PPSR Check Brisbane: How to Check a Car Before You Buy

The Essential Check You Can't Skip

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.

What is a PPSR Check?

PPSR stands for Personal Property Securities Register. It's the official government database that reveals:

• Finance owing – Is there a loan secured against the vehicle?
• Write-off status – Has the car been written off (statutory or repairable)?
• Stolen vehicle – Is it reported as stolen?
• VIN verification – Does the VIN match across all records?

You might also hear it called a "REVS check"—same thing, older name.

Why This Matters in SEQ

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.

How to Run a PPSR Check

Step 1: Find the VIN

The Vehicle Identification Number is a unique 17-character code. You'll find it:

• On the compliance plate (driver's door jamb)
• Bottom corner of the windscreen
• In the registration papers
• Engine bay (usually on a metal plate)

Important: If a seller can't or won't show you the VIN, walk away immediately.

Step 2: Visit the Official Site

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.

Step 3: Interpret the Results

What you want to see:

• "No current registrations" = No money owing
• Not reported stolen
• No write-off record

Red flags:

• Any current security registration = Someone has a financial interest
• Written-off notation = Damaged history
• VIN mismatch = Potential fraud

Understanding Different Results

"Current Registration Found"

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:

1. Ask the seller for proof of payout from their lender
2. Request the lender's settlement letter
3. Consider paying the lender directly at settlement
4. Or simply find another car—there are plenty

Write-Off Categories

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.

VIN Discrepancies

If the VIN in your search doesn't match the physical car, stop everything. This could indicate:

• A stolen vehicle
• A "cut and shut" (two wrecked cars welded together)
• Identity fraud
• Registration tampering

Don't proceed without professional verification.

When to Run the Check

Timing matters:

1. Before you travel to inspect – If there's a problem, you've saved yourself a trip
2. Before paying any deposit – Never pay without a clean PPSR
3. Immediately before final payment – Things can change; run a fresh check

Beyond PPSR: The Complete Due Diligence

A PPSR check is essential but not sufficient. Here's the full picture:

Service History Verification

Ask for the logbook. Better yet, call the servicing dealer to confirm records match what you've been told.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

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.

Registration Status

Check with TMR (Queensland Transport and Main Roads) that:

• Registration is current
• No defect notices exist
• The recorded details match the vehicle

Buying Scenarios in SEQ

Private Sales (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree)

Higher risk, but often better prices. PPSR is absolutely non-negotiable here. No dealer protection, no warranty, no recourse.

Dealership Purchases

Lower risk, but not zero risk. Reputable dealers should provide PPSR confirmation, but verify independently anyway. It's your money.

Online and Interstate Purchases

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.

The $2 Investment

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.

How We Handle PPSR at SEQ Car Brokers

Every vehicle we recommend has been PPSR-checked. It's non-negotiable in our process.

We also:

• Verify service history with original servicing dealers
• Arrange independent mechanical inspections
• Confirm VIN matches across all documentation
• Check registration status before recommendation

When you buy through us, due diligence isn't an extra—it's built in.

Your PPSR Checklist

Before buying any used car in Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast:

• Obtained the VIN before inspection
• Run PPSR check at ppsr.gov.au (~$2)
• Confirmed no finance owing
• Verified not written off
• Matched VIN to physical vehicle
• Run fresh check before settlement
• Saved PPSR certificate for records

Ready to Buy Safely?

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.