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Don't risk buying a car with hidden debt or a dodgy history. Here's your complete guide to running a PPSR check in South East Queensland.
Buying a used car in Brisbane, Gold Coast, or the Sunshine Coast? There's one simple check that could save you from financial disaster. It costs about $2 and takes five minutes—but skipping it could cost you tens of thousands.
PPSR stands for Personal Property Securities Register. It's the official government database that reveals:
You might also hear it called a "REVS check"—same thing, older name.
The used car market in South East Queensland is massive. Thousands of vehicles change hands every week—through dealerships, private sales, and online platforms. Most transactions go smoothly. But we've seen what happens when they don't.
Real scenario: A young professional in Fortitude Valley bought a beautiful 3-year-old Audi for $45,000. Great price, friendly seller, car looked immaculate. Three months later, a finance company repossessed it. The previous owner had owed $38,000 on it. No PPSR check was done.
The new owner lost the car AND the $45,000. That's how security interests work—the debt follows the vehicle, not the person.
The Vehicle Identification Number is a unique 17-character code. You'll find it:
Important: If a seller can't or won't show you the VIN, walk away immediately.
Go to ppsr.gov.au and select "Search the Register."
Cost: Approximately $2 per search
Warning: Avoid third-party sites charging more. The official government site is the only authoritative source.
What you want to see:
Red flags:
This means a finance company, leasing company, or other entity has a security interest in the vehicle. They can legally repossess it—even from you.
What to do:
Statutory write-off: The car was so severely damaged it can never be re-registered for road use in Australia. Never buy one thinking you'll "fix it up."
Repairable write-off: The car can be re-registered after approved repairs and inspection. These can be okay purchases, but proceed with extreme caution. Get a thorough independent inspection and understand the car's full history.
If the VIN in your search doesn't match the physical car, stop everything. This could indicate:
Don't proceed without professional verification.
Timing matters:
A PPSR check is essential but not sufficient. Here's the full picture:
Ask for the logbook. Better yet, call the servicing dealer to confirm records match what you've been told.
For any vehicle over $10,000, spend $200-$350 on a professional inspection. RACQ offers this service across SEQ. It's cheap insurance against expensive surprises.
Check with TMR (Queensland Transport and Main Roads) that:
Higher risk, but often better prices. PPSR is absolutely non-negotiable here. No dealer protection, no warranty, no recourse.
Lower risk, but not zero risk. Reputable dealers should provide PPSR confirmation, but verify independently anyway. It's your money.
If buying from Sydney or Melbourne for delivery to SEQ, the PPSR check is still valid—it's a national database. Check before you commit and again before final payment.
Look, Brisbane moves fast. When you find the right car at the right price, you want to move quickly. But rushing past the PPSR check is never worth it.
Five minutes. Two dollars. Complete peace of mind.
That's the trade-off. Don't skip it.
Every vehicle we recommend has been PPSR-checked. It's non-negotiable in our process.
We also:
When you buy through us, due diligence isn't an extra—it's built in.
Before buying any used car in Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast:
Whether you're searching privately or want us to handle the process, we're here to help SEQ buyers make smart decisions.
Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about what you're looking for. We'll make sure you're protected every step of the way.
Your friendly local car brokers serving Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. We help everyday Queenslanders buy, sell, and finance vehicles without the stress.
Whether you need help buying, selling, or financing a car, our friendly team is ready to assist. Drop us a message and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
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