How to Check a Used Car’s History Before You Buy

3. Considering a Comprehensive Car History Report

What is a Car History Report? While a PPSR check is a crucial first step, comprehensive car history reports offer a more detailed and extensive overview of a used vehicle’s past. These reports compile data from various sources to provide a richer picture than a basic PPSR check alone. Several reputable providers operate in Australia, including:

• CarHistory (https://www.carhistory.com.au/)
• AutoCheck (https://www.autocheck.com/au/)
• Carify (https://carify.com.au/)

What Information Do They Provide? These comprehensive reports typically include a wider range of checks and information, such as:

• PPSR Check: Includes the information covered in a standard PPSR search (finance, stolen status, written-off status).
• Written-Off Status: Often provides more detailed information on the type and severity of any write-off history.
• Stolen Status: Confirms if the vehicle has been reported stolen across Australia.
• Odometer Readings: Records of past odometer readings, which can help identify potential odometer tampering.
• Accident History: Information on reported accidents, including the severity if available.
• Registration Details: History of the vehicle’s registration, including past states/territories.
• Sales History: Records of previous sales and ownership transfers.
• ANCAP Safety Ratings: The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating for that specific vehicle model and year.
• Possible Flood or Hail Damage: Some reports may indicate if the vehicle has been flagged as potentially flood or hail damaged.

This comprehensive overview provides significant value by offering a more complete understanding of the vehicle’s history beyond the core financial and legal checks of the PPSR.

When is a Car History Report Recommended? While a PPSR check is always advisable, a full car history report is particularly recommended in the following situations:

• Higher-Value Vehicles: For more expensive used cars, the extra investment in a detailed history report is often worthwhile to mitigate potential risks.
• Buying from a Private Seller: When dealing with a private seller, you may have less recourse if issues arise later, making a comprehensive history check even more crucial.
• For Added Peace of Mind: Even for more affordable vehicles or when buying from a dealer, a car history report can provide an extra layer of security and confidence in your purchase.

4. Checking the Vehicle’s Registration

Verifying the car’s registration is current and matches the vehicle’s details is another important step. An expired registration means the car cannot be legally driven on public roads.

How to Verify Registration: You can usually check the registration status online through the relevant state or territory’s transport authority website. Here are some examples of the official websites:

• New South Wales (NSW): Service NSW (https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/)
• Victoria (VIC): VicRoads (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/)
• Queensland (QLD): Queensland Transport and Main Roads (https://www.qld.gov.au/transport)
• Western Australia (WA): Department of Transport WA (https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/)
• South Australia (SA): mySA GOV (https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-driving)
• Tasmania (TAS): Transport Tasmania (https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/)
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Access Canberra (https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/)
• Northern Territory (NT): Northern Territory Government – Transport and Infrastructure (https://nt.gov.au/driving)

(Note: Please ensure these are the correct and current websites for each state/territory.)

On these websites, you will typically be able to enter the vehicle’s registration plate number to check its current status.

Checking for Outstanding Issues: While checking the registration status, also be mindful of any potential issues linked to the registration, such as:

• Suspension or Cancellation: The registration might be suspended or cancelled for various reasons.
• Outstanding Payments: There might be unpaid registration fees or other penalties associated with the vehicle.

5. Inspecting the Service History and Logbook

The service history and logbook provide valuable insight into how well the used car has been maintained throughout its life.

Importance of the Service Logbook: Always ask the seller to provide the service logbook and carefully review it.

What to Look For: When examining the service logbook, pay attention to:

• Regular Servicing: Check if the vehicle has been serviced at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
• Timely Completion: Ensure that services were carried out on time, as delays in servicing can sometimes lead to other issues.
• Reputable Mechanics: Look for stamps or details indicating that the services were performed by reputable or certified mechanics.
• Details of Work Done: Note the types of services performed at each interval. Major repairs or replacements should be documented.

Gaps as Potential Red Flags: Any significant gaps in the service history should be considered potential red flags. A lack of regular servicing can indicate that the vehicle hasn’t been well-maintained, which could lead to mechanical problems down the line. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller about any missing service records.

