Quick Answer: PPSR Check Essentials
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Government database check for money owing, write-offs, stolen status |
| Cost | ~$2 per search at ppsr.gov.au |
| Time | 5 minutes online |
| When to run | Before inspecting, before paying deposit, before final payment |
| What you want | "No current registrations" = no money owing |
| Red flags | Current registration (finance), written-off, VIN mismatch |
Why essential: If you buy a car with $20,000 finance owing, the lender can legally repossess YOUR car—even though you paid cash. The seller's debt becomes your problem.
Buying a used car in Central Queensland? Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, there's one check you absolutely cannot skip. It costs about two bucks and could save you tens of thousands.
CQ quick take
In Central Queensland (CQ), private sales are common - and PPSR is your cheapest insurance policy. Run it before you travel, before you pay a deposit, and before final payment.
- If you want us to run checks and inspections before you commit, talk to a Central Queensland car broker.
- Buying from Brisbane or interstate? We can manage the whole purchase here: Buy a car.
What is a PPSR Check?
PPSR stands for Personal Property Securities Register. It's the government database that shows:
- If there's money owing on a vehicle (finance, lease, secured loan)
- If the car has been written off (statutory or repairable)
- If the vehicle is stolen
- If the VIN matches the registration
You might also hear it called a "REVS check"—that's the old name. Same thing, different branding.
Why This Matters in CQ
Central Queensland has a unique used car market. Lots of vehicles change hands privately—from mine workers upgrading, farmers selling utes, or families moving on from their SUV.
The risk? When you buy privately, you're dealing direct. There's no dealer backing. If you buy a car with $20,000 owing on it, that debt doesn't disappear. The finance company can legally repossess YOUR car—even though you paid cash for it.
We've seen it happen. Bloke in Mackay bought a HiLux for $35,000 cash. Six weeks later, finance company turned up and took it. No PPSR check, no protection.
How to Run a PPSR Check
Step 1: Get the VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number is a 17-character code unique to every car. Find it:
- On the compliance plate (usually in the door jamb)
- On the windscreen (bottom corner)
- In the registration papers
- On the engine bay
Never buy a car where the seller can't show you the VIN.
Step 2: Go to the Official Website
Visit ppsr.gov.au and select "Search the Register."
Cost: Around $2 per search
Warning: Only use the official government site. Private sites charge more and may not be legitimate.
Step 3: Enter the Details
You can search by:
- VIN (most accurate)
- Registration number and state
- Chassis number
Step 4: Read the Results
What you want to see:
- "No current registrations" = No money owing
- Vehicle not reported stolen
- Not a write-off
Red flags:
- Any current registrations = Someone has a financial interest
- Written-off notation
- VIN doesn't match what's on the car
Understanding PPSR Results
"Current Registration Found"
This means there's a security interest registered against the vehicle. Someone (usually a finance company) has a legal claim.
What to do:
- Ask the seller for proof the loan will be paid out at sale
- Request a letter of settlement from their lender
- Consider paying the lender directly instead of the seller
- Or walk away—there are other cars
"Written-Off Vehicle"
Queensland has two types:
Statutory write-off: Vehicle was so badly damaged it can NEVER be re-registered. Don't buy it for road use.
Repairable write-off: Can be re-registered after repairs and inspection. Proceed carefully—get a thorough independent inspection.
VIN Mismatch
If the VIN on your search doesn't match the physical vehicle, stop immediately. This could indicate:
- Stolen vehicle
- Identity swap (cut-and-shut)
- Dodgy registration
- Clerical error (rare)
Don't proceed without professional verification.
When to Run the Check
Best timing:
- Before you travel to inspect (saves a wasted trip)
- Before you pay any deposit
- Immediately before final payment
The results are current at the time of search. A lot can change in a week—run a fresh check before settlement.
Beyond PPSR: Other Checks for CQ Buyers
Service History
Ask for the logbook and verify services actually happened. Call the servicing dealer if in doubt.
Independent Inspection
Especially important for high-value vehicles or anything with significant km. Costs $200-$350 and worth every cent.
