The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.
The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:
In this article: Everything you need to know about the risks of relying solely on a basic PPSR search when buying a used car and why a comprehensive history check is essential.
Key highlights:
When you are starting your journey to buy a used car, you might think a basic PPSR search is enough to clear a vehicle for purchase. After all, it covers the essentials: whether the car is stolen, written off, or has finance owing. But is a $2 search sufficient when you are about to drop thousands of dollars on a used vehicle?
For many Australians who have shortlisted a few cars and are ready to commit, a basic check can leave dangerous gaps. This is why a comprehensive CarHistory report - powered by the largest credit bureau in Australia - is the ultimate tool for peace of mind.
While a government PPSR car check provides the minimum information, a CarHistory report supplements that data with critical on-the-ground facts:
^CarHistory relies on data received from third parties. We recommend you review the vehicle's log book and service history to determine the accuracy of the vehicle's odometer reading.
To understand the risks, let's look at three scenarios where a basic VIN check would have failed to protect the buyer.
Note: The following scenarios feature fictional characters created to illustrate common risks in the used car market.
John is 19 and thinks he knows his way around a garage. He’s found a Holden Commodore GTS ute that looks "hotted up" and carries a premium price tag - about $20,000 more than a base model.
Margaret is a busy mum looking for a reliable Toyota Corolla for the family. She finds one with only 20,000 km on the clock - perfect for long-term use.
Jill is 18 and just wants a car that matches her style - a pink Nissan Micra. She finds one for $30,000 and is ready to buy because it’s the exact colour she wants.
| Buyer Scenario | The Risk (Basic PPSR) | The Solution (CarHistory Report) |
|---|---|---|
| John: Buying a "performance" model | Fake variants: A basic check won't tell you if a GTS badge is fake, potentially costing you $20,000. | Verification: Identifies the variant and series to ensure the car is genuine. |
| Margaret: Buying for reliability | Odometer fraud: Standard basic checks don't track mileage, potentially hiding 100,000s of km of engine wear. | Odometer History^: Compares service records to spot "clocking" to help prevent the risks of hidden mileage. |
| Jill: First-time car buyer | Price inflation: A PPSR Certificate doesn't provide value guides, leading to buyers potentially overpaying by thousands. | Market Valuation: Provides a fair price range to ensure you don't overpay for "style." |
^CarHistory relies on odometer data received from third parties. We recommend you review the vehicle's log book and service history to determine the accuracy of the vehicle's odometer reading.
Yes. When you check VIN number details through a comprehensive provider, you are helping to protect against fraud and mechanical failure. Whether it's verifying the odometer to prevent the risks of hidden mileage or getting a valuation to negotiate a fair price, the extra information is vital for any Australian used car buyer.
Before you commit to your next vehicle, don't just rely on a $2 PPSR search. Ensure you have the full story with a comprehensive car history check.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstance before acting on it, and where appropriate, seek professional advice.