The private sale car checklist, step by step
Buying privately can land you a great car at a fair price, as long as you do the checks a dealer would normally handle. Work through this private sale car checklist in order and you’ll know exactly what you’re buying, and who from.
- 1
Sort your budget and finance first
Know your limit before you browse. With finance lined up, you can move quickly when the right car appears.
- 2
Read the ad with a sceptical eye
Be wary of prices well below similar cars, sellers who can’t meet in person and pressure to decide fast.
- 3
Run a PPSR search on the VIN
Check for finance owing, write-offs and stolen status on the official PPSR site before you get attached.
- 4
Check the registration
Use your state’s online rego check to confirm the car is registered and matches the ad.
- 5
Match the paperwork to the seller and the car
The name on the rego papers should match the seller’s photo ID, and the VIN and engine number should match the car.
- 6
Go through the service history
Look for regular servicing in the logbook and receipts, and ask about gaps, accidents or major repairs.
- 7
Inspect and test drive in daylight
Meet at the seller’s home, ideally the address on the rego papers, or a busy public place, and bring a friend.
- 8
Book an independent inspection
Have a qualified mechanic or inspection service check the car before you commit.
- 9
Agree the deal in writing
Confirm the price and what’s included, and prepare a receipt with the VIN, rego, date and both parties’ details.
- 10
Pay safely, then transfer and insure
Run a fresh PPSR search on the day, pay at handover, then transfer the rego and insure the car before you drive off.
What is a PPSR check?
A PPSR check is a search of the Personal Property Securities Register, the official national register that shows whether a security interest is recorded against a car. In plain terms, it flags whether finance may still be owing, and also shows whether the car has been written off or reported stolen.
You search using the VIN or chassis number, not the number plate, and it costs just a few dollars on the official ppsr.gov.au site. You’ll get a search certificate to keep as a record of the result.
| Shows | Doesn’t show |
|---|---|
| Whether a security interest (such as car finance) is recorded | How much is owing |
| Written-off status | Ownership history |
| Stolen status | Odometer readings |
| Vehicle details such as make, model and colour | Outstanding fines |
If the search shows money owing, don’t hand the seller cash. The debt needs to be paid out to their lender as part of the sale, which car finance can often handle for you.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes. For a private sale, an independent inspection is one of the best-value checks you can buy. When you buy privately you generally miss out on the statutory warranty and cooling-off period that can apply at a licensed dealer, so problems found later are usually yours to fix.
A thorough inspection should cover:
- Engine, transmission and cooling system
- Brakes, steering and suspension
- Rust, accident repairs and panel fit
- Tyres, lights and electrics
- Signs of flood or water damage
- Battery health, for a hybrid or electric car
Some states also require a safety or roadworthy certificate when a registered car changes hands; Queensland, for example, expects a current safety certificate. A certificate covers basic safety items only, so it isn’t a substitute for a full inspection.
How to avoid car buying scams
The golden rule: never pay a deposit to someone you haven’t met for a car you haven’t seen. Scamwatch advises inspecting big-ticket items in person before you hand over any money.
Red flags to watch for:
- A price that’s well below similar cars
- A seller who’s overseas, “away for work” or can’t meet in person
- A request for a deposit to “hold” the car before you’ve seen it
- Payment by money order, pre-loaded card or several different PayIDs or accounts
- A bank account name that doesn’t match the seller
- Paperwork that doesn’t match the car, or a seller who won’t show ID
- Pressure to decide today
What paperwork do I need for a private car sale?
You’ll want proof of who the seller is, proof of what the car is and a written record of the deal. After that, the registration needs to be transferred into your name within your state’s deadline.
- The seller’s photo ID, matching the name on the rego papers
- Current registration papers
- Service logbook and receipts
- A PPSR certificate from the day of purchase
- A safety or roadworthy certificate, if your state requires one
- A signed receipt with the date, price, VIN, rego number, odometer reading and both names
| Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|
| Lodges a notice of disposal (or sale) with the state transport agency | Transfers the registration and pays any motor vehicle duty |
| Provides any required safety or roadworthy certificate | Arranges insurance before driving away |
| Hands over keys, manuals and service records | Keeps the receipt and PPSR certificate somewhere safe |
Deadlines vary by state. In Queensland, for example, the transfer must be done within 14 days of getting the car, so check your state transport agency’s website for forms and fees.
How do I pay a private seller with a car loan?
With a private sale car loan, the lender usually pays the seller directly once its checks are done. That keeps your money safe, and any finance owing on the car can be cleared as part of the deal.
- 1
Enquire and get approved
Tell us about the car you’re after. We search our panel of 60+ lenders for a loan that fits your budget.
- 2
Send us the car details
Share the VIN, rego, price and seller details, plus the inspection report if you have one.
- 3
The lender checks the car
Lenders typically run their own PPSR search and confirm the vehicle and seller details before releasing funds.
- 4
Existing finance is paid out
If the seller still owes money on the car, the lender can usually pay their financier first and the balance to the seller.
- 5
The seller is paid
Funds go straight to the seller’s verified account. Depending on the lender, settlement can happen quickly, sometimes within 24 hours of approval.
- 6
Collect your keys
Sign the receipt, grab the keys and paperwork, and enjoy the drive home.
Our used car finance page explains how loans for second-hand cars work. You can also test different amounts and terms in our loan repayment calculator.
What you’ll need
- Driver licence, for the test drive and ID
- The car’s VIN, from the ad, the seller or the compliance plate
- A PPSR certificate from the day of purchase
- The seller’s rego papers and photo ID
- Service logbook and receipts
- An independent inspection report
- A signed receipt showing the VIN, price, date and both names
- Insurance arranged before you drive away
Who it usually suits
- Aged 18 or over with steady, provable income
- Australian citizen or permanent resident (some lenders consider visa holders)
- A car within the lender’s age and condition limits
- Clear title, with any seller finance paid out at settlement
- A credit history lenders can assess; less-than-perfect credit is considered case by case
