Research checked 11 September 2026. Australian passenger cars and light vehicles.
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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 (opens in a new tab)
- ☐ Resolve security interests with the lender before settlement. Investigate any stolen or written-off result before proceeding. PPSR: official vehicle search (opens in a new tab)
Inspect before committing
- ☐ Book an independent pre-purchase inspection. A roadworthy or safety certificate is not a full mechanical report. Queensland: safety certificates (opens in a new tab)
- ☐ 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 (opens in a new tab)
- ☐ 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 (opens in a new tab) PPSR: official vehicle search (opens in a new tab)
Keep your next move on MotorLoop
Compare cars or prepare your listing at motorloop.com.au (opens in a new tab). Use accurate vehicle details and supporting records to make your next buying or selling conversation more useful.
Research sources
- PPSR: official vehicle search (opens in a new tab)
- Queensland: safety certificates (opens in a new tab)
- ACCC: new and second-hand cars (opens in a new tab)
- ACCC: consumer rights and guarantees (opens in a new tab)
- Scamwatch: buying and selling scams (opens in a new tab)
- Australian Government: vehicle recalls (opens in a new tab)
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.