Thinking about buying a second-hand car in Victoria? Whether it’s from a private seller or an online platform like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, knowing the car’s history can save you from a lot of trouble down the road. One of the most important steps is checking the car’s ownership history — because the last thing you want is to end up with a vehicle that has unpaid fines, hidden damage, or worse, has been written off or stolen.
Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to check a car’s ownership and history in Victoria before you commit to buying.
Why Car Ownership History Matters
Let’s say you’ve found a great deal on a used Toyota Corolla. It looks clean, the seller seems nice, and the price is right. But if you don’t check the car’s background, you might miss a few red flags — like if it’s still under finance, has had five previous owners in just two years, or was written off after a major accident.
A quick ownership history check can reveal:
- How many owners the car has had
- Whether it has ever been stolen
- If it’s under a loan (encumbered)
- If it’s ever been written off
- Past registration details
- Odometer tampering signs
Step 1: Get the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The VIN is a 17-character code unique to every car — kind of like its fingerprint. You’ll find it:
- On the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windscreen)
- On the compliance plate (usually under the bonnet or on the door frame)
- On the car’s registration papers or service logbook
Always check that the VIN on the car matches the paperwork. If something doesn’t line up, that’s a red flag.
Step 2: Use the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register)
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to check car ownership and history in Victoria is through the PPSR.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the official website: www.ppsr.gov.au
- Select the “Search for a vehicle” option.
- Enter the car’s VIN.
- Pay a small fee (usually $2).
- Download the official PPSR Certificate.
What the PPSR report shows:
- If the vehicle is under finance (encumbered)
- If it’s listed as stolen
- If it has been written off
- Basic ownership history (such as how often it’s changed hands)
It won’t tell you the names of past owners due to privacy laws, but it will give you enough to assess the car’s background.
Step 3: Check with VicRoads
VicRoads provides a free registration check service, which can also give you a snapshot of the car’s current legal status.
To check:
- Visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
- Go to “Check vehicle registration status.”
- Enter the registration number or VIN.
This check will tell you:
- Current registration status
- Expiry date
- Vehicle details (make, model, year)
- Engine number
- Whether it’s recorded as stolen
It’s a great first step, especially if you want to make sure the car isn’t currently deregistered or listed as stolen.
Step 4: Look for a Service History and Logbook
Ask the seller if they have the vehicle’s logbook and service records. A well-kept logbook that shows regular servicing can tell you a lot about how the car was treated by its previous owners.
Bonus Tip: If the logbook shows services from different locations around the country in a short time, it might mean the car’s had many owners or has been passed around — something to be cautious about.
Step 5: Ask the Right Questions
When inspecting the car, don’t be afraid to ask:
- How long have you owned the car?
- Why are you selling it?
- Was the car ever in an accident?
- Do you have any receipts for major repairs or parts?
If the seller gets defensive or avoids the questions, take that as a warning.
Real-Life Example
One of our customers, Ben, bought a used SUV from a private seller in Dandenong. It looked clean and had a new rego sticker. But after doing a PPSR check, he found out the vehicle still had finance owing on it. Had he gone ahead with the purchase, he could have ended up with a repossessed vehicle — and no refund.
Final Advice
Always do your homework before buying a used car in Victoria. It might take 10–15 minutes and a couple of dollars, but it can protect you from scams, losses, and major headaches.
If a seller refuses to give you the VIN or dodges questions about the car’s history — walk away. There are plenty of honest sellers out there who’ll be upfront.
Thinking of Selling Instead?
If you’re on the other side and considering selling your car quickly and safely, we offer fast cash for cars in Victoria — including old, damaged, and unwanted vehicles. No paperwork stress, no waiting — just a fair quote and free same-day removal.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a no-obligation quote!
If you are in Reservoir, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Bundoora Cash For Cars
13 Nickson St, Bundoora VIC 3083