Smart Car Buying Tips for Aussies – Make a Safe Choice!
Buying a car is exciting, especially if it’s your first one! Whether you’re looking for a small hatchback, a family SUV, or even a used ute, it’s important to know what to look out for. Many Aussies buy second-hand cars to save money, but not every car is a good buy. Some can have hidden problems that cost you heaps later.
Here are some easy tips to help you buy a used car safely – and how VinVerify can help you check the car's history before you hand over your money.
1. Know What You Need
Before you even start searching, think about what kind of car suits your needs.
Do you need it for work or family trips?
How many people will ride in it?
Do you need space for tools or sports gear?
Write a list of the things that matter to you most. This will help you avoid buying something that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
2. Set a Budget
Cars can be cheap or very expensive. Think about how much you can spend — not just on the car, but also on things like:
Insurance
Rego
Fuel
Servicing and repairs
Try not to spend all your money on just the car. You’ll need some extra cash for those other costs too.
3. Always Do a Vehicle History Check
This is a BIG one. Before you buy any used car, make sure you do a REVS Check or a PPSR Check using the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Why is this important?
A REVS Check tells you if the car:
Still has money owing on it (which means it can be repossessed)
Has been written off in an accident
Is reported as stolen
You can get this info fast and easy with VinVerify. Just enter the car’s 17-digit VIN and get a full PPSR Certificate. It only costs $2 for a basic check — way cheaper than buying a car with hidden problems!
4. Ask for the Car’s Service History
A well-looked-after car will have regular services. Ask the seller to show you the logbook or service records. If the car has no history, it could mean the owner didn’t take good care of it — and you might end up paying for repairs soon after buying it.
5. Inspect the Car (and Take It for a Test Drive)
Before you buy, check the car yourself or ask a mechanic to look at it. Look for:
Oil leaks under the car
Rust or body damage
Strange engine noises
Bald or uneven tyres
Take the car for a short drive to see how it feels. Test the brakes, steering, and if everything like windows and air con works well.
6. Check the Odometer for Signs of Tampering
Some dodgy sellers might wind back the odometer to make it look like the car hasn’t done many kilometres. That’s illegal!
The easiest way to spot this is by doing a VIN check on VinVerify. You’ll get info on past records and odometer readings. If the number seems fishy, don’t buy the car.
7. Get Everything in Writing
If you decide to buy, always get a receipt with the seller’s full name, address, the price, and the car’s details (like VIN, rego, and kilometres). If anything goes wrong later, you’ll have proof of the sale.
Also, make sure you transfer the rego into your name straight away. That way, you don’t get stuck with fines or legal stuff from the previous owner.
8. Use Trusted Sites and Services
When looking for used cars online, stick to trusted websites and don’t rush into deals that seem “too good to be true.” Scammers are out there, especially in online ads.
And always do your own REVS Check through a trusted platform like VinVerify, not just what the seller shows you. They might show you a fake report — but VinVerify gives you a real-time report from the Australian Government’s PPSR database.
Final Thoughts
Buying a car is a big deal, and you want to make sure you’re getting the right one. By taking your time, doing your homework, and using tools like VinVerify, you’ll save money and avoid nasty surprises.
Remember: spend $2 now for a VIN check — it could save you thousands later!
Let us know your car buying experience in the comments below, or share this blog with a mate who’s on the lookout for their next ride! 🛻💬