Finance owing · Stolen · Written-off
PPSR check for used cars
Before you pay for a used car, check it is not under finance, reported stolen or written off. A PPSR check answers all three from the rego or VIN.
What a PPSR check tells you
- Finance owing — any security interest a lender has registered against the car.
- Stolen — whether the car is recorded as stolen.
- Written off — whether it has been recorded as a written-off vehicle.
When to run it
As close to paying as you can, and again if the sale is delayed: a security interest can be registered at any time. Check that the VIN on the report matches the car in front of you.
PPSR check FAQs
What is a PPSR check?
A search of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), the national government register where lenders record security interests such as car finance. A vehicle PPSR search also returns stolen and written-off records.
Why run a PPSR check before buying a used car?
If a lender has a security interest registered against the car, it may be able to repossess it from you, even after you have paid the seller. A check before you pay tells you whether the car is clear.
What do I need to run one?
The car’s rego and state, or its VIN.
What is in a Cars61 vehicle report?
An official MotorWeb Australia report: PPSR finance, stolen and written-off checks, a market valuation and the car’s marketplace listing history. Packages and prices are shown before you pay.
Does a PPSR check replace a roadworthy or mechanical inspection?
No. A PPSR check covers the car’s legal and financial history, not its condition. Have the car inspected as well.