Thinking about buying a car? Good on ya!
Getting a car from used car market can be a real bargain. This can also be a real headache if you don't do your homework first.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is by doing a VIN check before you hand over your hard-earned cash.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about VIN checks in simple, no-fuss Aussie English.
Let’s jump right in!
Before we start, you might be wondering: What even is a VIN?
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number.
It’s a special 17-digit code that is unique to every car — like a fingerprint for your wheels.
You’ll usually find the VIN:
On the dashboard near the windscreen
Inside the driver’s door
Or on your car’s registration papers
When you do a VIN check, you use this number to uncover all sorts of juicy information about the car’s history.
Buying a used car is a bit like going fishing — sometimes you catch a beauty, and sometimes you pull up an old boot!
As explained here The Importance of VIN Check in Buying a Used Car, a VIN check helps you spot the "old boots" before you buy them.
With a proper VIN check, you can find out if:
The car has been in a crash
The car was stolen
There’s still money owing on the car (this is a BIG one)
The car was written off and patched up
The odometer has been messed with
There’s flood or hail damage
Would you hand over thousands of dollars without knowing this stuff?
No way, mate!
When you get your VIN check report, what should you actually be looking for?
According to this helpful guide What to Look for in a VIN Check Report, keep your eyes peeled for:
Is the car listed as stolen?
If yes — run, don’t walk!
Is there a loan still hanging over the car?
If yes, you could lose the car later even if you pay the seller.
You can do a simple Revs check to find this out 👉 Revs check.
Has the car been damaged badly and written off?
Even if it’s been repaired, a written-off car can have sneaky problems hiding under the bonnet.
Has the car been bouncing around different states?
It could mean a dodgy past.
Cars that have been underwater can have serious mechanical problems — and insurance companies often won’t touch them.
Doing a VIN check online is easy as.
No mucking around with phone calls or driving across town.
As shared here Benefits of Using an Online VIN Check Service:
It’s quick — you can check a car’s history while sitting on the couch with a cuppa
It’s affordable — costs about the same as a meat pie and a Coke
It’s super handy — you get a full report sent straight to your email
A few bucks now could save you from a total disaster later!
If you’re keen to check out a car properly, don’t just Google and hope for the best.
Go with trusted places like:
VIN check Qld — great for Queenslanders!
Revs check — perfect for checking finance status.
PPSR $2 Check — Australia-wide vehicle history check.
These services plug straight into government databases and give you reliable info.
Here’s the easiest way to get your VIN check sorted:
Look at the dashboard or door frame.
Double-check it against the rego papers.
Try VIN check Qld or PPSR check.
Type it in carefully
Triple-check the numbers!
Usually under $10.
Look for any red flags like "stolen," "finance owing," or "written-off."
If everything checks out, beauty! If not, maybe find a different car, mate.
Some sellers patch up cars that have been written off — but they’re not as safe as you’d think.
A VIN check shows the truth.
Imagine paying for a car, then getting a call from the bank saying, "Oi, that’s ours!"
Avoid this nightmare with a quick REVS check.
Some crooks wind back the clock to make cars look newer.
VIN reports often show old odometer readings.
Cars that have been swimming don’t age well.
A VIN check can reveal water damage claims.
Here’s some true blue examples:
A bloke nearly bought a cheap ute that looked mint.
A VIN check showed it had been written off after a crash!
Luckily he checked before buying.
A young couple found their dream SUV at a bargain price.
A quick REVS check revealed $18,000 still owing!
They dodged a massive bullet.
A mum in QLD found a sweet little hatchback.
Something didn’t feel right, so she did a VIN check.
Turns out it had been flooded in the Brisbane storms!
Always do a VIN check.
It’s non-negotiable.
Check the car’s service history.
Good owners keep good records.
Get a mechanic to inspect it.
Even if the VIN check is clear, you want expert eyes on it.
Trust your gut.
If something feels off, it probably is.
Buying a used car can be exciting — but it can also be risky if you don’t do your homework.
A VIN check is your best mate in spotting the hidden nasties:
Dodgy finance
Past accidents
Stolen vehicles
Flood and hail damage
For the cost of a few meat pies, you get massive peace of mind.
Before you even think about handing over your cash, make sure you do a:
Revs Check Qld for Queensland
Happy car hunting, mate — and may your next set of wheels be a real ripper!