Safe swap checklist
WYG is a listing board. We don't check cars or people, so a few minutes of checking protects you. Work through this before you swap.
- 1
Check for finance owing
A car can have a loan secured against it even if the seller says it's clear. In Australia, search the car's VIN on the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register). It costs a few dollars and tells you about finance, whether it's been written off, and whether it's reported stolen. Do it before you hand anything over.
- 2
Check the registration
Look up the car's registration with your state's transport authority. Make sure it's current, in the seller's name, and matches the VIN on the car.
- 3
Match the VIN to the paperwork
The VIN stamped on the car (windscreen and compliance plate) should match the registration papers and the PPSR result exactly. If anything is different, walk away.
- 4
Inspect it properly
See the car in person, in daylight, and drive it. Better still, book an independent pre-purchase inspection. Cars that look great in photos can hide accident damage and mechanical problems.
- 5
Agree the cash difference in writing
If one side is adding cash, agree the exact amount and how it'll be paid before you meet. Avoid paying by gift cards, crypto or anything you can't trace. Bank transfers that the bank has confirmed are safest.
- 6
Do the transfer properly
Both of you complete the ownership transfer with your state authority. Keep copies of the signed paperwork and each other's ID details.
- 7
Meet somewhere safe
Meet in a busy, well-lit public place, tell a friend where you're going, and bring someone with you. Be wary of anyone rushing you.
Sellers can add their car's VIN and choose to share it on the car's page, which makes the PPSR check easy. If a car doesn't show a VIN, ask for it in chat. A seller who won't share it is a red flag. Back to ads