takes less time than finding the VIN.
17-character code on the dashboard (driver's side) or rego papers
One-time payment. No hidden fees. Instant access.
PDF emailed instantly with write-off status, finance owing, stolen status & more
✓ Instant results ✓ Official PPSR data ✓ All Australian states
See if it's a statutory or repairable write-off. Plus dates and damage categories.
Check if there's money owed. You don't wanna buy someone else's debt.
Official police database check. Know if the car's been reported stolen.
Government-backed report. Same data banks and dealers use.
"Bought a 'clean' Hilux for $35k."
Found out 3 months later it was a repairable write-off. Resale value dropped to $18k. Insurance wanted double the premium. Took a $15k+ loss to offload it. Lesson learned the hard way.
— Jake, Brisbane
"Seller swore it was never in an accident."
Ran a PPSR check anyway. Turns out it was a statutory write-off from flood damage. Would've been illegal to even drive it. Dodged a $25k disaster for $5.99.
— Sarah, Melbourne
Nope. The official PPSR database charges access fees. Anyone offering "free write-off checks" is either scamming or selling dodgy data. Our $5.99 gets you the real deal.
Statutory write-offs: 100% avoid. They're illegal to re-register.
Repairable write-offs: Risky but not impossible. If you do buy one, get a full pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic and expect to lose resale value.
Look on the dashboard (driver's side, near the windscreen), or check the rego papers/compliance plate. It's a 17-character code.
Yep. PPSR is national. Covers NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, ACT. One check, whole country.
Red flag. Walk away. Any legit seller will give you the VIN no problem. If they're hiding it, they're hiding something worse.
$5.99 = instant peace of mind. No surprises. No regrets.
💥 Check Write-Off Status Now✓ Official PPSR data ✓ Instant PDF report ✓ All Australian states