In NSW the check for debts owing is http://www.revs.nsw.gov.au/
But before you do a REVS check you need to have the car's rego, VIN/Chassis Number as well as the engine number. The REVS cheque is also an indicator of mis-matched engine and chassis. It's free if you do it online but cost 12bux if you want the certificate, provides a little piece of mind but then i've heard stories about people who've done the proper checks and all but still had the vehicle reposessed...

Things to check:
Panel allignment

You've said the paint isn't in the best condition so look for rust.
Look out for corrision, car's parked around salt water can have some sort of corrosion. Saw this on a civic i was looking at, had rough spots all over the engine (rocker cover, throttle body).

When test driving it, more often than not the salesperson will always turn on the radio and/or the aircon. Have them on for a little while just to test if it's all working then turn it all off. Then listen out for any noises that seem out of the ordinary.

Take a look under the car, if possible get the car jacked up and put on some stands or hoisted up and see if the underbody is consistant. ie is the whole underbody consistantly dirty? or are there bits and pieces which stand out and look much newer, because that could mean something happened and it was recently replaced (may be a good thing or a bad thing)

Stop the car, turn the steering wheel to full lock and give it some gas. Repeat again but in the opposite direction. If its smooth then its all good, if you hear a clicking noise then somethings up.

Or as the dealership if they'll allow and NRMA check. Some believe that it's well worth the money to have the NRMA do an inspection on the car and others believe it's a waste of time but at least it may provide you with some assurance on the condition of the car.


That's all i can think of from the top of my head.

GOODLUCK with the purchase!!!