Quick Summary
You can check for outstanding finance on a car in New Zealand by using the Personal Property Security Register (PPSR) operated by MBIE. A small fee applies for this service.
Details
Checking for Outstanding Finance on a Vehicle in NZ
To determine if a car has any outstanding finance or debt secured against it in New Zealand, you should use the Personal Property Security Register (PPSR).
- How to Access the PPSR: Visit the official PPSR website, which is operated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE): https://ppsr.companiesoffice.govt.nz/
- Cost: There is a nominal fee to conduct a search.
- Information Needed: You will require the vehicle's registration (rego) number and its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to perform an accurate search.
Conducting a PPSR check is a crucial step before purchasing a used vehicle to ensure you are not inheriting any hidden debts.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/comments/18qysl4/checking_for_car_ownership_history_and_money_owing