how to find out if a car is on finance

Want to know if a car’s still cosying up to a bank? In Australia, the grown‑up move is a PPSR check.

• Grab the VIN (or rego), head to the official PPSR site, and buy a search—it's only a few dollars.
• The certificate will show any security interests; if it’s encumbered, make the seller clear it and prove it in writing.
• Keep the PPSR certificate dated the day you pay—it's your legal parachute if things go pear‑shaped.

Dealers must sell cars free of finance, but with private sales it’s on you—trust, then verify.