What's the most important check before buying a used car?

A PPSR check is the essential one, since it confirms whether there's any money owing on the vehicle. Beyond that, checking the odometer against service records and confirming the car hasn't been written off both matter just as much.

What is a PPSR check?

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a government register that shows whether a vehicle has money owing on it. If it does and you buy the car anyway, the debt can follow the vehicle, meaning it could be repossessed even though you paid for it in full.

How do I know if a car has been in an accident?

A vehicle history report will usually show if a car has been registered as damaged or written off. An independent pre-purchase inspection can also pick up signs of previous repair work that a report alone might miss.

What does an AA Vehicle Appraisal check?

An AA Vehicle Appraisal is an independent inspection covering the mechanical condition, structure and history of a vehicle, carried out by a qualified AA inspector. We can arrange one on any vehicle you're considering, on request. Read more about AA Vehicle Appraisals at 4Guys.

Can I trust the odometer reading on a used car?

Not automatically. Odometer tampering does happen, so it's worth checking the reading against old warrant of fitness records or service history, which usually list the odometer reading at each visit.

Do I need to check a car's history if I'm buying from a dealer?

A reputable dealer will have already checked PPSR, odometer history and written-off status before the car goes on the yard. It's still worth asking to see that this has been done, and confirming what warranty or come-back you have if something was missed.

How to Check a Used Car's History in NZ

A used car can look perfect in photos and still be hiding a problem, whether that's money owing, a hidden accident, or an odometer that doesn't add up. Checking a car's history properly, before you hand over any money, is one of the most important steps in buying used.

Here's what to actually check, and how 4Guys Autobarn takes care of the essentials for every vehicle we sell.

The Short Answer

Checking a used car's history means confirming three things: that there's no money owing on it through a PPSR check, that it hasn't been written off or registered as damaged, and that the odometer reading matches its service history. An independent inspection, like an AA Vehicle Appraisal, adds a mechanical check on top of the paperwork, and we're happy to arrange one on request.

The Checks That Matter Most

1. PPSR Check

Confirms whether there's money owing on the vehicle. This one's essential, and you can run it yourself before buying privately.

2. Written-Off Status

Shows whether the vehicle has previously been registered as damaged or written off.

3. Odometer and Service History

Compares the current odometer reading against past warrant of fitness and service records to check it's genuine.

Every vehicle we sell has already been through all three checks before it goes on our yard.

What an AA Vehicle Appraisal Adds

Independent Inspection

Carried out by a qualified AA inspector, not the seller, so you get an unbiased view of the vehicle's condition.

Mechanical Condition

Covers the engine, transmission, suspension and other major mechanical components, not just the paperwork.

Structural Check

Looks for signs of previous accident damage or repair work that might not show up in a history report alone.

We can arrange an AA Vehicle Appraisal on any vehicle you're considering, on request. Read more about AA Vehicle Appraisals at 4Guys.

Checking History Yourself vs Buying From Us

Checking It Yourself

Run your own PPSR check before you buy
Ask the seller for service records and compare against the odometer
Consider paying for an independent inspection before committing

Buying From 4Guys

PPSR, odometer and written-off checks are already done
An AA Vehicle Appraisal can be arranged on request
Backed by the Consumer Guarantees Act, with somewhere to go if something's wrong

If you're weighing up a private listing against buying from a dealer, our guide to dealer vs private sales covers the full picture.

A Few Things Worth Checking Either Way

Get the VIN or registration checked against the PPSR before paying a deposit
Ask for the full service history, not just a verbal assurance
Compare the current odometer reading against old WOF certificates if you can get hold of them
If anything doesn't add up, or the seller is reluctant to let you check, walk away

Buy With Confidence at 4Guys

Every vehicle on our yard has already been through a PPSR check and an odometer and service history review, and we're happy to arrange an AA Vehicle Appraisal on any vehicle you're considering, on request. Have a look at our current vehicles, or read more about AA Vehicle Appraisals at 4Guys.

Checking a Car's History FAQs

A PPSR check is the essential one, since it confirms whether there's any money owing on the vehicle. Beyond that, checking the odometer against service records and confirming the car hasn't been written off both matter just as much.
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a government register that shows whether a vehicle has money owing on it. If it does and you buy the car anyway, the debt can follow the vehicle, meaning it could be repossessed even though you paid for it in full.
A vehicle history report will usually show if a car has been registered as damaged or written off. An independent pre-purchase inspection can also pick up signs of previous repair work that a report alone might miss.
An AA Vehicle Appraisal is an independent inspection covering the mechanical condition, structure and history of a vehicle, carried out by a qualified AA inspector. We can arrange one on any vehicle you're considering, on request. Read more about AA Vehicle Appraisals at 4Guys.
Not automatically. Odometer tampering does happen, so it's worth checking the reading against old warrant of fitness records or service history, which usually list the odometer reading at each visit.
A reputable dealer will have already checked PPSR, odometer history and written-off status before the car goes on the yard. It's still worth asking to see that this has been done, and confirming what warranty or come-back you have if something was missed.