6. Verifying the Odometer Reading

The odometer reading indicates the total distance the vehicle has travelled and should be consistent with its age and documented service history.

Checking for Consistency: Consider the following when evaluating the odometer reading:

• Average Kilometres per Year: A typical passenger vehicle in Australia travels around 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres per year. A significantly lower or higher reading than expected for the car’s age warrants closer inspection.
• Service History Correlation: Cross-reference the odometer readings in the service logbook with the current reading. Any sudden jumps or inconsistencies could suggest tampering.

Signs of Odometer Tampering: Be vigilant for physical signs that the odometer might have been tampered with:

• Misaligned Numbers: If the numbers on a mechanical odometer are not perfectly aligned.
• Scratches or Damage to the Instrument Cluster: Look for any signs that the dashboard or instrument cluster has been opened or tampered with. Loose screws or damage to the surrounding plastic can be indicators.
• Missing or Loose Fasteners: Check if any screws or fasteners around the instrument cluster appear to be missing or loose.

Odometer Checks in History Reports: Many comprehensive car history reports include checks of recorded odometer readings from various sources, such as registration records and service history databases. This can provide an additional layer of verification.

7. The Importance of a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)

While history checks provide valuable insights into a car’s past, they don’t reveal its current mechanical condition. This is where a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) by an independent mechanic becomes crucial.

What a PPI Involves: A qualified mechanic will thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s:

• Engine and Transmission: Checking for leaks, unusual noises, and overall functionality.
• Brakes and Suspension: Assessing their condition and identifying any potential issues.
• Steering and Handling: Evaluating the responsiveness and identifying any problems.
• Tyres and Wheels: Checking tread depth and condition.
• Bodywork and Paint: Looking for signs of accident damage or rust that might not be evident in a history report.
• Electrical System: Testing lights, battery, and other electrical components.

Cost-Effectiveness of a PPI: The small cost of a PPI (typically a few hundred dollars) is a worthwhile investment that can potentially save you thousands of dollars in future repair bills by uncovering hidden mechanical issues or accident damage that a history report alone won’t reveal.

8. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Beyond the specific checks mentioned above, be alert for these general warning signs during your interactions with the seller and your inspection of the vehicle:

• Reluctant Seller: A seller who is hesitant to provide the VIN, service history, or allow a pre-purchase inspection is a major red flag.
• Missing Paperwork: Be suspicious if the seller cannot provide the necessary documents, such as the registration papers or a Roadworthy Certificate (where required).
• Significantly Lower Price: A price that is substantially lower than comparable vehicles in the market could indicate underlying problems or a potential scam.
• Damage That Doesn’t Match the Story: If the seller’s explanation for damage doesn’t align with what you observe on the vehicle or what’s reported in a history check, be cautious.
• Seller Pressuring for a Quick Sale: A seller who insists on an immediate decision without allowing you time for thorough checks might be trying to hide something.
• Unusual Payment Requests: As mentioned earlier, be wary of requests for unusual payment methods.
• Seller Not the Registered Owner: If the person selling the car is not the registered owner and cannot provide a clear explanation and supporting documentation, proceed with extreme caution.

Conclusion

Ultimately, purchasing a used car in Australia successfully hinges on a comprehensive approach that combines the insights gained from a thorough history check with a meticulous physical inspection. By taking the time to investigate a vehicle’s past for potential issues like outstanding finance, accident history, or write-off status, and then complementing this with a hands-on assessment of its current mechanical and physical condition, buyers can significantly mitigate risks. Remember to resist any pressure to rush the decision-making process, as a little due diligence upfront can save you considerable money, time, and unnecessary headaches in the long run, leading to a much more confident and satisfying purchase.

Drive Away with Confidence from Alpha Autos

At Alpha Autos, we understand that buying a used car is a significant decision, and we’re committed to providing you with “Seriously Good Used Cars” and the peace of mind you deserve. We encourage all our prospective buyers to take their time, ask questions, and conduct their own due diligence, just as outlined above. While we ensure the quality of our vehicles, we believe in empowering you with transparency and the information you need to make a confident choice. Visit Alpha Autos today and experience a straightforward and trustworthy way to find your next used car.