Registration Check
TMR (Transport and Main Roads) can confirm:
- Registration is current
- No defect notices
- Vehicle details match
Previous Owners
Multiple owners in a short time? Could indicate problems people keep discovering.
Common CQ Buying Situations
Buying from Mine Workers
Many mine workers sell quality vehicles when rotating out or upgrading. Generally well-maintained but do your checks. Watch for:
- Finance still owing from salary sacrifice arrangements
- High km but mostly highway (usually fine)
- Vehicles that have sat unused between swings
Buying from Properties
Farmers and station owners often sell good honest utes and 4WDs. Consider:
- They may have done their own servicing (harder to verify)
- Rural vehicles work hard—inspect thoroughly
- Often negotiable if you're a local
Buying from Interstate
If you're buying from Brisbane or down south:
- PPSR is national—covers all states
- Different state registration doesn't affect your check
- You'll need to transfer to QLD rego anyway
What We Do Differently
At CQ Car Brokers, we run PPSR checks on every vehicle before we recommend it. It's non-negotiable.
We also:
- Verify service history directly with servicing dealers
- Arrange independent inspections
- Check registration status
- Confirm VIN matches across all documents and the physical vehicle
When you buy through us, you know the vehicle is clean. No surprises six weeks later.
Quick PPSR Checklist
Before buying any used car in CQ:
- Get the VIN before you travel
- Run PPSR check at ppsr.gov.au (~$2)
- Verify no money owing
- Confirm not written off
- Check VIN matches physical vehicle
- Run fresh check before final payment
- Keep the PPSR certificate for your records
The Two-Dollar Insurance
Look, we get it. In CQ, a lot of deals happen on a handshake. Your mate's mate is selling a ute, seems like a good bloke, price is fair. Easy to skip the paperwork.
Don't.
Two dollars and five minutes could save you your entire purchase price. We've seen good people lose good money because they trusted someone they shouldn't have.
Run the check. Every time.
Ready to Buy with Confidence?
Whether you're buying privately or want us to find your next vehicle, we're here to help CQ locals buy smart.
Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about what you're looking for. We'll make sure you don't end up on the wrong end of a finance company's phone call.
Next steps (free help)
- Tell us what you're looking for
- We can buy the car for you (and run checks)
- Need finance first?
- Selling your current car?
- Queensland car broker
- Rockhampton car broker
- Mackay car broker
- Gladstone car broker
Frequently Asked Questions About PPSR Checks
How much does a PPSR check cost in 2025?
A PPSR check costs approximately $2 per search when done through the official government website at ppsr.gov.au. This is the only legitimate source—avoid private websites that charge $15-$30 for the same information. Some paid services bundle PPSR with other checks (service history, insurance claims), but the core PPSR data is the same $2 government check.
What happens if I buy a car with money owing?
If you buy a car with finance still owing, the original lender retains legal rights to repossess the vehicle—regardless of whether you paid cash to the seller. The seller's debt doesn't transfer to you, but the security over the vehicle does. The lender can take YOUR car to recover THEIR money. This is why a $2 PPSR check before every private purchase is non-negotiable.
What's the difference between statutory and repairable write-off?
Statutory write-off means the vehicle was so badly damaged it can NEVER be re-registered for road use in Australia—only sold for parts. Repairable write-off means the vehicle can potentially be re-registered after repairs and passing an inspection, but it will permanently carry the write-off notation. Repairable write-offs typically sell 20-30% below market value due to this history and potential insurance complications.
How often should I run a PPSR check?
Run a check three times: 1) Before traveling to inspect (saves wasted trips if issues exist), 2) Before paying any deposit (things can change quickly), 3) Immediately before final payment (to catch any last-minute finance changes). PPSR results are current at the moment of search—a lot can change in a week, so always run a fresh check at settlement.
Can a seller remove a PPSR registration before I check?
A seller can only remove a PPSR registration by paying out the underlying finance. If finance is owing, the lender has registered their security interest and the seller cannot simply delete it. If a seller claims to have "fixed" a PPSR issue, run a new check to verify—don't take their word. If finance is being paid out at sale, consider paying the lender directly and the balance to the seller.
