What to Check Before Buying a Used Car

1. The paperwork

• Money owing. Run a PPSR check so you don't buy a car someone else's lender can take back.
• WOF and rego. Check both are current and note when they expire. A fresh WOF is a good sign, but it isn't a full inspection. WOF rules change on 1 November 2026; see WOF vs COF.
• The CIN card. If you're buying from a dealer, read the Consumer Information Notice. It tells you the year, odometer reading, import history and whether money is owing.
• Service history. Look for regular servicing and check the km on the receipts go up in order.

2. Look the car over

• Walk around it in daylight. Look for uneven gaps between panels or paint that doesn't quite match. Both can mean past repairs.
• Check underneath and around the wheel arches for rust.
• Check the tyres. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
• Inside, make sure everything works: windows, air con, lights, the screen and the reversing camera.

3. The test drive

Start the car from cold if you can. Drive it on both town streets and the open road. Listen for knocks and whines, feel for vibration through the steering, and make sure it brakes in a straight line and changes gear smoothly.

4. Get a second opinion

If you're not confident around cars, an independent pre-purchase inspection costs a little but can save you a lot. A good seller won't mind. At AMAR Motors we list every flaw we find in a "What we found" section on each car, so you know what you're looking at before you visit.