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:
| Report feature | CarHistory report* | Basic report (PPSR govt) |
|---|---|---|
| Stolen & written-off status |  |
|
| Finance owing | |
|
| Odometer history & fraud check | |
 |
| Exact model variant & series | |
|
| Market value & price guide | |
|
| ANCAP safety and emission ratings | |
|
*Our comprehensive CarHistory report includes a PPSR certificate
Report features are accurate as of June 2026
A basic used car report usually only gives you a rough model name. A CarHistory report reveals the exact variant, series, and engine specs which could help you avoid getting tricked by aftermarket badges and overpaying for the vehicle you’re looking to purchase. See how John avoided a $20,000 mistake.
See what's includedA comprehensive CarHistory Report could be the difference between buying a reliable car and buying a lemon
2018 Sedan
Finance Owing
Odometer rolledback
Written Off
2018 Sedan
No Finance Owing
Odometer checked
In Perfect Condition
A car showing 50,000km might have actually done 150,000km. We cross-reference service data to help you spot odometer rollbacks before you buy.
Is the asking price fair? Our reports include independent market valuations so you can negotiate with confidence and avoid overpaying.
Beyond the mechanicals, is the car safe for your family? We include official ANCAP safety and green ratings to give you the full picture of your potential purchase.
“Almost bought a 2005 Mazda3 sedan, advertised with 88,000km. Ran a carhistory check and realised the odometer was wound back from over 200,000km”
These are our top 4 FAQs, see the FAQ page for the full list.
Yes. A comprehensive CarHistory Report tracks historical mileage data, if it is available. This allows you to spot odometer clocking - where a seller rolls back the numbers to make a high-mileage car look more attractive. Without this information, you could face unexpected engine wear and expensive repairs.
A basic PPSR check (formerly known as Revs check) doesn't provide pricing data. CarHistory reports include a market valuation guide that shows you the estimated value for both dealer and private sales. This data is essential for negotiating a fair price and can help you spot red flags, such as a price that is suspiciously low or isn't backed up by the car's actual specs.
Many cars look identical on the outside but have vastly different values based on their engine type, transmission, or trim series. A basic PPSR search often provides only a broad approximation of the model. A CarHistory Report provides a precise VIN check that identifies the variant and series so you don't overpay for a car that isn't what it claims to be.
The Value of a Comprehensive Car History Check
Read article
Along with car history details, we also cover you with Vehicle Buyback
Insurance for 3 months
from the date of your report purchase, for added peace of mind (terms and conditions apply).
So that buying a car becomes a simple, exciting and rewarding experience for you.
Has the car been reported written off or stolen?
What is the vehicle’s sales history?
What is its rego status?
Is the odometer reading consistent?
*CarHistory Data 2016. National analysis of 166,313 car
reports ordered by consumers in all Australian states and
territories.
^CarHistory Consumer Research 2017. Galaxy.
July 2017. n=1,001 Australian ages 18-49 years.
The CarHistory Report is a comprehensive report on the reported history of a used motor vehicle that has been registered in Australia. The CarHistory Report is designed to alert you to potentially significant information about a vehicle.
A CarHistory Report includes a PPSR Certificate and depending on the information returned, the report can provide you with:
The CarHistory Report is a comprehensive report on the reported history of a used motor vehicle that has been registered in any state or territory of Australia.The CarHistory report is designed to alert you to potentially significant information about a vehicle, and helps you to decide which vehicle to purchase.
