How to Check Your Car's History Before Selling

Before listing your car for sale — or accepting a cash offer — doing a quick history check will save you from legal complications and help you price accurately. Here's everything you should verify before your car changes hands.

1. PPSR Check (Personal Property Securities Register)

A PPSR search allows vehicle owners and buyers to check whether an active finance or security interest is registered against a vehicle's VIN. If a car has outstanding finance, the lender technically holds a claim over the vehicle until paid out. Note that a PPSR check reflects registered records on the system and does not grant or guarantee legal ownership status.

2. Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR)

The WOVR records vehicles that have been declared statutory write-offs or repairable write-offs after heavy collision, hail, or flood damage. Statutory write-offs can never be re-registered anywhere in Australia — they can only be sold for spare parts or scrap metal recycling. Repairable write-offs can be re-registered after structural repairs, identity checks, and passing an ACT roadworthy inspection.

3. ACT Registration Check

Verify your vehicle's current registration status, expiry date, and that the registration is in your name. Discrepancies between registered owner and seller can complicate or delay a sale.

4. Service History

Locate your logbook, service receipts, and any workshop invoices. A documented service history can add to your vehicle's resale value and give buyers confidence.

5. Safety Recalls

Check for open safety recalls. Outstanding safety recalls (such as Takata airbag recalls) should be addressed or disclosed to buyers prior to sale.

A car with a clean history and complete documentation will always command more money — whether sold privately, to a dealer, or to a cash buyer.