Thinking about buying a second-hand car? A PPSR search is the first thing you should do. It’s a simple way to find out if the car has money owing, has been written off, or even stolen. Don’t risk buying a lemon. A quick PPSR check can save you thousands.
What Is a PPSR Search?
A PPSR search stands for Personal Property Securities Register search. It tells you if a car has a security interest, which means the car might still be under finance. If you buy it and the previous owner didn’t pay their debt, you could lose the car.
The search uses the car’s VIN number. A VIN Check from a trusted site like VinVerify lets you do this in seconds.
You can also do a search directly at the PPSR government website.
Why PPSR Search is Important?
A PPSR search tells you a lot about a used car. It can help you avoid cars that have:
- Hidden debt
- Been written off
- Been stolen
- Incorrect info in ads
If a car has hidden debt, the lender can repossess it—even if you already bought it! That’s why it’s so important to check. Learn more about car hidden debt here.
What You Need for a PPSR Search
To do a PPSR search, all you need is:
- The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – 17 characters long
- A few dollars for the check
The VIN can be found on the car’s registration papers, the engine bay, or near the windscreen.
Use the VIN to run a check at VinVerify or the PPSR site. You’ll get a full report in minutes.
What Does a PPSR Report Show?
After your PPSR search, you’ll get a report that includes:
- If the car is under finance
- If the car has been written off
- If the car is stolen
- The car’s registration details
- The build and compliance date
Make sure you understand the result. A car marked as “written off” could mean it had a big accident or flood damage. Read more about written-off car codes on the PPSR government page.
How to Read PPSR Codes
Some results use short codes. These might be confusing, but they matter a lot.
- WOVR – Written-Off Vehicle Register
- REPAIRABLE WRITE-OFF – Can be fixed and used again
- STATUTORY WRITE-OFF – Too damaged to drive, only good for parts
If you see any of these in your report, think twice before buying. It might be cheaper, but it may cost more in the long run.
Where to Do a PPSR Search
There are a few easy places to do a PPSR search in Australia:
- PPSR official site
- VinVerify.com.au
- PPSRChecks.com.au
These websites are fast, trusted, and give you a full report in minutes.
Final Tips Before You Buy
- Always do a PPSR search before paying for a used car
- Double-check the VIN number
- Look for any hidden debt or write-off history
- Ask the seller questions about the report
If anything feels off, walk away. There are plenty of safe cars out there.
Start Your PPSR Search Today
Don’t take risks when buying a used car. A quick PPSR search can save you from stress and money loss. Use the VIN number and check before you buy. Whether you’re buying from a dealer or a private seller, doing a PPSR search is the smart move.
Start now with a VIN Check or go straight to the PPSR site.