CruizyBefore you buy: used car checklist
Tick these off before you hand over any money. Works for private and dealer sales.
1. Check for money owing (PPSR)
If the seller still owes money on the car and the loan is registered, the lender can take the car back even after you’ve paid. Search the plate or VIN on the official PPSR website on the day you buy; it costs a few dollars.
A clear result only covers loans that were registered. Private loans between people aren’t on it.
2. Check it isn't reported stolen
Search the plate on the NZ Police stolen vehicles list. Compare the plate, VIN and engine number on the car with the rego papers.
Unreported or recent thefts may not show.
3. Get a pre-purchase inspection
An independent inspection (AA, VTNZ, VINZ or a mechanic you trust) can find problems a test drive won’t. Book it before you agree a price, and read the report before you pay.
4. If you're borrowing: the finance checklist
Before the lender pays out (4 to do)
- To do
Signed agreement
Lenders want the agreed price and the car's details in writing before they approve a loan.
- To do
Have your ID ready
The lender must check who you are. Have your driver licence or passport ready.
- To do
Check for money owing (PPSR)
Search the car on the official PPSR website for a small fee, or ask the lender to. Money owing stays with the car, not the seller.
- To do
Comprehensive insurance
Most lenders won't pay out until the car has comprehensive cover from the day you take it, with your lender noted as an interested party.
- Optional
Pre-purchase inspection (optional)
Private sales have fewer legal protections, so an independent inspection matters more. Arrange one with the seller before you sign.
Cruizy never holds your money. How car finance works
- Signed agreement: Lenders want the agreed price and the car's details in writing before they approve a loan.
- Have your ID ready: The lender must check who you are. Have your driver licence or passport ready.
- Check for money owing (PPSR): Search the car on the official PPSR website for a small fee, or ask the lender to. Money owing stays with the car, not the seller.
- Comprehensive insurance: Most lenders won't pay out until the car has comprehensive cover from the day you take it, with your lender noted as an interested party.
- Pre-purchase inspection (optional): Private sales have fewer legal protections, so an independent inspection matters more. Arrange one with the seller before you sign.
- To do
5. Pay safely
Pay by bank transfer once you have the keys and the car. Never hand over the car, or pay, on the strength of a screenshot. What Cruizy checks
6. Change of ownership with NZTA (both of you)
Seller: tell NZTA the car is sold straight away (online, or at AA, VTNZ, VINZ or NZ Post). Until then, tolls and fines stay with you.
Buyer: confirm you’re the new owner within 7 days, online or at an agent. Check the WoF and rego are current, or budget for them.
Want a nudge before the WoF or rego runs out? Set up free reminders.