Buying a Car on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree: Safety Tips and PPSR Checks

Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree have become two of the most popular places to buy a used car privately in Australia. They also attract their share of scams, so a bit of caution goes a long way.

Common Scams on Marketplace and Gumtree

• Listings priced well below market value to attract quick, uncritical buyers.
• Sellers who claim to be overseas or interstate and ask for payment before you see the car.
• Stock photos used instead of real images of the actual vehicle.
• Pressure to pay a deposit quickly due to “other interested buyers”.

Safety Tips for Meeting Sellers

• Meet at the seller’s registered address rather than a car park or public location where possible.
• Bring a friend or family member along to the viewing.
• Never transfer money before physically inspecting the car and viewing original paperwork.

Why You Should Always Run a PPSR Check First

Private marketplace listings carry no dealer accountability, which makes a PPSR check even more important. It takes only a minute and can reveal registered finance, write-off history, or other red flags before you arrange to meet the seller at all.

Red Flags in Online Car Listings

• Vague or copy-pasted descriptions with few specific details about the car.
• A seller profile created very recently with little other activity.
• Refusal to provide the VIN or registration number before a deposit is paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy a car from Facebook Marketplace?

It can be, provided you meet in person, inspect the car and paperwork thoroughly, and run a PPSR check before paying anything.

Should I pay a deposit to hold a Marketplace listing?

Be cautious with deposits to sellers you haven’t met, especially if they are pressuring you to act quickly.

Can I run a PPSR check before I even contact the seller?

Yes, as long as the listing includes the VIN or registration number, you can run a check before messaging the seller at all.

Conclusion

Marketplace and Gumtree can be great places to find a bargain, but always meet in person, inspect thoroughly, and run a PPSR check before committing any money.