Home/Knowledge hub/Guides
GUIDE Buying used

The used car buying checklist

Everything to do before you hand over the money, from the first phone call with the seller to transferring the rego.

By Green Bean Auto · Reviewed by Luke, licensed mechanic (MVRL60337)·Updated ·2 min read
QUICK ANSWER

To buy a used car safely: research the model and its common faults, run a PPSR check on the VIN, inspect and test drive the car in daylight, get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a licensed mechanic, then pay with a traceable method and transfer the registration. In NSW the buyer must transfer the rego within 14 days.

Buying a used car is one of the biggest purchases most people make, and most bad buys come from skipping a step under pressure. Work through this checklist in order and you'll know exactly what you're buying.

The checklist at a glance

  1. Research the make, model and fair market price.
  2. Get the VIN and rego, then run a PPSR check.
  3. Inspect the car in daylight and hear a cold start.
  4. Test drive on mixed roads for at least 20 minutes.
  5. Book an independent pre-purchase inspection.
  6. Negotiate using the inspection report.
  7. Pay with a traceable method and get a written receipt.
  8. Transfer the registration within 14 days (NSW).

Before you see the car

✓Research the make and model: common faults, typical running costs and what similar cars are selling for.
✓Ask the seller for the VIN, rego number, kilometres, service history and why they're selling.
✓Run a PPSR check on the VIN to confirm there's no money owing and that the car isn't recorded as stolen or written off.
✓Ask whether the car has any warning lights on, recent repairs or known issues. Note the answers.

When you see the car

✓Inspect it in daylight and in dry weather. Rain and dim light hide paint and panel damage.
✓Ask the seller not to start the car before you arrive, so you can hear a cold start.
✓Check the rego papers and service books match the car's VIN and the seller's ID.
✓Look for uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint and overspray on rubbers, which can point to accident repairs.
✓Check all four tyres for even wear, and confirm they're the same brand and size.

Test drive

Drive on a mix of roads, including a stretch at highway speed if you can. Listen for knocks and whines, check the brakes pull up straight and the steering doesn't wander, and make sure gear changes are smooth. Our test drive guide covers this in detail.

Get an independent inspection

Even if everything seems fine, an independent pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic picks up what most buyers can't: early signs of leaks, worn suspension components, stored fault codes and evidence of past repairs. The report also gives you something concrete to negotiate with.

Book a mobile pre-purchase inspection →

Paperwork and payment

✓Get a written receipt with the date, price, VIN, and both buyer and seller details.
✓Avoid paying large sums in cash, and never pay a deposit before you've seen the car.
✓In NSW, the buyer must transfer the registration within 14 days of purchase.
If anything doesn't add up, such as a seller who won't let you inspect the car or a price well below market, walk away. There's always another car.
SOURCES & FURTHER READINGPersonal Property Securities Register (PPSR) ↗Service NSW ↗
General information only. For advice on a specific vehicle, book an inspection with a licensed mechanic.

Keep reading

Knowledge hub →
GUIDE How to test drive a used car A 20-minute drive tells you a lot, if you know what to listen and feel for. This guide covers what to check before, during and after the drive. GUIDE Buying a used car from interstate or out of town A step-by-step guide to buying a car you can't easily see in person, without getting caught out. ARTICLE Buying a used car from a dealer in NSW: inspections and your rights You can have a dealer's used car independently inspected before you buy. This guide covers how it works and the protections that apply.