The Complete Guide to Buying a Used Car in Australia: Why You Need Both PPSR and GlovBox Checks

The official government tool that reveals finance owing, stolen status, or write-off history. But fewer realise that a PPSR certificate only covers the legal and financial side of the story. It won’t tell you whether the car has been properly serviced, maintained, or is at risk of a costly breakdown.

That’s why smart buyers pair a PPSR check with a GlovBox report. Together, they provide total protection: financial, legal, and mechanical.

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a national government database that records financial interests over personal property — including vehicles.

A PPSR certificate reveals:

• Finance owing: Any outstanding loan that could lead to repossession.
• Stolen status: Whether the car has been reported stolen.
• Written-off history: If the vehicle was written off after an accident.
• Water damage: Major flood or damage history.
• Registration/legal disputes: Court orders, fines, or unresolved claims.

👉 In the March quarter of 2025, there were over 3.1 million PPSR searches, with more than half for vehicles. Clearly, Australians rely on PPSR as a first line of defence.

While PPSR is essential, it doesn’t answer the bigger question: Is this car safe and well-maintained?

This is where GlovBox fills the gap.

• Proof of Service Reports: Verified by real workshops, showing dates, odometer readings, and work performed.
• Risk Assessment Reports: Independent safety checks that highlight mechanical red flags (tyres, brakes, fluids, lights).
• Sanitised, Secure Data: Owner details are removed, but workshop credibility is kept.
• Digital & Shareable: Reports you can show to dealers, buyers, or finance providers.

👉 Think of it this way:

• PPSR = Is the car legally and financially clear?
• GlovBox = Is the car mechanically safe and properly maintained?

1. Financial Protection

PPSR shows if finance is owing. GlovBox shows if expensive maintenance has been skipped. Together, you avoid both repossession and repair bills.

2. Defence Against Fraud

PPSR flags stolen or encumbered cars. GlovBox verifies that service records are real and not forged.

3. Safety First

A clean PPSR doesn’t mean safe brakes or tyres. GlovBox risk checks highlight safety-critical issues before you buy.

4. Confidence in Value

PPSR + GlovBox together give you leverage when negotiating — you know the car’s legal standing and its true condition.

5. Peace of Mind

With both checks, you drive away confident: no hidden debts, no hidden defects.

Step 1 – PPSR Check (Legal & Finance)

• Find the VIN or rego number.
• Visit ppsr.gov.au.
• Pay ~$2 fee.
• Download your PPSR certificate instantly.

Step 2 – GlovBox Report (Service & Safety)

• Enter the vehicle details on GlovBox.com.au.
• Choose either a Proof of Service Report (seller) or Risk Assessment Report (buyer).
• Get a digital, verified report within minutes.

✅ Always run a PPSR check — it’s your last defence against legal or financial traps.
✅ Never rely on PPSR alone — add a GlovBox report to confirm service and safety.
✅ If either report reveals issues, walk away or insist they’re fixed before purchase.

A PPSR check will confirm if the car is legally safe to buy.
A GlovBox report will confirm if the car is mechanically safe to drive.

Together, they provide the complete picture every buyer deserves.

👉 Don’t stop at PPSR. Protect yourself fully with GlovBox today.

1. Is PPSR enough when buying a used car?
No. PPSR only covers finance and legal risks. It won’t show you service history, skipped maintenance, or mechanical red flags. That’s why GlovBox exists.

2. What is a GlovBox Proof of Service report?
A verified, sanitised record of the vehicle’s servicing, uploaded by workshops and free from personal data. It proves the car was maintained properly.

3. What is a GlovBox Risk Assessment report?
An independent check that highlights potential safety issues like tyres, brakes, and fluids — the kind of risks PPSR can’t see.

4. How much do the checks cost?

• PPSR: ~$2 per check.
• GlovBox: Proof of Service $49–69 depending on the report type.

5. Do I really need both?
Yes. PPSR covers your wallet. GlovBox covers your safety. Together, they make sure your next car is a smart, safe buy.