When buying a used car in New South Wales, or anywhere, checking the vehicle’s history is probably the one step you should never skip. It doesn’t matter if you’re purchasing from a licensed dealer or a private seller. Understanding a car’s history can help inform your decision. A vehicle history check helps you avoid costly mistakes that could affect your safety, finances, and long-term satisfaction with your purchase. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about checking vehicle history in NSW, from vehicle identification numbers (VIN) to the registration expiry date and odometer readings. Let’s get started!
Why Should You Check a Vehicle’s History?
A vehicle history check provides valuable information that can help you avoid purchasing a used car with hidden issues. Buying a used car without checking its vehicle history may actually expose you to significant risks, including:
- Undisclosed damage: The car might have been involved in an accident and repaired poorly.
- Outstanding finance: You could end up responsible for money owing on the vehicle.
- Written-off status: The car may have been declared a write-off, meaning it was deemed unroadworthy or unsafe.
- Stolen status: The vehicle might be reported as stolen, which can lead to bigger legal issues.
A thorough vehicle history report helps you avoid these problems and decide with confidence.
What Does a Vehicle History Check Include?
A complete vehicle history check can present data from several national databases, offering comprehensive reports. Here are the key components to focus on in a vehicle history report:
1. Registration Details
The registration check will reveal whether the car is currently registered in NSW, along with the registration expiry date. Prioritise this because if a car isn’t properly registered, you may face fines or other legal issues once you hit the road. You can also check the vehicle’s odometer reading to make sure it’s consistent with the registration records.
2. Odometer Readings
As mentioned above, an important part of any vehicle history check is the vehicle’s odometer reading. The odometer shows the number of kilometres the car has traversed. If the reading seems inconsistent with the vehicle’s condition or age, it’s a potential red flag that the odometer might have been tampered with.
3. Written-Off Status
A vehicle history report will determine if the car has ever been written off due to major accidents, damages, or natural disasters. In the event that it’s been declared a write-off, it may be unsafe for driving, even if repairs have been carried out.
4. Outstanding Finance
Before purchasing a second-hand car or a used motor vehicle, it’s important to find out if there is any existing finance on the car. For instance, if money is owing, the finance company has the legal right to repossess the car. A PPSR search (Personal Property Securities Register) will let you know if the vehicle has any financial obligations. But a PPSR certificate can also reveal other important information which makes acquiring one another essential step before purchasing any used vehicle.
5. Stolen Status and PPSR Certificate
A stolen check ensures that the vehicle hasn’t been reported as stolen. Imagine – unknowingly buying a stolen car. You may lose not just the car but your money, too! Here, PPSR certificates are often used to check if a vehicle is stolen.
A PPSR search certificate also provides critical information on the vehicle’s status regarding security interests and, as mentioned earlier, finance owing. This check can be done online through a PPSR search or via a third-party provider.
6. Accident and Damage History
If the car has been involved in an accident, the vehicle history check will reveal whether it suffered significant damage. A reported history of accidents is critical to know, as this could affect the car’s reliability and your safety. In addition, if the vehicle has been in a serious accident, this would also affect its vehicle valuation in the current market. This means that aside from the safety risks, you might also suffer losses when you decide to let go of the car in the future.
7. Previous Owner Details
A vehicle history check will provide information on the previous owner(s), which may include details about how long they owned the car. You can use this information to learn more about the car’s service manual and how well it was maintained.
8. Chassis Number and VIN
The vehicle identification number (VIN) and chassis number help verify the authenticity of the car. These numbers are unique to each vehicle and should match the details provided in the vehicle history report.
10. Vehicle Valuation
When buying a used motor vehicle, it’s important to understand the current market value of the car. A vehicle report may include an estimated valuation based on the car’s information, including its age, model, condition, and any reported damage.
How to Check Vehicle History in NSW
To check a vehicle’s history in NSW, just follow these simple steps:
1. Find the VIN and Chassis Number
Locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number which is usually found on the engine bay or in the car’s documentation (e.g. the car’s service manual).
2. Use an Online Service
There are several services in Australia that provide vehicle history checks. Choose one of the many reputable options online to access several national databases that provide comprehensive data, including the PPSR report and any stolen status information.
3. Obtain the Vehicle Report
After entering the VIN or chassis number, you can request a vehicle report which will include all the key details such as the car’s registration status, accident history, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
4. Review the Information
Once you receive the report, carefully review the details. Look for any red flags or potentially significant information that could impact your decision, such as money owing, outstanding finance, or stolen status.
5. Make an Informed Decision
Now that you have all the information from the vehicle history check, you can confidently proceed with your decision to purchase the vehicle or continue searching for a better option.
Additional Checks to Consider
If you are buying from a private seller, the process of checking the vehicle’s history won’t be too different. However, you must be equally careful, if not more cautious, because private sellers do not always provide the necessary information. To check a vehicle’s history from a private individual, you will still need the VIN or chassis number. And don’t forget to request a vehicle history report directly from a trusted provider to ensure you have access to accurate and up-to-date data.
Aside from performing a vehicle history check, it’s wise to carry out the following other checks before finalising your purchase:
- Registration Check: Confirm the car’s registration status and ensure it matches the details in the history report.
- Inspection: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the car for any potential issues or damage that might not be included in the report.
- Test Drive: Always take the car for a test drive to assess its performance and comfort.
Conclusion
Purchasing a used vehicle can save you money. But if you’re not willing to put in the time and energy to perform the prescribed vehicle history check, the evaluation of odometer readings, registration details, and finance owing, you might end up losing more money. Having a reliable comprehensive report, as well as having expert mechanic’s advice will ensure that your purchase is safe, legal, and free from any unexpected surprises. But more importantly, you’ll be safe driving your “new” used car.