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Car inspection glossary: terms in your report explained

Plain-English definitions of the terms you'll see in a pre-purchase inspection report and when buying used.

By Green Bean Auto · Reviewed by Luke, licensed mechanic (MVRL60337)·Updated ·2 min read
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This glossary explains common terms in pre-purchase inspection reports and used car paperwork, including PPSR, VIN, OBD fault codes, CV joints, bushes, DPF and pink slip, so you can understand your report and ask the right questions before buying.

Inspection reports and car ads use a lot of shorthand. This glossary explains the common terms.

Paperwork terms

✓VIN: the vehicle identification number, a unique 17-character code on the car and its papers.
✓PPSR: the Personal Property Securities Register, which shows money owing and stolen or written-off records.
✓REVS check: the old name for a PPSR search.
✓Pink slip: the NSW eSafety check needed for some registration renewals.
✓Statutory write-off: a vehicle that can never be re-registered after severe damage.

Mechanical terms

✓OBD fault code: a code stored by the car's computer when a system detects a fault.
✓CV joint: a flexible joint in the drive shaft; a clicking noise when turning can signal wear.
✓Bushes: rubber mounts in the suspension; worn bushes cause knocks and vague steering.
✓DPF: diesel particulate filter; it can block if a diesel isn't driven far enough to clean it.
✓Rotors: the brake discs; scoring or warping causes pulsing under braking.
✓CVT: a continuously variable transmission, common in many modern small cars and SUVs.
See what an inspection checks →
SOURCES & FURTHER READINGPersonal Property Securities Register (PPSR) ↗
General information only. For advice on a specific vehicle, book an inspection with a licensed mechanic.

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