Research checked 11 September 2026. Australian passenger cars and light vehicles.
Print this article using your browser's Print command, then tick each square as you complete the check. Write N/A beside items that do not apply. These are printable check boxes, not an online form.
Buy a used car
For private and dealer purchases, including demonstrators and near-new cars.
Check the car and the person selling it
- ☐ Compare similar cars on MotorLoop by year, grade, kilometres, condition and location. Asking prices are not completed sale prices.
- ☐ Match the seller's identity and authority to sell with the vehicle paperwork. Check the VIN on the car, not just the advertisement.
- ☐ Check registration status separately. Run your own $2 official PPSR search on the day before or day of purchase; retain the certificate. PPSR: official vehicle search
- ☐ Resolve security interests with the lender before settlement. Investigate any stolen or written-off result before proceeding. PPSR: official vehicle search
Inspect before committing
- ☐ Book an independent pre-purchase inspection. A roadworthy or safety certificate is not a full mechanical report. Queensland: safety certificates
- ☐ Compare odometer readings with service invoices. Ask about crash repairs, flood exposure, modifications and prior use.
- ☐ Inspect cold start, leaks, corrosion, tyres, brakes, suspension, air conditioning and electronics with the mechanic.
- ☐ Test-drive legally with the seller's agreement and suitable insurance; assess steering, braking, transmission and warning lights.
- ☐ Check recalls, required safety certificates, service costs due soon and remaining transferable warranties. Add the powertrain checks.
Agree, pay and collect
- ☐ For a dealer purchase, check the dealer licence, applicable statutory warranty and cooling-off terms. Keep written disclosures.
- ☐ Write down the price, deposit, inspection/finance conditions, included items and collection arrangements before payment.
- ☐ Independently verify payment details. Do not pay an unseen seller under pressure or trust a seller-supplied payment link. Scamwatch: buying and selling scams
- ☐ Obtain a signed receipt and keys; arrange insurance, confirm legal road use and complete registration transfer promptly.
Most quality guarantees do not apply to private sales. Some protections concerning title, possession and undisclosed securities still apply. A PPSR report is not a mechanical, odometer or complete accident-history check. ACCC: consumer rights and guarantees PPSR: official vehicle search
Keep your next move on MotorLoop
Compare cars or prepare your listing at motorloop.com.au. Use accurate vehicle details and supporting records to make your next buying or selling conversation more useful.
Research sources
- PPSR: official vehicle search
- Queensland: safety certificates
- ACCC: new and second-hand cars
- ACCC: consumer rights and guarantees
- Scamwatch: buying and selling scams
- Australian Government: vehicle recalls
General information only. Verify current government rules and vehicle-specific contract terms before committing. Auctions, imports, write-offs, deceased estates and commercial-use vehicles can require additional checks.