AUCN research notes
Understand the evidence.
Make a more informed decision.
What vehicle check records and asking-price observations can tell you—and the questions they leave open. Each guide connects the findings to a practical buying or selling decision.
Read the scope first. AUCN check records reflect vehicles selected for checking. They are not a random sample of Australia’s vehicle fleet, and a record-level percentage is not the probability that a particular car is unsafe.
Read the data methods →The current research uses the dataset available through 28 September 2026. Dates and coverage are stated in each article.
01
Vehicle records
Use the findings to ask better questions about a specific vehicle.
History & Risk
Understanding Risk Flags in AUCN Vehicle Checks
Understand finance, written-off and stolen-record flags in AUCN's historical checks, with a practical evidence checklist for buying and selling.
6 min readHistory & Risk
Finance Flags by Vehicle Type and How to Settle Safely
See historical finance-flag patterns by vehicle type, understand a registered interest and prepare the evidence needed for a financed private sale.
5 min readHistory & Risk
Stolen-Record Flags: What Motorcycle Buyers Should Check
Understand motorcycle stolen-record flags, verify VIN and seller details, and recognise the limits of a history search before paying.
5 min readHistory & Risk
Written-Off Records by State: An Interstate Buying Guide
Read historical written-off flag rates by registration state, then check classification, registration eligibility, repairs and insurance before buying.
5 min readHistory & Risk
Odometer Anomalies: How to Verify the Reading
Build a mileage timeline from service invoices and available state records, resolve inconsistent readings and understand why a missing result is not clear.
5 min read02
Market comparisons
Put asking prices into context before deciding what a car is worth to you.
03
Methods and transparency
Read the definitions, publication limits and index calculation alongside the findings.
Data & Methodology
AUCN Data Methods and Publication Limits
Understand the observation unit, historical periods, missing data and limits behind AUCN check percentages and asking-price comparisons.
6 min readData & Methodology
Understanding the AUCN Check-Record Index
Read the historical experimental index with its weighting, partial-month cutoff and sample limitations, without treating it as national used-car risk.
5 min readData & Methodology
How AUCN Sources and Corrects Its Guides
Understand how to read AUCN's practical guidance, official sources, research limitations, article dates and visible corrections.
5 min readBring the evidence together
Research helps frame the decision.
The vehicle still needs its own checks.
Match the vehicle’s identity, inspect its condition, compare similar asking prices and investigate anything that does not add up.