The RegoLens reading room
Buyer guides for a clearer decision
Understand the check, read the result and know what to ask before you buy.
Understand the records
PPSR, REVS and the limits of a vehicle history search.
What does a PPSR car check tell you?
A PPSR search answers a specific question: is a security interest registered against the vehicle identifier you searched?
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEREVS check: how it relates to a PPSR search
REVS is the older name many buyers still use. The current national register for the security-interest search is the PPSR.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEHow to read your PPSR search certificate
Read the identifier first, then the search time, then each finding. A green summary is not a substitute for reading the original certificate.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEWhat a stolen-vehicle record can tell you
Check the recorded stolen status, but also check the car’s identity. Records and physical identification work together.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEStatutory or repairable write-off?
A write-off classification is a reason to investigate the vehicle and its registration eligibility before making an offer.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEWhy some vehicle report information is unavailable
Unavailable means that section did not provide a usable finding. It must not be read as “nothing happened”.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDECar owner history check: what can a buyer find out?
Check that the seller is entitled to sell the car. An online vehicle report is not a public list of previous owners.
Read the guideCheck the car
Registration, VINs, mileage, service records and recalls.
Free rego check: official links for every state
Use the state or territory shown on the plate. Start with the official registration enquiry, then decide which other checks you need.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEFree car history check: what can you check for free?
There are useful free checks, but they answer different questions. Build your checks around the information you need, rather than the word “free”.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEWhere to find and check a car’s VIN
The most useful check starts with the right number. Copy the VIN from the vehicle, then compare it with the documents.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEA rego check and a history check answer different questions
A current registration is useful information. It does not, by itself, establish that a vehicle has no recorded finance or write-off concerns.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEOdometer check: how to review a used car’s mileage
A low number on the dashboard needs supporting evidence. Compare dated readings and investigate anything that does not fit.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDECar service history check: documents worth asking for
Service history is evidence of particular work at particular times. Read the records together instead of relying only on a stamped book.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDECar recall check: use the VIN and manufacturer
A recall check asks whether the car needs specified safety work. Confirm the exact vehicle and whether that work has been completed.
Read the guideBuy with confidence
Practical checks for the inspection, seller and purchase.
A practical checklist for buying a car privately
Work through the checks before the money changes hands. A private sale needs more than a convincing advertisement.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEUsed car inspection checklist: what to review
Use the inspection to collect evidence and questions. A readable history report is useful, but the actual car still needs attention.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEUsed car scams: checks before you send money
A real car and a real-looking advertisement do not prove that the person requesting payment is entitled to sell it.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEBuying a used car with recorded finance
If a security interest appears, pause the purchase and resolve what it means before paying the seller.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEBuying from a dealer or a private seller
First establish who is selling the vehicle. An online advertisement can come from either a dealer or a private seller.
Read the guide BUYER GUIDEWhen should you run a PPSR check?
Use a current search when making the final purchase decision. An earlier certificate remains a record of the earlier search.
Read the guide