The $2 Check That Stops You Losing THOUSANDS on a Used 4WD

My honest car buyer's guides & cheat sheets are all here 👉 https://aussiemechanicgreg.com What I cover in this one: The $2 PPSR check that stops a finance company legally repossessing a car you already paid for (and how it flags write-offs and stolen vehicles) Statutory vs repairable write-offs — and why a private seller doesn't have to tell you Chassis rust: the deal-killer on any beach/mud/snow 4WD, and exactly where to look Milky oil = water intrusion — the 10-second dipstick check that saves an engine Timing belt vs chain — including the "wet belt" trap in the current Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo How to test the 4WD system (4H, 4L, lockers, hubs) actually works — BEFORE you buy The big-ticket costs this checklist dodges: DPF $1,200–3,000+, auto rebuild $1,800–3,500, clutch + dual-mass flywheel ~$2k Dealer vs private protections — and the $200–450 pre-purchase inspection that's the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy Fact-checked, Australian, based on the PPSR (ppsr.gov.au), state consumer-protection rules and real workshop experience. General buying commentary and my honest opinion — warranty rules, timing intervals and repair costs vary by state, engine and vehicle; always run a PPSR check and get an independent pre-purchase inspection on the exact vehicle you're considering. DISCLAIMER: This video is general car-buying commentary and my honest opinion, based on publicly available information including the PPSR (ppsr.gov.au) and state consumer-affairs guidance, plus real trade experience. Statutory warranty and cooling-off rules, timing-service intervals, and repair costs vary by state, engine, model year and individual vehicle — the figures quoted are indicative ranges, not quotes. Nothing here is advice on any specific vehicle. Always run a PPSR check, confirm the service history, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection before you buy.